Results of some informal rust testing I did last winter.

[briansmithwins]

Results of some rust testing I did last winter. Samples were cleaned parkerized clips. Lubes are (left to right) CLP, LSA, Swiss rifle grease, Mobil 1 (10-50wt,) ATF, Machine Gunner's Lube, and the control sample.

Didn't test for lubricating properties as I don't have the tools. BSW

Day one with everything all nice and clean.


After 10 days of being outside and sprayed with 5% salt water once a day.


After 21 days outside and being sprayed with 5% salt water once a day.

 

[4Low]

Nice test! Looks like I better stock up on CLP or some of that Swiss grease.

 

[ECVMatt]

That is a very cool test...

Great idea and thanks for the info...

Matt

 

[RichardInFlorida]

Great post! Thanks for taking the time to do this test. I've used CLP for a while, but was wondering if there was something better on the market. Looks like I don't need to change a thing!

--Richard

 

[goon]

For being cheap and something I already have around, motor oil doesn't seem to have fared all that poorly either.

 

[Slamfire]

I am surprised Mobil 1 and ATF did as well as pictured. The reason is, one is a lubricant, and the other a hydralic fluid. And they do that job very well indeed. But these were not designed as anti corrosive fluids.

It is the additives that prevent oxygen migration through the base oil. So you need to look for stuff that is labled "anti rust", or "anti corrosion"

Some of the absolute best anticorrosion products are found in Marine/Boating supply stores.

Like CRC Heavy Duty Corrosion Inibitor. Sprays on, and it becomes a sticky gooey surface barrier.

CLP ( Mil PRF 63460) is only intended for short surface protection, and not under severe conditions. If you want to look at the spec, click on the URL and open REV E. http://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/basic_profile.cfm?ident_number=31359

 

[Chipperman]

Very Nice!
A simple and elegant experiment.

 

[rangerruck]

next, get you some EEzox, and test it against the grease, and the clp.

 

[35 Whelen]

I know a gunsmith in this area who HATES CLP. "Why?", you ask? Because he says it is extremely difficult to get off the metal prior to bluing. Of course that's good if you're lubricating or trying to prevent rust.
Several years ago Gun Test magazine performed an extreme salt water rust test with several different rust inhibitors. I don't remember the wons that didn't work, but I distinctly remember the two best; they were Hoppe's Gun Grease (second best), and everyday petroleum jelly or Vaseline as we know it (best).
35W

 

[sweetbeard]

I only use clp.. thx for that!

 

[Monkeybear]

I use CLP. I always wondered what would happen if one day I ran out. Would I buy another bottle or would I research and seek out a better product.

I have only had the same bottle for three years so I won't be running out anytime soon, but if I did I can now safely commit to another bottle.