When it comes to loosening rust or lubricating machinery, most people think of WD40. However, many other products can do the job just as well – and sometimes better! This article will explore the best WD40 alternatives on the market. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each product and give you some ideas for how to best use them. So whether you’re looking for a greasy lube or a silicone-based spray, we’ve got you covered!
WD40
WD40 is a household name for loosening rust and lubricating machinery. It’s a petroleum-based penetrating oil product created by Rocket Chemical Company that comes in a spray can, and it’s often used to loosen stuck bolts, clean up grease spills, and protect metal surfaces from corrosion.
The complete formula for what comprises WD40 is a trade secret. Rocket Chemical Company never patented the formula so that they could keep it for themselves.
However, we know WD40 contains carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, and petroleum-based oil, all of which can be harmful to the environment.
It’s also flammable, can cause irritation if there is skin contact, and poses other health risks. For these reasons, you can also keep on hand other alternatives.
WD40 Alternatives
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly is a thick, waxy substance made from crude oil. It’s often used as a lubricant, and it has the added benefit of being an effective sealant.
However, petroleum jelly also has drawbacks. For one, it can be messy and difficult to apply. It can also stain clothes and skin and be harmful if ingested.
Best Jobs for Petroleum Jelly:
- Lubricating machinery
- Protecting metal surfaces from corrosion
- Reducing friction in joints
Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by bees. It’s often used in cosmetics and candles, but it can also be used as a lubricant.
Beeswax has many benefits: it’s non-toxic, biodegradable, and has a low melting point. However, it can be difficult to apply, and it’s not as effective as some other lubricants.
Best Jobs for Beeswax:
- Lubricating machinery
- Protecting metal surfaces from corrosion
- Reducing friction in joints
- Prevent rust
Grease
Grease also has many benefits: it’s non-toxic, biodegradable, and resistant to water and corrosion. It also has a high melting point, perfect for cold environments. However, grease can be difficult to apply and can stain clothes and skin.
Plumbers grease is a grease specifically designed for use on pipes and fittings. It’s a petroleum-based product, and it comes in both liquid and solid forms.
Silicone grease is a type of grease made from silicone oil. It’s clear, odorless, and non-toxic. Silicone grease is also resistant to high temperatures and won’t harden or melt like other types of grease.
Lithium grease is a type of grease made from lithium soap. It has a high melting point and is resistant to water and corrosion.
Best Jobs for Grease:
- Lubricating pipes and fittings
- Reducing friction in joints
Trickshot Penetrating Lubricant
Trickshot penetrating lubricant is a product made specifically for loosening rust and corrosion. It comes in a spray can, and it contains solvents and detergents that help break down rust.
Trickshot penetrating lubricant is an effective rust remover, but it can be harmful to the environment. It’s also flammable and can cause skin irritation if used in high concentrations.
Best Job for Trickshot Penetrating Lubricant:
- Loosening rust and corrosion
- Free rusted bolts
Dry Film Lubricant
Dry film lubricant is a type of lubricant applied as a thin film. It’s made from a variety of materials, including Teflon and silicone, and is used in machinery and automotive applications.
Dry film lubricant has many benefits: it’s non-toxic, non-flammable, and resistant to water and corrosion. It also has a high melting point, perfect for cold environments. However, dry film lubricant can be challenging to apply, and it doesn’t work well on metal surfaces that are already corroded.
Best Jobs for Dry Film Lubricant:
- Automotive applications
- Lubricating machinery
Squeezable Oil
Squeezable oil is a type of lubricant that comes in a squeezable bottle. It’s made from a variety of materials, including petroleum and synthetic oils, and it’s often used in household applications.
Squeezable oil has many benefits: it’s easy to use, non-toxic, and biodegradable. However, it can be messy and difficult to apply, and it doesn’t work well on metal surfaces that are already corroded.
Best Jobs for Squeezable Oil:
Lubricating door hinges
Lubricating machinery
Other Oil Products
There are a number of oils that can be used to loosen rust and corrosion.
Vegetable Oil and Olive Oil
Vegetable oil is a type of oil made from plants. Olive oil is a type of vegetable oil made from olives. Both are cooking oils, but they also have many automotive applications. Extra virgin olive oil is the purest strain of olive oil and is the better version to use as it is less likely to collect dirt later on.
Baby Oil
Baby oil is made from petroleum and is used to lubricate door hinges and other moving parts.
Mineral Oil and Gear Oil
Mineral oil is a type of oil made from rocks and used in machinery, and it comes in both liquid and solid forms without compressed chemical additives.
Gear oil is a type of mineral oil specifically designed for use in gears. It has a high viscosity, so it’s perfect for lubricating moving parts.
Orange Oil
Orange oil is made from oranges and used in cleaning products, but it also has many automotive applications.
Silicone Based Products
Silicone-based products are a type of lubricant made from silicone. Silicone is a synthetic material that’s resistant to heat and cold, and it’s often used in automotive and industrial applications.
Silicone-based products have many benefits: they’re non-toxic, non-flammable, and resistant to water and corrosion. Silicone rubbers have a high melting point, making them ideal for use in chilly conditions. On the other hand, silicone-based materials don’t adhere well to rusted metal surfaces.
Best Jobs for Silicone-Based Products:
- Automotive applications
- Industrial applications
Kano Roil
Kano roil is a type of lubricant made from petroleum and synthetic oils. It comes in a can and is often used in household applications.
Kano Roil’s advantages include its simplicity of use, non-toxicity, and biodegradability. However, Kano Roil can be messy and difficult to apply, and it doesn’t work well on metal surfaces that are already corroded.
Best Jobs for Kano Roil:
- Lubricating door hinges
- Lubricating machinery
Homemade Alternatives
You can also create your own homemade alternative using vegetable oil and acetone.
Take a small container and fill it with vegetable oil. Add enough acetone to make the oil thin and watery. Shake the container well, and apply the mixture to metal surfaces using a brush or rag.
This homemade alternative is excellent for lubrication and rust prevention.
Conclusion
There are a number of WD40 alternatives available on the market. Each one has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to choose the right product for the job. With the right lubricant, you can loosen rust and corrosion quickly and easily, without harming yourself or your environment.