Acetone/AutoTrans Fluid - Tested to be THE BEST thread penetrating solution going!

Flint62Smoothie · Sep 12, 2024

FWIW the best penetrating oil one can use is a DIY homemade mix of 50% acetone and 50% automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

Recently “Machinist Workshop Magazine” did a test on penetrating oils. Using nuts and bolts that they 'scientifically rusted’ to a uniform degree by soaking in salt water, they then tested the break-out torque required to loosen the nuts. They treated the nuts with a variety of penetrants and measured the torque required to loosen them.

This is what they came up with:

Nothing: 516 lbs
WD-40: 238 lbs
PB Blaster: 214 lbs
Liquid Wrench: 127 lbs
Kano Kroil: 106 lbs
(ATF)/Acetone mix (50/50 mix): Only 50 lbs!

The Crisco Kid · Sep 12, 2024

Been using it for years. Add some kerosene and I think mineral spirits and it becomes Ed's Red bore cleaner and lubricant. It's good for working under the lead in a fouled barrel to loosen it up.

rusty · Sep 12, 2024

brake fluid works well also.

exPAtriate · Sep 12, 2024

I skip the acetone on my Ed's red to protect my varnish/oil. Still works well with patience, as good as Hoppes at least.

I use straight atf on rusted bolts on farm stuff all the time out of an oil can. Works very well and doesn't make you loopy from the fumes!

wiscoaster · Sep 12, 2024

Thanks, good info.

Sam squanch · Sep 12, 2024

rusty said:
brake fluid works well also.

I am addicted to brake fluid- but it’s ok. I can STOP at any time……..

airiest-falcon0n · Sep 12, 2024

I seem to recall reading somewhere that you need to get the old ATF-(don’t remember if it was the Ford or Chevy kind) because the modern stuff didn’t work. Has anyone else heard this?

Gtrubicon · Sep 12, 2024

airiest-falcon0n said:
I seem to recall reading somewhere that you need to get the old ATF-(don’t remember if it was the Ford or Chevy kind) because the modern stuff didn’t work. Has anyone else heard this?

I made a big batch of Ed’s red several years ago. It called for a non detergent atf, I don’t remember what I used but it works fantastic.

Second-rate Marksman · Sep 12, 2024

I concur. Used that mixture on my 180-year-old Howard New pistol in order to free up a seized nipple. Came out slicker than snot!

Sam squanch · Sep 12, 2024

An aside- cheap ATF is good for the seals on CO2 pellet guns!

1950DAVE · Sep 12, 2024

airiest-falcon0n said:
I seem to recall reading somewhere that you need to get the old ATF-(don’t remember if it was the Ford or Chevy kind) because the modern stuff didn’t work. Has anyone else heard this?

Made mine with Type-F. I use it straight or as Ed's Red mix. I look for the ATF at flea mkt's, yard sales and estate sales. Here is an article.
https://www.hensleygibbs.com/edharris/articles/EdsRedRecipe.htm

Clark Badgett · Sep 12, 2024

Be warned the acetone will evaporate out unless it’s kept in an airtight container. My repurposed military lube bottle didn’t keep it for long.

Adam in WI · Sep 12, 2024

When I tried it; it would separate if left sitting overnight. It also ate up every sprayer I tried it in. Maybe the old atf worked better but to me it isn't worth the hassle; if Liquid Wrench won't get it I break out the smoke wrench.

Dude · Sep 12, 2024

I believe the acetone thins the ATF to penetrate tight spaces.

The guy who discovered the combination said later that he really meant to say PSF (Power Steering Fluid) and acetone. Try it - PSF/Acetone and see if it doesn't work better. It sure does for me.

1950DAVE · Sep 12, 2024

Years ago ATF was used as power steering fluid.
The formula I used.
Type F ATF, acetone, kerosene, mineral spirits - one quart of each. Mine,what is left, after more than ten years is still in the one gallon plastic motor oil jug I mixed it in. It still has the distinctive acetone smell after all this time.

kyron4 · Sep 12, 2024

1950DAVE said:
Years ago ATF was used as power steering fluid.
The formula I used.
Type F ATF, acetone, kerosene, mineral spirits - one quart of each. Mine,what is left, after more than ten years is still in the one gallon plastic motor oil jug I mixed it in. It still has the distinctive acetone smell after all this time.

Both my Fords, a 2007 and 2009, use ATF in the power steering.

BS2366 · Sep 13, 2024

Flint62Smoothie said:
FWIW the best penetrating oil one can use is a DIY homemade mix of 50% acetone and 50% automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

Recently “Machinist Workshop Magazine” did a test on penetrating oils. Using nuts and bolts that they 'scientifically rusted’ to a uniform degree by soaking in salt water, they then tested the break-out torque required to loosen the nuts. They treated the nuts with a variety of penetrants and measured the torque required to loosen them.

This is what they came up with:

Nothing: 516 lbs

WD-40: 238 lbs

PB Blaster: 214 lbs

Liquid Wrench: 127 lbs

Kano Kroil: 106 lbs

(ATF)/Acetone mix (50/50 mix): Only 50 lbs!

I've always kept a spray bottle of it in the garage. I do add a few other oils and solvents to the mix. I also use 50/50 atf and synthetic oil as gun lube.

Relic shooter · Sep 13, 2024

airiest-falcon0n said:
I seem to recall reading somewhere that you need to get the old ATF-(don’t remember if it was the Ford or Chevy kind) because the modern stuff didn’t work. Has anyone else heard this?

I've heard the same about synthetic trans fluid not penetrating as well, in years past I've always had good luck using
old style auto transmission fluid & acetone 50/50 mix to free-up stuck threads.

I've also used this mixture with a tiny needle spout to free-up stuck screws going into wood on original firearms.
Soaking the guns entire lock or original revolver's action in the solution for 24 hours also helps prevent damaging the screw heads.

GBG · Sep 13, 2024

Would the source and concentration of acetone or the presence of other solvents as used in paint thinners and nail polish remover change the effectiveness of the mixture? Is a "pure" acetone and/or water solution required?

BS2366 · Sep 13, 2024

GBG said:
Would the source and concentration of acetone or the presence of other solvents as used in paint thinners and nail polish remover change the effectiveness of the mixture? Is a "pure" acetone and/or water solution required?

You can thin it with denatured alcohol also

Acetone/AutoTrans Fluid - Tested to be THE BEST thread penetrating solution going!

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