Selecting and using the right oil will play a significant role in how well your tools function, as well as determining how long they will last. There are two primary types of oil and we will take a little bit of space to look at both. The first is motor oil that you use in engines. The second is the type of oil that you use to lubricate the joints and moving parts of manually powered tools. Using the right product is essential in both cases, so let's take a look at a few of the options that are available to homeowners today.
Gasoline and Diesel Engines There are several different ways that engine oil is classified. When you are dealing with household lawn and garden tools like lawnmowers, roto-tillers, weed-eaters, and chainsaws, it is imperative that you know what kind of engine that you have. There are 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines. 2-cycle engines run on a mixture of gasoline and oil. The ratio of this mix depends on the engine and the manufacturer. 4-cycle engines run more like your car. They use straight gasoline and oil is stored in the crankcase to lubricate the shaft and pistons. There are multiple arguments about which one is better, but when it comes to oil there are some significant differences. You want to make sure, if you have a 2-cycle engine that you use oil that is specifically designated for mixing. There is a stabilizer in the product that helps it mix with the gas and resists forming condensation inside of your engine when it sits for a few days. If you are using a 4-cycle engine, then make sure you check the manufacturer's specifications or recommendations on the oil's weight. This doesn't have anything to do with the actual mass of the oil, but instead is a reference to how heavy its molecular structure is. Basically, it is an indicator as to how thick it is. In theory, the heavier the oil, the more durable it is. Of course, if you use oil that is too heavy, then your machine may not be able to run as freely as it should. Your best bet is to always follow the manufacturer's guidelines. One further word about gasoline powered tools and lubricants. Certain specialty tools, like chainsaws, have a separate reservoir for lubricant that doesn't have anything to do with the motor's operation. In the instance of a chainsaw, you must add bar oil, which helps lubricate and cool the cutting surface. This requires a different type of oil than what you are putting in the engine. Some other tools that have a separate oil reservoir are pipe threaders and some power and cut off saws. Basic Household Lubricants The need for basic lubricants is a constant for most homeowners. Squeaking hinges, storm windows that won't open, and hedge trimmers that got left out in the rain and are now rusted shut are just a few of the million uses that you have for petroleum based lubricants on a daily basis. One of the most common forms of oil lubricant comes in a spray can. WD-40 is the most popular of these, but there are many similar products under different brand names. These sprays are ideal for any number or light projects and are also adept at breaking down rust; meaning that when you do leave the trimmers out in the rain, a shot of spray lubricant can help you return the moving parts to working order. Perhaps the most convenient feature of sprays is that you can get them into places where other oils just won't go. The fact that they come in an aerosol can and usually have a long, proboscis type attachment means that you can apply it just about anywhere, even directly over head. Try that with an ordinary pump oil can and you'll be wearing more of the oil than you actually got onto the surface that you wanted to lubricate. Another type of lubricant that has many practical uses is oil that comes in a small can. Though it is harder to get into tight spaces, because you pour it on instead of spray, the lubricant is typically of a higher weight and is a little more durable. It is ideal to use when lubricating small appliances and handheld electrical tools. If you have some flat bladed tools like shovels or small spades that have some rust; a product like 3-in-1 oil is a great way to remove it. Apply a few drops of the oil and get a pad of steel wool. You may be surprised how quickly your tools get back to looking like new. Oil Alternatives As with any other corner of the mechanical and tool market, the manufacturers of lubricants are constantly seeking ways to make better products. We have seen alternative lubricants become popular in both the engine oil genre and the household lubricant genre in recent years. Synthetic motor oils claim to have a longer life and to provide greater protection for your engine in extreme circumstances. Many of the tests results are dependent upon who is publishing them, but it is safe to say that there synthetics are at least as good as the real thing. In the coming years, as chemists continue to hone the manufacturing process, you can be sure that they will be better than the real thing. With regard to household lubricants, there are several alternatives available that also outperform their oil based counterparts. Silicone lubricating spray has taken the market by storm and works in basically all of the same applications where traditional oil based sprays would work. The upside is that the silicone doesn't attract and hold dirt the way that the oil does. This eliminates much of the cleaning that may have to be done later on down the road. Regardless of what specifically you choose to use, make sure that you are taking care of your tools and engines. As with any maintenance routine, it is always best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for product usage. They will also give you the best advice about how often to change the oil or to reapply it. Keep your tools and machines properly lubricated and ensure that they last a lifetime [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
