Are oils created equal?
 

Hello expert resource folks! I looked through several pages of past threads but couldn't quite find the answer to this. I found TriFlow aerosol at Mills Fleet Farm, (thank you MacyBaby) but not a TriFlow oil. I have 3-In-1 brand light machine oil and Singer sewing machine oil, both new (well probably from the 80's) and old that came with my 1947 Singer. Does machine oil go bad? Are all of these good for cleaning & de-gunking? I'm not up to refinishing with the naptha & linseed oil & all yet. I just want to not wreck my machines by cleaning. Dumb q's but ya gotta start somewhere. Thanks!

No such thing as a dumb question once asked.

I have not used the aerosol version (and won't because I only want product not product and carrier AND i want to control where it goes)

3-in-1 is NOT ok for sewing machines because it is too thick and dries with heavy residue

Sewing machine oil can go bad. It does not last long enough in my house to do so, but i have been told any product using organic compounds can "rot"

I use Sewing machine old exclusively for cleaning my machines. My collection is all 1901 and earlier machines and I will NOT use chemicals on them if I can possibly avoid it.

I use Tri-Flow liquid exclusively for lubricating my machines. In MY opinion the long term effects of tri-flow will be superior to the long term effects of oil (Oil dries to varnish - not a lubricant, Tri-Flow dries to teflon- still a lubricant)

I buy my Sewing machine oil on 1 quart bottles. I found out about the bulk size when Heather got her 1946 Singer industrial which actually has an oil pan and pump to constantly oil it as it runs. WAYYYYYY cheaper that way.

Are oils created equal?

Short answer = no.

Long answer = I agree with Steve.
Although I use any sewing machine oil I find old or new for cleaning. I use new SM oil for motors that require oil, and Tri-Flow oil and grease for oiling the machines.
I use Singer Motor Lube in the tube grease for Singer motors.

Joe

Thanks!!! I'm glad I asked before starting. Now I have to find a local supplier. I know I can order online but would prefer to get a local source. So I'll stick with sewing machine oil to start and keep looking for TriFlow oil.

Grey,

Try any bicycle shops in your area. Those in my area stock Tri-Flow oil.

Joe

I used the aerosol Tri Flow on my exercise bike. I'm not sure I want that spray on the sewing machines though.

I found the aerosol at my local ACE hardware. Of course, sew classic sells it too.

I believe I bought mine at Sew Classic. I understand wanting to buy locally and encourage it. Let me know if you find a source in our area.

Grey Q and Liking Quilting; Try a local bicycle shop. They are likely to have Tri Flow.

Hooray for shopping local. I applaud you.

On a related note (to the SM oil question), does anyone have any experience with liquid graphite?

I got tires of buying mine one at a time and so I bought some 2oz bottles on EBay (5 @ 3.99 ea + no shipping or tax, on sale, normally 4.99 ea)

Please do NOT use that 3-in-1 oil on a sewing machine! It will gunk up the parts over time and the parts will need a kerosene bath. That is a lot of work since you have to take the machine apart and then later put it back together. If your parts are sticky on that machine, suspect previous use of that oil.

Are you talking about the Tri-Flow aerosol in a tall black plastic bottle? I LOVE that stuff! It has saved me so much work on machines. It is very fine and can get into smaller spaces than other forms of oil. Spray it, aiming carefully, and let it sit. Come back later and your problem just may be solved. It has unfrozen a number of machines for me.

Yes, oil can go bad. You can probably use the old Singer oil for cleaning the outside - test first. Throw out that 3-in-1 oil. I would just assume it's bad, and plus, you don't want it around sewing machines. Don't even think of using WD40.

yes. Bike store is where I got my triflow. It's not really expensive. Maybe like $3.99.

At first, I only had Singer sewing machine oil on hand so that's what I've always used for oiling & cleaning. Until I was introduced to this board, I didn't even know there was anything besides Singer machine oil. Then I started looking for TriFlow and got waylaid by a store clerk who said she used 3-In-1 on her sewing machine all the time. I saw on some post that TriFlow grease was needed for certain parts but Sew Classic is out of stock so I've been trying to find it locally. So before I switched to anything besides sewing machine oil, I wanted to double check with the experts. I have one more place to check but will likely order it online. Now that I'm reassured that I can do a lot with the sewing machine oil, I won't procrastinate any more and I'll get started on my 1947 Singer which just needs some light cleaning & oiling. I appreciate all the great information.

check your local bike store. that's where i got my triflow teflon oil. (performance bike store).

Please do not use 3in1 on Sewing machines. People who "use it regularly" most likely have never had to clean one that sat for a year or more...

I found Tri-flow at my locally family owned hardware store and they happily ordered 5 bottles for me. Did ask why 5 bottles and I explained that I used it on old sewing machines and they charged less than the bike shop about 25 miles away.

I was cleaning out a cabinet and came across a can of Norton Sharpening Stone Oil. Safe for kitchen use - but the back says good for lubricating lots of things, power tools, other things and does say sewing machines. It is clear and slippery with almost no odor. I don't need it for my sewing machines but wonder if anyone knows about it?

Most of the bike shops here carry Finish Line instead of TriFLow. And they charge a fortune for both ($9 - 10 for a 2oz bottle)

They swore that the FL is the same and the TF, but I don't know for sure that it is, so don't let someone talk you into the "other". At this point, just use what we know is safe.

Where I get mine locally is Mountain Equipment Co-Op. I think the US equivalent is REI? At MEC, it's $3.75 a bottle for the 2oz bottles, and $8.50 for the 6oz bottle. I don't love the 6oz bottle though. It comes out too fast. I will run out a 2oz bottle and use the 6oz to refill it from now on.

I've seen people use the oil for hair clippers on sewing machines too. Even 3in1 oil used to (still does?) say that it was good for sewing machines. I personally would steer away. Sewing machine oil and TriFlow are cheap - pennies per machine. I would let someone else try it out and have to chisel it if it's no good. ;) I guess I've grown risk adverse in my older age.

Remember that a lot of these products were still being sold in the day when "truth in advertising" was more myth than fact. Most products were advertised as "the greatest" and "useful for everything" "guaranteed not to rust, bust, or collect dust" as it were...

Stick with the TriFlow. On EBay I got 5 bottles of TF for $19.95 + free shipping

Yes I have plenty of TriFlow and know where to get it. The Nortons stuff isn't old. I just forgot about it. I was just curious.