If you are an auto hobbyist, young machinist, do-it-yourselfer or avid tinkerer, you might have heard the term "penetrating oil." Penetrating oil is an umbrella term that refers to a class of lubricants with a thin, water-like consistency, such as WD-40, Kroil, PB Blaster and Zep. These low-viscosity lubricants are different than thick-film or "fluid" lubricants, and they play a critical role in engineering. more »

Penetrating oil finishes are a liquid fluid, often made from a clear petroleum-based product, that is rubbed into a wood surface to enhance the grain and natural beauty of the wood. They do not produce a solid or hard built-up finish on the surface like many other types of finishing products, but instead they penetrate the grain of the wood. Their presence is detected by a slight darkening of the color of the wood, and until the oil finish dries, the wood feels a little bit slimy. A penetrating oil finish is recognized by many woodworkers to be a relatively easy way to obtain a professional-looking result on a piece of furniture or around the house. more »

Penetrating oil should be applied to thermostat housing. Learn how to fix a car's thermostat housing with these video instructions. more »

Danish oil is a great product to use as a penetrating oil finish. Some wood projects call for Danish Oil as the finish. This finish has multiple steps and requires a few days of drying time and application, but the final finish is worth it. Here is how you do it! more »

Maintaining a trumpet requires several tools including a soft sponge and a penetrating oil. Learn more about trumpet maintenance tools with tips from an instrument repair expert in this free trumpet maintenance video. more »

To clean corroded aluminum rims, spray a penetrating oil on the corrosion, allow it to sit for several minutes and scrub the area with steel wool. Wipe off excess oil after removing corrosion with instructions from a certified mechanic in this free video on cleaning aluminum rims. more »

Oxygen sensors tend to seize to the exhaust tubes from constant heating and cooling of the exhaust system. It is a good idea to apply penetrating oil to the sensors threads one or two hours before attempting to remove them. It will make your job much easier. Letting the engine reach operating temperature also helps to remove the sensors. However, you might want to wear working gloves and be very careful to avoid skin burns. more »

It is common for oxygen sensors to seize to the exhaust pipe after months of service, making it difficult to remove them. You may want to apply penetrating oil to the sensor mounting base, prior to removal, to make your job easier. Then follow these steps to replace one or both sensors on your Ford Taurus. more »

In order to remove rust from hubcaps, the best and safest product to use is some kind of penetrating oil with a rag or soft steel wool. Avoid taking the clear coat off of a rim by using acidic products with help from an ASE-certified mechanic in this free video on auto repair and maintenance. more »