All rusted bolts or nuts, which sometimes simply cannot be unscrewed without breaking, were probably encountered by all motorists who prefer to carry out repairs and maintenance of their cars on their own. And if earlier craftsmen used folk remedies to solve this problem, moistening them with brake fluid, kerosene or turpentine, now penetrating lubricant came to their aid.
Reasons for the popularity of penetrating lubricants
Having first appeared on the market, this tool very quickly gained recognition, and not only among motorists, but also simply in everyday life. Why this happened is due to several reasons, primarily, of course, ease of use. After all, the penetrating lubricant itself is placed in the spray can, and it is convenient to use it, processing the necessary part, without having to get your hands dirty. For hard-to-reach places a tube is specially provided, which is put on the spray nozzle. With its help, hidden elements of nodes and mechanisms, for example door locks, are processed.
Another reason is its versatility: displacing moisture, softening and removing rust, creating an anti-corrosion protective film on the treated surface.
Penetrating Grease WD-40
Perhaps the most famous representative of such sprays is the universal penetrating lubricant WD-40 or "wedeshka", as it is popularly called. It was developed more than half a century ago in the United States, but continues to remain at the peak of popularity, though, thanks more to successful marketing than to its characteristics. So what is the legendary wedeshka?
Composition WD-40
Officially, the manufacturer continues to keep the composition of the liquid a secret, although in fact this secret has long been revealed: a mixture of white spirit (oil solvent) and paraffin distillate. From the moment of its creation until today, this lubricant has not undergone practically any changes, except for the addition of flavorings to its composition, and from time to time changing packaging.
For the sake of fairness, it should be noted that the penetrating lubricant "VD-40" is primarily a water displacer, as evidenced by its name: WD - Water Displacement. But the manufacturer attributes to it still anti-corrosion and protective properties. Nevertheless, one should not deceive oneself on this score.
The disadvantages and advantages of the wedashka
The main problem of the Wedahs is that the oil distillates that make up its composition do form a protective film on the surface to be treated, but it is so thin that it evaporates very quickly. In this regard, corrosion protection is short-term, and the lubricating properties of WD-40, which is positioned by sellers as penetrating lubricant, are virtually absent.
In addition, the practical experience of using the Vedashki revealed another unpleasant moment: after removing moisture, it contributes to its rapid adsorption from the surrounding air, which again leads to the formation and development of corrosion. And also do not forget that while the treatment is in progress, the remnants of the grease that was previously in it are also washed out. Therefore, after using this fluid, the mechanism must be lubricated with oil.
But, one way or another, the wedeshka really penetrates well even into complex mechanisms, while releasing the rusted parts. In addition, the WD-40 perfectly cleans a wide variety of dirt, including black marks from shoes and a hard-to-wash marker, as well as grease, glue residue and bitumen stains.
Possible alternative to WD-40
Of course, the wader is, despite its shortcomings, able to help out in a difficult situation, but this is not the only penetrating lubricant on the market.
Unisma-1 is a product developed by domestic chemists back in the Soviet period as opposed to WD-40. Moreover, according to some properties, it not only does not concede to the famous competitor, but also surpasses it. However, Unisma-1 inherited the drawbacks inherent in American lubrication. Therefore, it is difficult to call both liquids multifunctional, and their use mainly boils down to facilitating the dismantling of parts damaged by rust.
But Molykote Multigliss - universal penetrating lubricant, we can say, fully meets this definition. In it, the manufacturer tried to get rid of the disadvantages inherent in the above lubricants.
In addition to high penetrating power and rapid softening of rust, this liquid displaces moisture and at the same time prevents it from adsorbing on the surface. And due to the fact that inhibitors were introduced into its composition, Molykote Multigliss continues to protect the part from corrosion after application.
A lubricating film formed on the surface effectively reduces the wear that occurs during the friction process, while it is quite strong and retains its inherent properties for a long time.
Thus, the manufacturer, Dow Corning, really managed to create a multifunctional product.
Another tool that is also considered quite effective, and, importantly, relatively inexpensive, is called UNI-M Spray from EFELE.
The peculiarity of this product is that when it penetrates into the assembly, it does not flow out from there, forming not just a film, but a whole lubricating layer capable of withstanding various loads and preventing the formation of corrosion.
Strengthening the anti-wear properties of UNI-M Spray provides the addition of anti-friction fillers. And inhibitors protect against rust.
What to choose?
It is difficult to unequivocally answer this question. In addition, the penetrating liquids discussed above are just a small example of what you can buy in a store today. In fact, their choice is huge. One thing is clear that there are substitutes for such a popular WD-40, working much better than this fluid.
In the end, if you want to unscrew only a rusty bolt, you can do without special mixtures, and try to do this with the help of folk remedies: vinegar essence or Coca-Cola, which contains phosphoric acid. And one and the other perfectly cope with corrosion. By the way, it is orthophosphoric acid that manufacturers use in the manufacture of many rust converters, which are used to process car bodies.
In general, before going to the store for a "liquid key", as people also call penetrating lubricants, one should decide whether it is really needed to carry out the work that is planned to be done or whether you can get by with what is at hand.