Lubricants & Chemicals

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Lubricants and shop chemicals keep equipment running, protect threads and help machinists cut cleanly. This category includes grease and anti-seize, oils and cutting fluids, and penetrants, cleaners and solvents. Maintenance techs, fleet shops, machine shops and contractors use them for scheduled lubrication, freeing seized parts and cleaning before assembly or painting.

How to choose lubricants and chemicals

  • Start with the equipment manufacturer's recommendation. Use the oil viscosity grade, grease type and NLGI grade called for in the manual. Substituting a different product can shorten component life.
  • Check grease compatibility. Some thickener types do not mix well. When changing grease types, follow the equipment maker's guidance on purging the old grease.
  • Match cutting fluid to the operation. Straight cutting oils, soluble oils, semi-synthetics and synthetics each suit different metals and machines. See oils and cutting fluids and pair them with the right drill bits and cutters.
  • Use anti-seize where parts must come apart. It helps on threads exposed to heat and corrosion. Lubricated threads change the torque to tension relationship, so follow the fastener or equipment maker's torque guidance.
  • Read the safety data sheet. The SDS covers flammability, ventilation, PPE, storage and first aid. Aerosol solvents and cleaners may be flammable and need proper storage.

Shops that use a steady supply of grease cartridges, aerosols and cutting fluid often set up vendor managed inventory so bins are counted and refilled on a schedule. Keep absorbents and spill control near where fluids are stored and used.

Common questions

What does NLGI grade mean for grease?

NLGI grade describes how firm a grease is, from very soft semi-fluid grades to hard block grease. NLGI 2 is a common general purpose grade, but always use the grade your equipment calls for.

Is a penetrating oil the same as a lubricant?

Not exactly. Penetrating oil is thin so it can creep into rusted threads and joints to help free them. It is not made to replace the oil or grease a bearing or gearbox needs for long-term lubrication.

Do I need cutting fluid when drilling steel?

Cutting fluid reduces heat and friction, which helps tool life and finish when drilling and tapping steel and stainless. Some materials, like cast iron, are often cut dry. Follow the tool maker's recommendations for the material.

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