15 Jul
2006
15 Jul
'06
10:07 p.m.
Isn't WD-40 pretty much kerosene (paraffin oil to
those on the other side
of the pond) with some lighter solvents added? I've never found it to be
much better than kerosene for freeing rusted bolts at any rate.
WD-40 is basically Stoddard's solvent with some light oils added.
Stoddard's solvent is a degreaser mixed to be relatively safe (fumes,
flashpoint, etc.) and is quite similar to what dry cleaners use to get
grease out of clothing. This is why WD-40 can be used effectively for
a light duty lubricant, as it "refloats" dried out grease by
dissolving the dried solids and mixing new oil in. Halfway decent
short term, light duty use is OK, but not good for anything involving
high speed, high loads, or medium to long periods of time between lube
jobs. And you have to admit - handy as hell. As much as machinists
complain about it, nearly all of them use it like the rest of us.
As far as the original post is concerned - BAD BAD BAD for electrical contacts!
And for rusted bolts - time is the key.
--
Will