Industrial penetrating oils

Frequently asked questions — Penetrating Oils and Degreasers

• How do I choose between a standard penetrating oil and a thermal-shock product?

  A standard penetrating oil uses a solvent with very low surface tension combined with a lubricating additive such as oil, MoS₂ or PTFE to act by capillary action. When seizure, corrosion or oxidation block assemblies such as threads or shafts too severely, the use of a specialised penetrant such as Loctite Freeze & Release is recommended. The latter acts by thermal shock to free the most difficult cases where conventional penetration is no longer sufficient.
• Which degreaser should be used prior to bonding or painting?

  For preparatory work prior to bonding, welding or painting, the use of fast-evaporating, residue-free degreasers is required. Acetone is the universal solvent for resistant metals and plastics. For more sensitive components or electronics, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) at 99% is preferable as it does not absorb atmospheric moisture. For surfaces heavily contaminated with greasy substances, naphtha- or petroleum-ether-based products are more effective.
• What is the difference between a brake cleaner and an alkaline industrial degreaser?

  Brake cleaners use chlorinated or non-chlorinated solvents for instant evaporation with no residue on critical components such as brakes, clutches or spindles, requiring mandatory ventilation. Conversely, alkaline industrial degreasers, such as biodegradable detergents or products for aqueous baths, are designed to treat large metal parts. These solutions are compatible with subsequent finishing stages such as zinc-plating or processing in an industrial paint booth.
• What precautions should be taken for maintenance operations in food-processing environments?

  In environments related to the food-processing industry, the use of chemical products requires particular attention regarding health and safety. It is essential to select NSF H1 or A1 certified grades, which permit incidental contact with foodstuffs. Regardless of the product chosen, systematic consultation of the safety data sheet (SDS) remains a requirement for each reference used on site in order to ensure compliance with the requirements of the environment.