1. DneprDave

    DneprDave Well-Known Member
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    I got this off of another list, I thought I should share it here.

    Machinist's Workshop Magazine (March/April or May/June, 2007) actually tested penetrants for break out torque on rusted nuts. Significant results!

    They arranged a subjective test of all the popular penetrants with the control being the torque required to remove the nut from a "scientifically rusted" environment.

    *Penetrating oil .......... Average load*

    None ..................... 516 pounds
    WD-40 .................... 238 pounds
    PB Blaster ............... 214 pounds
    Liquid Wrench .......... 127 pounds
    Kano Kroil .............. 106 pounds
    ATF-Acetone mix.........53 pounds

    The ATF-Acetone mix was a "home brew" mix of 50 - 50 automatic transmission fluid and acetone. Note the "home brew" was better than any commercial product in this one particular test. Our local machinist group mixed up a batch, and we all now use it with equally good results. Note also that "Liquid Wrench" is about as good as "Kroil" for about 20% of the price.
     
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  2. gjxj

    gjxj Member

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    thanks. In case its not obvious the acetone mix is probably more damaging to paint, plastic bits, etc. Maybe you want to reserve that for really tough situations.

    I'm rather surprised pb blaster did so poorly. Was it the original penetrating catalyst stuff? They sell a whole line of different lubes now.
     
  3. BlwnAway

    BlwnAway Well-Known Member

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    Sure.... now you post this....after all my stuff is back together....:lol:

    Thanks for this, it will definitely effect what I use next.
     
  4. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
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    The other problem with the acetone mix is that it separates out over time, and the acetone evaporates.

    I use Kroil.......it works.:Thumbsup:
     
  5. DneprDave

    DneprDave Well-Known Member
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    Just mix the ATF and acetone as needed.

    Something else I've used for years as a rusty nut release, is beeswax. I heat the nut with a torch just hot enough that the beeswax melts and wicks into the joint between the nut and bolt or stud. Candle wax works pretty well also. All the ships I've worked on have beeswax in the shop for just this purpose.
     
  6. Crashton

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    Aero Kroil FTW! Over the years I've used many types & the Kroil is the best so far for this old wrench twister.
     
  7. caseydog

    caseydog Well-Known Member

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    Penetrating oil? Ummmm, KY?

    Sorry, I couldn't resist. I'll go back to my gutter, now. :blush2: :frown2:

    CD
     
  8. Minidave

    Minidave Well-Known Member
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    #8 Minidave, Nov 12, 2016
    Last edited: Nov 12, 2016
    I have used wax as well, particularly on exhaust fasteners, where it doesn't matter if you get them hot with the torch, but then I always wonder if it was the wax or the heat from the torch that did it!

    Nah, you don't have to get it that hot with the wax for it to work.

    CRC makes a product that works really well too, that freezes the parts and lets them release- pretty amazing stuff actually.
     
  9. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    What you are describing is called wiener slip. :devil:
     
  10. 00Mini

    00Mini Well-Known Member

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    I have used kroil and know it works well but had never heard of mixing atf and acetone. PB Blaster kinda surprises me and just recently heard of the wax trick but haven't had the opportunity to use yet.
     
  11. InstrumentOfPeace

    InstrumentOfPeace Active Member

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    Just adding muriatic acid into the mix.

    Just be sure to use it in a well ventilated area (i.e. outside only)


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  12. agranger

    agranger MINI of the Month June 2009
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    I saw someone do a YouTube video like this and the ATF mix did well there as well.
     
  13. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Birthday cake candle wax is awesome to use on the inside of metal valve stem caps that tend to get stuck.
     
  14. cristo

    cristo Well-Known Member

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    Does it keep brass or steel caps from
    welding themselves to aluminum (TPMS
    sensor) stems if you leave them on too
    long between checks?
     
  15. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    Yup
     
  16. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    I was told by the local tire shop that I use & trust to never ever put metal caps on the TPMS valve stems. He said they often weld on due to corrosion. Plastic caps for this guy.

    Almost forgot. Happy Birthday Dave!
     
  17. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    Dave has birthdays?

    o_O:):)
     
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  18. InstrumentOfPeace

    InstrumentOfPeace Active Member

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    I thought we stop counting past 2 digits? :||
     
  19. agranger

    agranger MINI of the Month June 2009
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    Found some for you!

    I'm tempted to order a bunch of these and apply 'em to any uncapped valve stems I come across at my next MINI event. :D


    [​IMG]
     
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  20. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    Oh dear God! Do those come with matching truck nuts? ;)
     
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