Parts washer fluid

What kind of parts washer fluid do you guys use and where can I get it? The HF stuff is like soapy water, grease just laughs at it.

Thanks, John

I just use mineral spirits. When it gets too dirty, I use it as lighter fluid to start brush piles burning.

Does it evaporate quickly?

It evaporates a little bit slower than naphtha, about the same as Stoddard solvent that is usually used in parts washers. Mineral spirits is the cheap paint thinner in plastic jugs you find where house paint is sold and around here costs a little more than half what parts washing solvent from an oil company does. It works as good as anything you can buy.

I've purchased Stoddard solvent from NAPA in a 5 gallon can which lasts me many many years. I thought Stoddard solvent contained a trace of oil/rust preventive substance, whereas mineral spirits, naphtha and other 'thinners' will leave steel surfaces unprotected from immediate surface rust. But, according to this wiki, Stoddard solvent IS mineral spirits: White Spirits That makes it easy for me to now buy in smaller quantities, like hardware store quarts and gallons. I usually wash the solvent off in hot water anyway and then apply a light oil to prevent rust if that's a concern.

I think that when we had a Safety Clean washer at the shop they either added or the solvent already had a little oil in it. I know I've heard of people adding some oil to the solvent. One of the reasons for this is that when you inevitably get it on your hands it's not so rough on them, but the rust preventive issue sounds reasonable too.

I used to put drivelines in the washer and wash the U-joints, then let it soak in overnight. The solvent and oil worked at least as good a WD-40, because they came apart nicely the next day.

Mineral spirits it is. Any idea of type of oil and mix percentage?

Buy the 5 gallon pail at any corner parts store. About $5 a gallon probably more. I've heard the raves about HF stuff but like you I KNOW its water based and poor quality. Kerosene would be my next bet but it stinks...

I used Varsol in a small washer in an outside shed, but want to bring the washer into my heated garage for winter projects.

The garage is attached to the house.

Should I be concerned about the flammability?

I'd pour a half cup into a coffee can....can as in metal....ourside on the driveway away from everything drop a lit match into the can. If it ignites, i wouldn't use it near any source of flame. THAT INCLUDES pilot lights on furnaces, water heaters and stoves. Fumes travel downward...at least most of the flammable do.

FWIW inflammable means the same thing as flammable...I always like to add a Mr Wizard tid bit when I can.:thumbsup: