Is Vegetable Oil a Good Lube?
When it comes to lubrication solutions, vegetable oil is often overlooked as a potential lubricant. But is it a good choice for your lubing needs?
The Pros of Vegetable Oil Lubrication
- Available Everywhere: Vegetable oil can be found in most kitchen cupboards, which makes it easy to source when in need.
- Inexpensive: As far as common lubricants go, vegetable oil is among the most affordable.
- Multifunctional: Vegetable oil can be used in many different applications, from lubricating doors and hinges to machine parts and tools.
The Cons of Vegetable Oil Lubrication
- Biodegradable: Although this is a benefit in some cases, vegetable oil will biodegrade over time which reduces its effectiveness.
- Non-waterproof: Vegetable oil is also not waterproof, and may need to be reapplied in wet or damp conditions.
- Not Temperature Resistant: Vegetable oil will break down at higher temperatures, which limits its use in engines or other applications where high temperatures are present.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, vegetable oil can be a useful and convenient lubricant for many applications. However, its biodegradable and non-waterproof nature mean it is not suitable for all lubrication needs. If you require something more durable and temperature resistant, then you may need to look for an alternative lubricant.
