What do you do with unused/partial cans of oil?

[Teikas Dad]

Cleaning out the garage the other day and I noticed that I've got probably 6 to 10 open cans of oil. Different brands and different weights - some 5w30, some 10w30, some straight 30, some synthetic, some diesel synthetic.

Nothing that I own burns oil so I haven't been using it to top off any motors. The cheap Yankee in me doesn't want to throw out unused oil, but they're all partial - like 1/2 quart cans.

Any suggestions? I'm sure mixing them together to make up a gallon or so of oil is not a good idea!

 

[Dftodd]

Using it for bar and chain oil for the chain saw comes to mind. At least for the 30 weight on up

 

[4570Man]

We save them and use them ( the correct kind of course) for the next oil change.

 

[JimRB]

I changed the hydraulic oil in my JD a month ago. The 5-gallon oil change was finished with a partial bucket I bought 25 years and then topped up some more with another partial gallon jug from 17 years ago. I was happy to get rid of two 5 gallon buckets. Maybe the chart that said 5.5 gallons did not include the oil for the optional power steering circuit.

Doing oil changes, the leftover oil goes in first. The truck takes 3 gallons I think so not much of leftovers. The tractor takes the same oil so the oil goes away somehow. The car takes 5 quarts of a different brand. I buy in gallons so the oil gets used up over a year of 3.5 oil changes.

The lawn mowers and edger are due for oil changes but no appropriate oil. Time to buy a few quarts.

I do have some 30w non-detergent. The 60-year-old rototiller is kind of smokey so I guess it can use that oil.

I did discover a few quart containers of gear lube. A few partial containers of gear lube. The truck is due for a rear axle oil change if the spare oil I have is correct.

Translated I have partial containers that may take decades to be used but they will be used.

 

[pohorsky]

I use it in my oil bath filter.

 

[CalG]

Just where does one purchase "cans" of oil these days?

Oil in my area comes in plastic.

If there is a lid on the bottle, just use the oil whenever you need to. It doesn't go bad on the shelf.

Just remember to use the open can first. You know, "rotate stock".

Plus, mixing oil is not a bad thing in spite of what the scare guys say. Just don't put diff. fluid (sulphur) into anything with a clutch ;-)

 

[pmsmechanic]

My unknown oils go into a container marked for the oil can.

 

[Dingeryote]

Partials get dumped into the GP oil jug.

From there, it's used in the GP oil cans on whatever is needing lube. Hinges, impliment Pins, sway limiter threads, upper links, Roller chain, etc.
Used Hydro works great for all that too.

 

[KevT]

I have heard that you can use it to burn out stumps.

 

[Looking4new]

I put it into the bucket I keep my towing chains in. I also have a bucket for my tire chains and that gets oil as well.