Rusted Bolts and Fasteners

[EMS]

Some of you may know this already:

“Machinist’s Workshop” recently published information on various penetrating oils. The magazine reports they tested these products for “break out “torque” on rusted nuts and bolts. A subjective test was made of popular penetrating oils, with the unit of merit being the torque required to remove the nut from a “scientifically rusted” bolt. Average torque load to loosen nut:





No Oil used ……………………516 foot pounds
WD-40 ………………… …… 238 foot pounds
PB Blaster …………………… 214 foot pounds
Liquid Wrench …………… 127 foot pounds
Kano Kroil …………………… 106 foot pounds
ATF/Acetone mix……………53 foot pounds



The ATF/Acetone mix is a “home brew” mix of 50/50 automatic transmission fluid and acetone. Note this “home brew” released bolts 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 almost as good as Kroil for 20% of the price. ATF/Acetone mix is best, but you can also use ATF and lacquer thinner in a50/50 mix. ATF = Any type of Automatic Transmission Fluid.

[asacuta]

Good info. Be careful where you apply the ATF mix: Acetone is neither paint nor plastic friendly.

[Larry Zimmer]

Neat, Mike. Thanks! Very interesting the Liquid Wrench vs PB and Kroil. Always have some ATF and acetone around, though.

[RJ CB650]

I am wondering if there is something we can find that is more friendly for the acetone. Reason that works is it is a wicking solvent. So dissolves the ATF, and by nature, tries to spread out through any gap it finds. Evaporating and depositing the readily soluble ATF!

[Larry Zimmer]

As Mike mentioned, could use lacquer thinner as a carrier for the ATF. Might, also, try lighter fluid. Sidebar to that: I carry a can of lighter fluid when on the road. Great for cleaning chain lube, etc off the bike.

[cbxmel]

Hi Guys,

I use ACF-50 produced by Lear Chemical Research Corporation Mississauga,Ontario,Canada. As the ad says 'Protects,Penetrates & Lubricates'. I understand very popular in the aviation fraternity.
I don't have a web address but their telephone freephone is 800-256-25480 if that is of use.

cheers Mel #1876

[Larry Zimmer]

Thanks, Mel. I'll look for it, here, state-side. ('cuse me -- here in the colonies.)

[asacuta]

Some people get carried away with the ACF-50. I normally just use it to protect a few metal parts.

[cbxmel]

Thanks,

As I see a Uk reg plate and good old English accent perhaps he can come round and clean my bikes!? Thought the ear defenders were a bit over the top but understand the mask. Perhaps he is a Health and Safety Manager somewhere!?

Great video though.

cheers Mel #1876

[whatscooking]

What do you guys use to store the mix in when you brew a batch up and then how do you apply it where you want it?

[NobleHops]

What do you guys use to store the mix in when you brew a batch up and then how do you apply it where you want it?

I use that stuff, commonly called "Witch's Brew". I mix up little batches, put it in one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Metal-Oil-Can-Fle ... B00383OREQ

[cbxmel]

Thanks Nils,

Will see if available in the UK.

All the best Mel #1876

[Syscrush]

Very interesting.

Worth noting that some ATFs are harmful to paint as well. Thanks very much for the tip!