Vegetable Oil as a Lubricant
Vegetable oil has a range of uses in the kitchen, but its benefits stretch even further – in this article, we’ll discuss using vegetable oil as a lubricant.
Why Use Vegetable Oil?
Vegetable oil is known to be safe and nontoxic. It is also cheaper than synthetic lubricants. As such, it is often used as an alternative to traditional lubricants.
Applications
Vegetable oil has a range of applications:
- Home – it is often used for door hinges, drawer slides and locks.
- Automotive – it can be used for the battery terminals, spark plugs, and other parts.
- Industrial – it can be used for machines and tools.
Drawbacks
However, vegetable oil has several drawbacks as a lubricant. It is hydroscopic and low in viscosity, meaning that it can attract dirt and dust, reducing its lubrication quality. It is also prone to oxidation, and its consistency can change over time.
Conclusion
Vegetable oil is an attractive alternative to more expensive synthetic lubricants. However, its drawbacks mean that it is often not the optimal choice for certain applications. In summary, although vegetable oil can be a suitable lubricant in certain scenarios, it may not be the most appropriate solution for everyone’s needs.
