Is there a Canadian alternative to 3-in-1 oil? I am looking for a thin, protecting lubricant for my small tools.
For me, there’s nothing wrong with some used light motor oil. Can’t use it if your car is a diesel. Also consider rustproofing oils, with a rubon/off coating. I’m trying linseed oil as a natural alternative to motor oil but even boiled it sets up so it needs to be a crazy thin coat.
Umm linseed oil is an oxidizing oil and therefore not a good choice (Edit: for anywhere lube is needed, it works great as rustproofing on bridges/machinery castings/anything that doesn’t move) since as you’ve found, it will ALWAYS harden… I think the boiling (chemical additive these days 99% of the time) just makes it harden faster/at colder temps?
Ballistol Universal Oil is German or Austrian I think and works great in place of 3 in 1 and many more spots. Thousand and 1 uses, also great for sewing machine oil.
Although it can be tricky to find everywhere, most sporting goods shops with a hunting section will have it, or Canadian Tire does. Comes in spray or liquid. Ask your local hardware store to start carrying it!
I’ve never tried this myself, but 3-in-1 is a naptha-based oil mixture. I wonder if a valve oil for brass instruments would work. It’s usually thin, is petroleum based, and often has anti-corrosive compounds.
Another option could be common mineral oil.
And a final thought, if your tools are in a box, camphor tablets are supposed to be able to protect tools by interacting with the oxygen and depositing a protective layer as it sublimates.
I don’t know which of these are specifically Canadian, but you should be able to find non-American options.
