Nope. The product that comes in those iconic blue-and-yellow cans is more of a corrosion inhibitor than a true penetrating oil. WD-40 is also a water displacer (hence the WD), keeping moisture away from sensitive metal surfaces, and it easily dissolves grease, grime, sap and residue on a variety of parts.
-WD-40, JB-80 and similar products are penetrating oils. They're lightweight petroleum products designed to wick into the threads of fasteners and provide lubrication. The don't necessarily "cut" rust, but can lubricate light- to moderately rusted nuts and bolts enough to ease their removal.
Introduction: Make Penetrating Oil in a Pinch
A team at Drexel University in Philly conducted side-by-side comparison tests of vegetable oil mixtures, WD-40 and automatic transmission fluid, and found that a mixture of vegetable oil with 10 percent acetone works as well to free rusted bolts as WD-40.
Penetrating oil spray ingredients
As great as those new products are, occasionally you can get by with a home brew—a 50/50 mixture of acetone and automatic transmission fluid. Pour it into a spray bottle and you're good to go.
Spray WD-40 Specialist® Penetrant directly onto nuts and bolts that have rusted together. Let sit for 5 minutes. Repeat this process as needed and loosen with a wrench.
Penetrating Oil Defined
Because penetrants have such low surface tension, they can seep into almost invisible crevices and over time loosen metal connection that appeared to be rusted solid. True penetrating oil is sold under many different brand names, including WD-40, PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench, and AiroKroil.
Ernst Erbe — an El Paso, Texas, reader reminds us that that cola can be a quick substitute for penetrating oil when you've got a rusted nut and bolt. Just soak the parts in the soda overnight, and the next day they'll come right apart, just as if they'd been soaking in the real thing.
In this bottle mix a 50/50 mix of 100% acetone and dextron/mercron automatic transmission fluid. The two fluids will separate like oil and vinegar so you have to shake the bottle well before spraying. I mixed up a batch and let it soak for 15 minutes on the rotor and with a few taps it came right off.
Olive oil may seem safe and effective to use as a sexual lubricant. However, it is not advisable to use olive oil in this way. Olive oil can damage latex condoms, which can cause them to break or tear. It can also weaken the skin's natural barrier function and clog pores, which may lead to breakouts and infections.
Penetrating oils could also serve as chewing gum or adhesive sticker remover. Few examples of the best penetrating oils are WD-40 490026 Multi-Use penetrating oil, Kano Aerokroil, Gasoila Free Rust Eater, and liquid Wrench L134-4PK.
Penetrating oils are used to free stuck nuts, bolts, locks, etc. that usually contain rust and corrosion. Lubricating oils are used to prevent and protect those parts from becoming stuck in the first place, while also quieting squeaks or noise that comes from metal parts rubbing together.
Cooking oil
Whether it's olive, canola, or vegetable oil, its uses can extend past the kitchen as a cheap WD-40 alternative. The greasy texture of cooking oil makes it a great lubricant, and it's a good multipurpose oil, too.
Well, when it comes to making your choice of penetrating lubricant, a good product to use is WD-40 Specialist Penetrant. All you need to do is soak the screw with the WD-40 Specialist Penetrant spray and let it work its magic for about fifteen minutes or so.
Don't use WD-40 on plastic
If you're trying to lubricate a hinge on a pair of sunglasses or remove a price tag from the surface of a plastic container, you might be tempted to reach for the can of WD-40...but you should never use it on a clear plastic surface or on polystyrene or polycarbonate plastic.
Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic are among the few surfaces on which to avoid using a petroleum-based product like WD-40.
The kerosene breaks down the viscosity of the transmission fluid and allows it to penetrate easier. If you want you can use diesel fuel instead of kerosene. "I came up with the idea one day when I ran out of penetrating oil. I didn't want to drive to town so I thought I'd give this idea a try.
Synthetic/Semi-synthetic Fluids
Synthetic and semi-synthetic penetrants and penetrating oils are based on synthetic compounds such as silicone, polyglycol, esters, diesters, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and mixtures of synthetic fluids and water. Typically, synthetic fluids have the highest fire resistance and cost.
Even when brake fluid could have a little penetrating power, a much better option is to vigorously mix half quantity of Automatic Transmission Fluid or “ATF” with half quantity of acetone. That mixture will surpass even the most famous and costly penetrating oils for breaking loose frozen bolts! Try it.
Using a penetrating oil is the best option for the job, as it can help to loosen the items and even remove some of the rust. It will prevent them from sticking together, so they can move easily again. You must make sure to have some quality rust penetrating oils available for use around the workshop or plant.
You'll need a container that 1) holds all your bolts, and 2) is deep enough that the vinegar can cover all the bolts. Ideally you want the bolts to take up no more that 2/3rds of the container. Leave to soak for 24 hours. Remove the bolts and if needed, scrub with a wire brush.
bolts. And bolts can be unfastened with a coin, unless. it breaks apart - some items now have limited.