3-in-one replacement.

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Does anyone know of a good oil to replace 3-in-one oil? I use it to clean and protect tools before being stored in my shed. It just has been becoming expensive at nearly a dollar an oz.
 
I have a rag saturated with Fluid Film which I use for this purpose. Works well for me. If you want something more similar to 3in1, what about Triflow? Not sure its any cheaper, though.
 
3-in-1 oil is weird in the fact that it also cleans as well and it does have a slight lemongrass scent.

Ace carries Zoom Spout oil but it's a pure oil without additives. I would wager Tri-Flow might be close to 3-in-1, but it has a little Teflon in it and might not clean as well.
 
Fluid film, Krown, WD-40 Specialist Corrosion, and Amsoil's protectant were going to be my recommendations, but they're all about $1/oz.
 
3-in-1 is a Light Machine Oil. You can buy Singer Sewing Machine Oil for a little less than 3-in-1 (Wal-Mart $US 2.97 4 US Oz.) or purchase it in bulk by the US Gallon for about $35 ($US 0.27/oz) by doing a little Googling. If somehow you have a need, it's available up to the 55 USGallon drum. Viscosity is ISO 20~35, note that ISO Viscosity is not equal to API Viscosity.
 
Search on your favorite online shopping venue for "Zoom Oiler." That is my current favorite light multipurpose oil.
 
I would second MMO if I wanted a replacement for 3-in-1. I think the last bottle I bought was about $6 for a quart.

With that said, for use as a general light machine oil/lubricant/rust protectant I find that a little 3-in-1(or any other oil) goes a long way. I use it for a lot of things, from squeaky door hinges to protecting blue guns and as a cutting fluid on drills and taps. A few drops on a rag should be more than enough to wipe down several hand tools. The last bottle I bought(maybe 4 oz) has lasted a long time.

BTW-someone above commented on the smell. 3-in-1 oil is mostly mineral oil with a small amount of citronella oil added to it. I don't know if this gives any special properties, but it's not unlike the oil of wintergreen that gives MMO its smell or the oil of anise that give Ballistol its smell.
 
I use ATF as my oil can lube for just about everything. Works great on hack saw blades, taps, dies, locks, sharpening stones, drilling in metal. Cheap and ubiquitous (can't believe I didn't need spell check).
 
MMO mixed with 15w-40 or 20w-50 HDEO would be a good way to go. 1 part MMO to 3 parts HDEO should make a very good general purpose 3-in-1 / shop oil / whatever you want to call it for cheap.
 
My general purpose oil is Zoom Spout because it can go places other liquid oils can't and you get a nifty reusable bottle when empty to fill with something else. The oil from Zoom Spout is water thin but it has worked well on all the things I've used it for. Give it a try for around 3 bucks it's worth it.
 
Originally Posted By: E150GT
marvel mystery oil?


+1 mix it with some leftover motor oil and it will work better than 3in1 and also smells nicer to use
 
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