Office of Steam Forum for Model & Toy Steam Gas & Hot Air Engines

Just out of interest what do you use to protect the steel bits and pieces of your engines and accessories from rust? I've just been cleaning all mine and some haven't been touched for a few years. I live right on the ocean and nothing had rusted and I was happy to see that when I took them down from shelves.
I use a mixture of G96 gun oil and Ballistol, I have the mixture in a small glass bottle and use an artist brush to apply.The G96 makes the Ballistol smell a lot nicer
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

I'm also in favor of Ballistol, but for chroom, WD40 is better.

I once had a severe discussion with a german, who claimed that Ballistol would attack nickel.
But up until now, I still disagree with him on the theme.

I test and use, if all is ok, Diala oil.  Very fine, lite, and pure oil.  Extremely
high vapor temp.  I also use it as a cooling agent for cutting agates on
my 10" diamond saw.  It is also used as a coolant in large transformers.
Good stuff. Feels right.

Wayne

I use mineral oil from a pharmacy, the kind you could drink as a laxative. It's fragrance free and nontoxic. 100 percent clear.

I'm with Jim in using Ballistol and G96 but not mixed together - even with increased humidity I've never had a problem.

Ballistol for me.  Smell dissipates after an hour or so (thankfully!)

Great stuff, but that initial smell

I will admit ballistol does smell a bit.

Duck oil made by DEB (the Swarfega people) or WD40.

Pete I have used WD40 also mate and it does a good job also and it smells nice compared to ballistol.