Pulsepushthepopulace Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 I'm a big fan of Gibbs Brand penetrant, but in the wake of limited funds I cannot afford such a luxurious blend of oil ($11-$12 for 12 oz. can)... So, I took to the internet in search of a recipe, and found some interesting info... Low and behold, there is a thread that exists out in the interwebs that reveals the secret gibbs formula; the OP also states that the inventor of the formula verified it's true composition... 1 Part ATF (automatic transmission fluid) $4 1 Part Laquer Thinner $5 ... You should believe everything you hear on the net... :blink: So I went to wally world, and picked up a quart of each, to test the above formula and quite honestly it behaves like the gibbs oil, just soaks right into the metal. It's not like the messy (carrot juice) PB blaster, or like the new (specialist) WD-40 rust inhibitor ($11-$15 for 6.5 oz. :wacko: )which I've been stealing from my dad... The gibbs stuff just leaches on and dries to a wet "looking" luster.... doesn't have a wet white-ish oily film like the wd-40, -> which collects dirt... ** I added 1 part Boiled Linseed Oil for my own reasons, figured it wouldn't hurt, only drawback from the above mentioned formula is increased dry time... All my equipment is semi exposed to the harsh Florida elements, due to working under a lean-to... Everything that I have used it on has remained free of rust for 6 weeks...Those who know florida know how awful the environment is on all things metal; the average lifespan of a galvanized gate is 3 years max before it starts turning into brown dust... Not a single glint of rust, and quite honestly I don't foresee any in the distant future... Also above formula is an insanely effective penetrant, that works just as good if not better than anything on the open market... Long run costs totaled $15, which gave me 3 quarts... Figured I'd share... Quite honestly, if you have a home-brew recipe, which I've read a couple lurking here, please share... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWooldridge Posted July 7, 2012 Share Posted July 7, 2012 I use 50/50 mix of ATF and acetone; it's real close to your recipe and the end results are probably the same. IIRC, WD-40 is a fish oil emulsion and was designed to be a moisture displacement to help start wet engines rather than a protective coating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pulsepushthepopulace Posted July 8, 2012 Author Share Posted July 8, 2012 IIRC, WD-40 is a fish oil emulsion and was designed to be a moisture displacement to help start wet engines rather than a protective coating. Eds Red! I've read reviews that that mix, in scientific testing, beats all as far as penetrant is concerned... From what I understand the acetone differs from the laquer thinner in regards to evaporation... only difference... Rgr, and it makes a mighty fine fishing attractant too... The new "specialist" formulas vary across the spectrum, and differ greatly from the original WD-40... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pug}{maN Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 gess ill give it a try... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonny Foreigner Posted January 8, 2013 Share Posted January 8, 2013 I use 50/50 mix of ATF and acetone; it's real close to your recipe and the end results are probably the same. Same here. Also, its the best 'penetrating oil' that exists - I have never used a commercial brand that works as well. Has saved me countless broken bolts and fixings, not to mention time and money over the years Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FHforge Posted May 26, 2014 Share Posted May 26, 2014 Are these formulas applied to cold metal or warmed/hot ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted May 26, 2014 Share Posted May 26, 2014 The ATF/Acetone mix should be mixed as needed. I have always used it on room temperature metal. Let it soak for a while, reapply and soak some more. What is a couple of minutes after the parts have had years to rust? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Broomhead Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 Does the ATF/laquer thinner mix need to be mixed as needed or can you mix it ahead of time and store it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoCal Dave Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Here is some testing that had been done. I don't think you want to mix acetone and hot metal together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caintuckrifle Posted November 14, 2014 Share Posted November 14, 2014 I broke a vise screw free with that recipe, it is an excellent penetrating oil better that wd-40 at least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitetail Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 With acetone or lacquer thinner in mix, can this stuff be used in a spray bottle? Or will the seal in the bottle deteriorate? Easier application for large surfaces. And no drips like you would get from immersion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 Well if it's an all stainless bottle and pump...acetone is death to almost all plastics! I'd mix it on an as needed basis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.