What should I do with all this 3-in-1 oil?
09-10-13, 02:06 PM
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What should I do with all this 3-in-1 oil?
I just found at least 400 - 500 ml or this stuff in my basement. What should I do with it? I guess it would be okay for drive chain use, should I mix it with something like mineral oil or finishline wet or superlube? I just don't know 
09-10-13, 02:49 PM
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Oil every hinge and door lock in your neighborhood? Wipe a light coating on all of your and your friends tools to rust proof them?
Don't mix it with any commercial lube.
Don't mix it with any commercial lube.
09-10-13, 03:08 PM
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I remember reading that 3-1 is mainly vegetable oil and isn't good for chains. Can't remember the exact reason but it was said not to use it on a bike.
09-10-13, 03:20 PM
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3 in 1 is a spindle oil with very small quantities of rust inhibitor and citronella oil added. It is fine to use on chains, etc, but there are better lubes, as spindle oil is very low viscosity and it will run of easily.
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09-10-13, 03:44 PM
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Which version of 3-in-1? As I recall there is a vegetable oil based general purpose version and a mineral oil based version for motors.
09-10-13, 04:06 PM
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09-10-13, 05:21 PM
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I use it on my bicycle chains pretty often. Actually like it more than Finish Line Ceramic and a few other bike-specific lubes. It gets the chain pretty quiet and keeps it that way for 100+ miles. The trick is to warm it up before applying (put it in a jar, fill jar with hot water, wait for a few minutes) and wipe off really good once applied. Best yet, give it a final wipe with an alcohol-soaked paper towel. This keeps the outside of the chain shiny while leaving the oil where you need it.
Also it seems to work as a pretty good rust preventative for naked steel.
Also it seems to work as a pretty good rust preventative for naked steel.
09-10-13, 07:59 PM
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Your bike chain, doors, oil your tools......All things others have mentioned. If I had a power lawn mower I'd probably just add it to the crankcase the next oil change (or 2-3 if you don't want to use it all at one time due to thinner viscosity).
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09-10-13, 08:36 PM
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Ack. I'd leave it on the shelf before putting it on bike chains or in my lawn mower. It's not hurting anything just sitting there on the shelf.
09-10-13, 09:36 PM
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Let me guess.....you're a roadie!!!
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09-10-13, 09:54 PM
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You can use to oil your pump cup.
09-10-13, 10:05 PM
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First time I've ever been accused of being a roadie. What would that have to do with anything?
09-10-13, 10:33 PM
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Andy.
09-10-13, 10:38 PM
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To really give my answer to the OP's question- I would use the 3in1 oil in non bike applications. Whether it's the red or black cans. Do household stuff with it. It is not a value question, no cost to the OP if I understand the situation. Give some away to friends. Bring some to work. But there are so many better bike lubes out there that are known quantities... Andy.
09-11-13, 05:28 AM
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No offense meant.
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09-11-13, 07:45 AM
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09-11-13, 01:26 PM
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I tried it on my drive chain yesterday, rode 12 miles. So far so good, I know it probably isn't the best lube out there; I have seen much worse though. It is only a $17 chain, nit much to lose buy trying it I guess.
FWIW, I think this stuff is at least 20 + years old it is very thick, and contains petroleum distillates
I suspect it is vegetable oil.
FWIW, I think this stuff is at least 20 + years old it is very thick, and contains petroleum distillates
I suspect it is vegetable oil.
09-11-13, 02:09 PM
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I tried it on my drive chain yesterday, rode 12 miles. So far so good, I know it probably isn't the best lube out there; I have seen much worse though. It is only a $17 chain, nit much to lose buy trying it I guess.
FWIW, I think this stuff is at least 20 + years old it is very thick, and contains petroleum distillates I suspect it is vegetable oil.
FWIW, I think this stuff is at least 20 + years old it is very thick, and contains petroleum distillates
I suspect it is vegetable oil.Another use for it is to lubricate the nipples on a spoke during wheel building.
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Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
