Oils and lubricants are the most commonly used substances in any workshop or garage. In order to get the job successfully done, you need to be familiar with and understand all of the types existing on the market as well as which type is the most appropriate for your application.
Continue reading this article to learn what different oil and lubricant types exist and what use you can put them to in your workshop.
What are oils and lubricants used for?
The lubricants and oils that are made for industrial use and found in garages and workshops are typically made of petroleum and used to reduce friction between the moving parts of an engine. This also prolongs the longevity of the equipment used.
Applying oil to an engine lubricates its moving parts, reduces friction between them, thereby preventing damage, and keeps the engine running properly.
Oil and lubricant types
Oils
Motor oil is used for lubricating internal combustion engines that power vehicles and devices, such as motorcycles, cars, engine-generator sets, and lawnmowers, to name just a few.
Wood oil reduces dryness and protects surfaces from moisture. These features make it perfect for use on woodwork in workshops and hardwood floors.
Cutting oil is mainly applied to chainsaws and other mechanical tools to lubricate the chain, thereby preventing excessive or premature wear.
Lubricants
Lubricants minimize friction between two adjoining moving parts as well. In addition to this, they provide protection against heat.
Friction creates heat, which is soaked up and transported by the flowing lubricant. Lubricants are also used to form a seal between the internal components of a machine and the external environment in order to avoid any type of contamination.
Different lubricant types include:
Silicone lubricant is used to protect plastics from drying out and metals from rust. It doesn’t draw dust, residue, or debris.
Teflon lubricant is used for softening rubber and protecting against rust and moisture. It has universal applications from lubricating bike chains to unscrewing a tight fitting.
Graphite lubricant is used thanks to its high penetration rate. It’s ideal for loosening assembly parts like screws and bolts.
Tips on how to choose the right oil or lubricant for the job
Although lubricants are used by all manufacturing facilities to keep themselves operating, not all lubricants offer the same quality or benefits. Using the wrong type of lubricant can cause breakdowns and defects in your machines. This can be very costly to repair and it can lead to a snowball effect.
To choose the right oil or lubricant type for your application, you should take the following factors into consideration:
- What’s the purpose of the oil or lubricant?
Ensure you only choose clearly labeled oils and lubricants so that you know how and under what circumstances they’re designed to be used.
- How easy is the oil or lubricant to use?
How you’ll apply the lubricant or oil will depend on what use you’ll need to put it to. For instance, an aerosol is highly suitable for simple mechanical tasks and maintenance. On the other hand, an automatic dispenser may be the most ideal choice for larger mechanisms.
- How much the oil or lubricant cost?
All lubricants and oils need to be replaced once their expiry date has passed. So, if you own a machine you need to lubricate constantly, you might want to take into consideration its price and if it will be a good value for the money in the long run.
Speaks from heart, always too passionate and driven by emotions. Spins the words with kindness & sharpness, intriguing your ever-inscrutable minds.
