Choosing the right lubricant is extremely important because it directly affects the efficiency of tools and equipment. When using the right lubricant as part of a regular maintenance program, you improve operation efficiency and reduce equipment downtime, which ultimately saves money and increases profitability. The ever-changing regulatory environment also necessitates using lubricants that are compliant with local, state and federal regulations.
The most commonly-used multi-purpose lubricant is a mineral oil-based product that protects metal from rust and corrosion, penetrates stuck parts, displaces moisture and lubricates just about everything. However, depending on your task or work environment, you may need a specialized lubricant to help get the job done. If you are working with heavy-duty machinery and mechanisms, on vertical surfaces, in wet and humid or dusty environments, within extreme temperatures, or simply trying to loosen rusty parts, see the following lubricant types to choose what’s best for you.
Long-Lasting, Heavy-Duty
These lubricants are great for equipment and mechanisms that require thick, heavy-duty lubrication to withstand extreme conditions. You can also use long-lasting lubricants on cables, pulleys, chains, guide rails, valves, linkages and hinges. White lithium grease, often known as “grease in a can,” has a grease base that provides heavy-duty lubrication and corrosion protection for metal parts without melting. It is a great option for applications where you want to see the lubricant and know that it’s there.
Another long-lasting option is the new WD-40® Specialist® Spray & Stay Gel Lubricant, which has a no-drip formula that does what the name says: it stays where you spray. Use it to lubricate moving parts on construction tools and equipment, and spray it on vertical surfaces for a no-drip, no clean-up experience. The formula provides 12 times longer-lasting lubrication than the leading WD-40® Multi-Use Product making it a perfect solution for tougher challenges.
Water-Resistant
Silicone lubricants are a great option for wet and humid environments as they waterproof and protect while lubricating. Because of silicone additives, they are recommended on a wide range of surfaces, such as non-metal, rubber, plastic and vinyl. They also work well within extreme temperatures ranges (-100 degrees to +500 degrees).
Dirt and Dust-Resistant
Lubricants and mess often go hand-in-hand, but dry lubricants are designed for areas where dust and grit could cause a problem. These lubricants are formulated with additives that dry out quickly, providing a non-stick surface and leaving a protective barrier that continues to lubricate and protect against rust without attracting dust.
Penetrants
We have all been in the time-consuming situation of trying to loosen a stuck bolt or frozen nut. For those frustrating times, penetrants can creep into tight crevices, threads and seams to break the bond that holds stuck parts together.
WD-40® Specialist® Rust Release Penetrant Spray contains Blu Torch™ Technology, a proprietary blend of synthetic additives, and quickly goes to work on rusted nuts, bolts, threads, locks and chains. It frees rusted parts 50 percent faster than the leading competitor.
The lubricants are perfect to have on-hand and in your toolbox so that you’re ready for whatever challenges come your way. Browse wd40specialist.com/products to see a full range of our specialty lubricants.
