All you need to know about degreasing agents

Why use degreaser ?

Our mechanical parts are put to a severe test and can rust or seize up over time.

Moisture can cause rust on unprotected metal parts, but corrosion can also result from the use of chemical products. Salt, for example, can accelerate wear on metal.

The term "seizure" refers to the fact that a part or mechanism becomes difficult or impossible to move and jams. Excessive friction or a lack of lubrication can cause seizure.
The accumulation of dirt can also hinder the movement of parts until they jam completely.
Of course, normal wear and tear of a part can also lead to seizure.

When is a degreaser used ?

Degreasing agents are used in a variety of situations, generally on mechanical parts that are jammed, rusted or seized up.

Here are a few situations where the use of a rust remover is recommended : 

Are your parts rusty ? 

Metal parts exposed to humidity or corrosive environments can rust over time. The rust remover helps to penetrate the rust and free the parts without requiring excessive force, which could damage the components.

As well as freeing parts, some degreasers offer protection against future corrosion, which is useful for parts exposed to harsh environmental conditions.

Are your parts seized up ?

When a bolt or nut is stuck and can't be unscrewed with standard tools, applying a degreaser can make it easier to free by lubricating and reducing friction.

Locks, hinges, chains, gears and other mechanisms that no longer move freely because of dirt build-up, corrosion or wear can be restored to working order with a degreaser.

Do you need to maintain your parts ?

Although this is not their main use, degreasers can also be used to clean certain metal surfaces by removing grease, gum, wax and other substances.

Regular use of degreasing agents on mechanical parts can prevent them from seizing or corroding, making maintenance easier and extending the life of equipment.

Many parts are likely to require the use of a degreasing agent: nuts, bolts, screws, conveyors, hoses, axles, pulleys, etc.

How do you choose your degreaser ?

Choosing a degreaser depends on a number of factors and the characteristics of your situation.

First of all, you choose a degreaser according to the material of the part to be repaired. Some degreasers have specific formulas for particular materials.

For metal, a material likely to develop corrosion and requiring optimum lubrication, an oil-based seizing remover should be chosen.

For plastics, it is advisable to use a non-aggressive degreaser to avoid damaging the material. A silicone-based degreaser will not attack the plastic and guarantees good lubrication.

Degreasers recommended for plastic are also recommended for rubber, as they won't damage it and can even revitalise it.

As a general rule, before applying a new degreaser to a large surface, it's a good idea to test it on a small area to make sure there's no negative reaction.

Always read the instructions and warnings provided by the manufacturer of the degreaser to check its compatibility with different materials.

The WD 40 range

You've already heard of them, but some products stand out from the crowd and are recognised as the benchmark in de-sealing. We're talking, of course, about the WD40 range, with the super-sealer and the multi-purpose product.

WD40 Super Sealer 

This WD 40 product has won over the general public thanks to a multitude of applications and benefits.

This product is used in difficult cases where rust or corrosion are in an advanced state. It is water-resistant and can be used on all metals and most surface paints.
It penetrates quickly and frees components from possible seizure.

We recommend using wd 40 for temperatures between -20 and 90°. WD40 guarantees 30% corrosion protection in 72 hours.
This product from the Specialist range is used on a wide range of parts, from nuts, bolts and bearings to axles, conveyors and pulleys.

The multifunctional WD 40

This product has 5 different uses: anti-humidity, anti-corrosion, de-seizing, cleaning and lubricating.

Multifunction WD40 is extremely fluid, allowing it to quickly penetrate any metal part and penetrate rust and corrosion to free up jammed mechanisms.
Its ability to adapt to the metal and its lubricating properties then ensure that the part works properly.

Protection against the ingress of moisture is ensured thanks to the adhesion promised by the multi-function: it covers surfaces completely, protects against oxidation and eliminates short-circuits caused by moisture. This anti-corrosion application is both long-lasting and preventive.

In addition to these functions, it can be used as a cleaner to remove grease or glue stains from all metal or plastic surfaces, all without depositing corrosive agents.

It can also be used as a lubricant, with no silicone or other additives, promising clean lubrication without leaving any dust or dirt behind.

Technically, it is preferable to use it on surfaces with a temperature (during use) of between -50° and +150°. It has a viscosity of 2.5 cst at 40° and a flash point of 43° in a closed vessel.

It is insoluble and has a maximum volatility of 70%.