I ran across this a while ago in a post from the TCDXA (Twin City DX Association) The info could prove useful the next time you run across an “impossible to loosen” nut on a tower.

“Machinist’s Workshop” recently published information on various penetrating oils. The magazine reports they tested these products for “break out torque” on rusted nuts and bolts. A subjective test was made of popular penetrating oils, with the unit of merit being the torque required to remove the nut from a “scientifically rusted” bolt.

Average torque load to loosen nut:
No Oil used ……………………516 foot pounds
WD-40 ………………… ……..238 foot pounds
PB Blaster …………………….214 foot pounds
Liquid Wrench ………………….127 foot pounds
Kano Kroil …………………….106 foot pounds
ATF/Acetone mix…………………. 53 foot pounds

The ATF/Acetone mix is a “home brew” mix of 50/50 automatic transmission fluid and acetone. Note this “home brew” released bolts better than any commercial product in this one particular test.

Our local machinist group mixed up a batch, and we all now use it with equally good results. Note also that Liquid Wrench is almost as good as Kroil for 20% of the price.
ATF/Acetone mix is best, but you can also use ATF and lacquer thinner in a 50/50 mix. ATF = Any type of Automatic Transmission Fluid. This was in one of the Military Vehicle Club newsletters. www.homeshopmachinist.net/home

73, Lee ZL2AL