Alternative Lubrication

There is always discussion on what products are best for lubricating, protecting from corrosion and dispelling moisture, as a Sunday morning Clay Pigeon Shooter, ( no live animals injured or killed during this pastime) I use a product called “Napier Gun Cleaner and Lubricant with VP90” to clean and protect the barrels of my 12 bore. It comes in various sizes of aerosols ranging from 125 ml upwards, with a starting price of in the region of £9.00 and is available from Amazon, EBay and gunsmiths. I also use it as a useful lubricant for padlocks where they are exposed to the elements outside, it is also very useful as a general lubricant which has moisture dispelling properties in the workshop, I find it works much better than the so called moisture dispersants such as WD40 etc. The product contains a substance called VP90 which is alleged to give corrosion protection after application, one wonders what mystical properties that it does possess because in my case it certainly does what it says on the tin. I realise that the product is not cheap to purchase but neither are parts and tools that could be ruined by corrosion etc.

Dave W

It could well be something like sodium benzoate, which evaporates/sublimes and then condenses on surfaces to give a microscopically thin protective layer. It gets used in the VPI protective paper that tools are sometimes wrapped with. Oddly enough, camphor has similar properties, just smells more.

So does molasses according to some research I found.

Problem is I expect it attracts mice.

Mark , thanks for that, probably explains the VP aspect of the product which links it to the VPI paper and hence the anti corrosion properties. Think I will pass on Neil’s suggestion of molasses.

Dave W

Sodium benzoate is E211 which is in many drinks and can send some kids hyper, check it out if you have experienced a dramatic change in kids behaviour after some squash or fizzy drinks.

Mike

This subject was 'done to death' in a 'Model Engineer' article of decades ago.

Three-in-one oil came out a very clear winner.

3 in 1 goos - up after a while

My experience too. 3-in-1 eventually oxidises to a disgusting sticky goo, as does lanolin, although both are regarded as the answer to a maiden's prayer. The woodworkers love camellia oil. IIRC, Axminster sells it. I've had excellent results from a product called 'Corrosion Block' (it does what it says on the...), from the same people who make ACF-50, which is widely used in the aviation industry. However, ACF-50 slowly evaporates.

Thanks for the info re sodium benzoate - I'll go and sniff some VPI paper - I could do with perking up a bit!

“Thanks for the info re sodium benzoate - I'll go and sniff some VPI paper - I could do with perking up a bit!’’

Only, apparently, if you are ADHD already!

Edited By not done it yet on 07/02/2018 10:51:25

3 in 1 contains some vegetable oils, and is prone to oxidising, which is why bit goes gooey.

Neil

Yes it might have, but the world has moved on enormously since then. Some really good products are no longer what they were, and some 'new' products are light years ahead of what we had just a few years ago. I'll pass on the three in one and the WD40 and stick with ACF-50 or Rocol Moisture Guard or my very last dregs of a VCI spray that cost an arm and a leg more than 25 years ago.

For years I've been using this **LINK**

Bedways on the machines, jobs on the bench currently not being worked on, even use it on my motocycles after washing.

No complaints whatsoever, it stays fluid and is easy to wash off.

Regards

Lofty

For anyone interested in such arcanery:

VP = Vapour Phase (as distinct from liquid phase and solid phase),
VPI = Vapour Phase Inhibitor (of dampness, condensation, corrosion).

We all do it - and sooner or later there will be a posting consisting entirely of abreviations.

TTFN

Cheers, Tim

I think you will find other abbreviations in use for Corrosion innhibitors, liquids, impregnated papers etc. etc..

VCI = Vapo(u)r Corrosion Inhibitor

VpCI - Vapo(ur) Corrosion Inhibitor

and as Tim has noted - VPI.

Do not expect a moisture remover to provide inhibition properties. Many of these do leave a fine film on the metal surface which can contribute to the dimensions of anything which is so treated leading to poor fits on close tolerance items.

Follow this link to one of the leading manufacturers for fuller information **LINK**

Jerry

(we all know of the chemistry student sent to the lab stores for a benzene ring) Acronyms and short forms of names can lead to disaster in this line of business.