Plus Gas vs WD40 Specialist Penetrant Spray

Discuss mechanical problems here.
Forum rules
By using this site, you agree to our rules. Please see: Terms of Use
Post Reply
Steve_S
Minor Friendly
Posts: 25
Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2005 10:41 pm
Location: Brighton
MMOC Member: Yes

Plus Gas vs WD40 Specialist Penetrant Spray

Post by Steve_S »

I am intending to change my rear shock absorbers so I want to buy some penetrating oil. Plus Gas gets a lot of mentions on the message board. Does anyone know if the new WD40 Specialist Penetrant Spray is as good? It is easier to get hold of.
les
Minor Maniac
Posts: 8737
Joined: Tue Feb 12, 2002 12:00 am
Location: kent
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Plus Gas vs WD40 Specialist Penetrant Spray

Post by les »

I've not heard of the latter one but I doubt there is any difference in performance between the two.

Shropshiremoggie
Minor Legend
Posts: 1055
Joined: Mon Jul 17, 2017 7:45 pm
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Plus Gas vs WD40 Specialist Penetrant Spray

Post by Shropshiremoggie »

I had a well seized thermostat housing on my Moggie ! I used No Nonsense penetrating oil from Screwfix on the studs ( and a lot of patience ) . In my opinion it worked well and I have now used it in other applications .
Ian Jones
Minor Friendly
Posts: 51
Joined: Sun Jan 21, 2018 3:49 pm
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Plus Gas vs WD40 Specialist Penetrant Spray

Post by Ian Jones »

Plus gas is good, but, if all else fails, a 50/50 mix of acetone and auto transmission fluid is superb (though watch it on the paintwork!). You have to use it quickly as the acetone content evaporates off.

Regards

Ian
GavinL
Minor Fan
Posts: 348
Joined: Wed Apr 26, 2017 8:14 pm
Location: Somerset
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Plus Gas vs WD40 Specialist Penetrant Spray

Post by GavinL »

I’ve had good results using the penetrating spray toolstation sell.
mogbob
Minor Legend
Posts: 1280
Joined: Thu Apr 02, 2009 3:43 pm
Location: Esher
MMOC Member: No

Re: Plus Gas vs WD40 Specialist Penetrant Spray

Post by mogbob »

Steve
I've been a long time user of Plusgas and it's formulation is great for penetrating / dismantling stuck nut / bolts and screws.
The " new " WD 40 Specialist Penetrating Spray looks to be good on paper and with their reputation should be good as well in use.
Shropshiremoggie's No Nonsense penetrating oil , I've heard good reports on too.
Get hold of what you can and do your own real life testing.

Having removed more stuck nuts and bolt than I care to remember , I believe the secret is a good wire brushing / clean up followed by
at least one ( sometimes more ) overnight soaking , before pick up the spanner or socket . If it's on a vertical face you can make a
little cup shape out of Blutack / Plumbers Mate to stick to the metal , so it holds the liquid against the fixing.
If you don't have access to a " whizzy " impact gun , a la Garage equipped air powered gun , then you can resort to pouring boiling water over the fixing. Put out some newspaper underneath to cut down on splashes. It also stops the concrete cracking , which can be dangerous.
The heat expands the metal.
Good luck with it.
Bob
BrianHawley
Minor Fan
Posts: 404
Joined: Tue Nov 08, 2016 1:38 pm
Location: Yanbu Al-Sinaiyah, Saudi Arabia (temporary posting)
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Plus Gas vs WD40 Specialist Penetrant Spray

Post by BrianHawley »

I’ve tried the new WD40 formula on rusted machinery mounting bolts and it seems fine.

What Bob said. Plus my main thought on removing seized nuts and bolts is how much force I can apply before they break off. If there is any doubt, escalate to thermal treatment early. My granddad used to say “heat nuts, cool bolts”.

A good quality proper fit ring spanner or socket is the key to avoiding damaged nuts. It won’t slip off and hit you in the groin :)

Finally, I always seem to find Sod’s Law on my side. If I have a set of broken stud extractors, suitable drills etc. close at hand I can apply huge amounts of torque until the offending item gives up the fight. If not, then give it the weakest twist and it immediately snaps off deep inside the block.
Brian

Image "Jodie". '67 Traveller, 1275, discs, suspension mods etc.
Steve_S
Minor Friendly
Posts: 25
Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2005 10:41 pm
Location: Brighton
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Plus Gas vs WD40 Specialist Penetrant Spray

Post by Steve_S »

Thanks for all the advice. I have bought some of the Screwfix No nonsense penetrating oil so I will give that a go.

I have noticed in the last few days how WD40 is the main range stocked by lots of retailers which means that products like Plus Gas is quite hard to get hold of.
Shropshiremoggie
Minor Legend
Posts: 1055
Joined: Mon Jul 17, 2017 7:45 pm
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Plus Gas vs WD40 Specialist Penetrant Spray

Post by Shropshiremoggie »

Hope it works for you , it sorted my thermostat studs ! Lots of soaking —and patience . Best of luck .
Steve_S
Minor Friendly
Posts: 25
Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2005 10:41 pm
Location: Brighton
MMOC Member: Yes

Re: Plus Gas vs WD40 Specialist Penetrant Spray

Post by Steve_S »

The Screwfix penetrant spray worked fine. The biggest problem with the shock absorbers was splitting the taper joints. Had to give up on one side and purchase a new link arm.
Post Reply