On 19/08/2010 00:47, Ian Iveson wrote:
A good quality Sewing Machine oil is formulated to do
a
similar job.

Not by a long way it isn't.

Agreed. In the US 3-in-1 Small Motor Oil is readily
available in a
convenient dispenser.

I tend to lump 3 in 1 in with WD40. They may both 'work'
but there are
other far better products for a single task. I'd not use
either on
anything important. Just to stop the garden gate
squeaking.


They're great for freeing things that are rusted-up. But I
entirely agree that I wouldn't think them suitable for a
turntable bearing. As has already been said a sewing
machine oil sounds about right.

Are there 3 things in 3-in-1? What are they?


:-) I think it means three jobs with one product, marketing speak?

If you want the oil to stay in place for 20 years, without
leaking, evaporating, wearing out or absorbing water and
whilst reliably continuing to inhibit corrosion, a modern
automotive gearbox oil is designed for just that purpose. It
may have a redundant property or two, but other options
mentioned, including "sewing machine oil" fall short in one
or more respects.

Sewing machine oil was (is?) common in households because
sewing machines need frequent oiling. Where does all the oil
go? When you oil a door hinge and it needs oiling again
after a year, where did the oil go? If you oil an outside
hinge with light machine oil, sewing machine oil, or
especially "3-in-1", why does it need oiling again after a
month or two, or after a few showers?

Gear oil will outperform those penetrating light oils by
miles. And it won't leak like a penetrating oil might. If
available gearbox oil is too viscous, motorcycle fork oil
would be good, but not so easily available in small
quantities for a few pence.


I just used engine oil in the end. ISTR the Project oil supplied with a
TT had a similar consistency.

I don't think there's one answer to the question 'what's best' - it's
always going to be a compromise between friction and (say) evaporation.
I know heavier oils have been criticised for 'noise' - I couldn't really
say.

Rob