Penetrating fluid secrets

[BrokeFarmerJohn]

Hey guys,

Looking for the best penetrating fluid, I use and buy PB Blaster by the case it seems but some say it’s not the best.

So what’s the best penetrating fluid mixture or brand.

Thanks

 

[Turbys_1700]

ATF and acetone 50/50 mix with spray bottles of your choice. A gallon of acetone runs around $17 and a quart of ATF is around $5. Just make sure to store out of direct sunlight and you will need to keep mixing the bottle once formulated. I went this route after using PB Blaster and Kroil. Just as good and about 20% the cost.

 

[rba901]

Sorry guys, new person here and from down under, what is ATF?

 

[Turbys_1700]

Automatic Transmission Fluid...

 

[mcfarmall]

One word...KROIL.

Both big pharma plants that I've worked rely heavily on the stuff when there is a $1.5MM tank of product waiting to be packaged and our filler is down due to a stuck bolt.

Buy it at NAPA or direct from the manufacturer, Kano Laboratories.

 

[marchanna]

ATF and acetone 50/50 mix with spray bottles of your choice. A gallon of acetone runs around $17 and a quart of ATF is around $5. Just make sure to store out of direct sunlight and you will need to keep mixing the bottle once formulated. I went this route after using PB Blaster and Kroil. Just as good and about 20% the cost.

+1 on the 50/50 acetone and ATF. In the comparison study I saw, it came out on top. It was done by Machinist痴 Workshop Magazine April 2007.

I also use Liquid Wrench. It works okay.

 

[blackdog2086]

I agree on the Kroil. A friend of mine is an aircraft mechanic for a major airline and told me about it awhile back. He swears by it and after using it for the last 10 years or so, I have to agree with him.

 

[LD1]

Acetone and atm (or really any light oil that will disolve and be carried by the acetone) is the best hands down.

BUT......its not without drawbacks.

Acetone will attack many rubbers and plastics as well as paint. So if you are working on an old rusty piece of farm equipment......acetone/ATF is the go-to.

If you are working on something in an engine bay (with lots of paint, rubber, and plastic)......kroil is the next best thing to the mixture above

 

[ch1ch2]

Acetone and atm (or really any light oil that will disolve and be carried by the acetone) is the best hands down.

BUT......its not without drawbacks.

Acetone will attack many rubbers and plastics as well as paint. So if you are working on an old rusty piece of farm equipment......acetone/ATF is the go-to.

If you are working on something in an engine bay (with lots of paint, rubber, and plastic)......kroil is the next best thing to the mixture above

I agree.
Best answer I know of.

When you ask what is best, well it depends.

 

[tomplum]

There are a few industrial versions and everyone has their favorite. I'm with the Kroil crowd and use Aerokroil. It gets in there and works. It is a good company too. They have an introductory deal , probably several that you could search for. I grabbed this from garage journal user gdocktor3 .Click the box at top for google deal. 2 cans for $14, plus $5 shipping. It's worth the $20. They also have a bogo deal where you can try any two cans for price of one. Google-Deal Order Page
Trial Order Form - Silikroil

 

[bigdeano]

I can't get acetone and ATF to mix. They just sit there separate like oil and water. I don't know how you guys are making this work.

 

[marchanna]

I can't get acetone and ATF to mix. They just sit there separate like oil and water. I don't know how you guys are making this work.

I think that's generally the case with synthetics, which most cars seem to use now. Try the old school stuff like Dexron II and Mercon.

 

[fxdb96]

CRC Freeze Off - great stuff

 

[Travelover]

Another secret is to use anti seize compound when you put it back together. The stuff is great for things like aluminum wheels that stick on hubs.

 

[RalphVa]

The best penetrating fluid in a test that someone did (that included WD-40 and PB Blaster) was a mix of ATF and acetone. BY FAR, the lowest torque required to remove a bolt/nut. The ATF/acetone mix wasn't specified. Doubt it makes much difference: a little acetone in ATF; I think.

Ralph

 

[coobie]

Sea foam deep creep & strong arm brand.

 

[brown40]

I haven't found anything magical except for transitioning the parts from hot to cold.

I used to wait on oil, but always ended up using heat, so now I reach for heat (if I can) before I even try it cold.

If one has good cold source or an opportunity to chill the part before heating the surrounding area the heat/expansion differential is greater and creates a little more gap for penetration.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Fluid Film.

 

[fried1765]

I can't get acetone and ATF to mix. They just sit there separate like oil and water. I don't know how you guys are making this work.

Try lacquer thinner instead of acetone.
Lacquer thinner will mix with ATF.

 

[Ford850]

I've read that original ATF 'test' repeated over and over for years. If you do some digging, you'll find articles disproving that test and disputing it's value. I've used most brands, and found Liquid Wrench works best for me. If you want to believe that old test, Liquid Wrench was rated nearly the same as Kroil. No matter what I use, I soak it, tap it hard several times with a hammer, and let it sit for days if needed. If I try it after an hour or a day with no luck, I re-soak it and tap it some more to help break up the tension.