[Closed] Plusgas alternatives

They're quite good for cleaning stuff but not a patch on Plusgas at freeing up seized bits. IME GT85 is better than WD40, still not as good as Plusgas though. Tri-Flow's good if you can get it.

Diesel.

For me 3 in 1 is better than WD40 but the most effective releasing fluid I've found is ATF (auto transmission fluid) + acetone (50/50 mix, shaken (not stirred)).

Edit - The cassette might not be seized in that sense - it might have embedded itself into the freehub (part. if it's a Hope alloy freehub).

As an ex motor mechanic I can categorically say that plain old diesel is the best penetrating oil that was never invented as such.
I've tried all sorts but diesel's the best & cheapest.

They’re quite good for cleaning stuff but not a patch on Plusgas at freeing up seized bits. IME GT85 is better than WD40, still not as good as Plusgas though. Tri-Flow’s good if you can get it.

I assume he means penetrating oils by those brands, not simply the oils.

Indeed, [url= https://www.halfords.com/motoring/engine-oils-fluids/lubricating-penetrating-oil/wd-40-specialist-fast-release-penetrant-250ml ]WD40[/url], and [url= https://www.halfords.com/motoring/engine-oils-fluids/lubricating-penetrating-oil/3-in-one-professional-high-performance-penetrant-spray ]3-in-1[/url].

Never used either though!

I do indeed mean the penetrating fluid variants of 3 in 1 and wd40.  Not the standard shiz.  It’s also not the cassette stuck on the freehub it’s the lock ring.   Just reminded me I needed to stock up on penetrating spray.

If the cassette is stuck on the freehub, it's probably notched and cassette digging into the aluminium rather than seized. Have you tried holding the cassette steady and counter pulling each individual ring with a chain whip? Usually works fro me.

Ive used Tri flow, rocol, plus gas, diesel, 3-1, and a load of other stuff and tbh they are all much of a muchness. Wd40 absolutely fine if you give it time. It was the penetrant of choice when I worked as an aircraft mech disassembling engines. If the lock ring is still being awkward try some Wurth Rost off, which freezes the item to'crack' the corrosion. No cheap though.

I do indeed mean the penetrating fluid variants of 3 in 1 and wd40

My mistake. I've never tried them because I haven't run out of Plusgas!

It’s also not the cassette stuck on the freehub it’s the lock ring.

Can you get a bit of heat on it? You don't have to get it glowing red or anything but I find playing a blowtorch over things works wonders.

Just to reiterate...it’s not the cassette that’s stuck it’s the lock ring!!! Don’t fancy heating it until last resort prefer to try some penetrating oil first.  Not really after advice how to remove it as I have done loads Before.  Pretty sure this will go with some plusgas and persuasive ‘flexing’  diesel is a good shout but will try a tidy can of fluid first.

Was after folks views on suitability of other brands of penetrating fluid other than plusgas, which I only seem to be able to buy online.  Also I don’t mean good old WD40.  I mean their specific stuff

I generally dont notice much of a difference between brands of penetrating fluids. Every one claims to be a wonder fluid.

Diesel and ATF or diesel and acetone in a bottle is a good cheap DIY.

Cassette lockrings are not normally a corrosion issue, over tightened is common.

I like Pedros Vice Whip for security, holding the vice whip and lockring tool 180 apart, parallel to the ground, raising the everything and slamming it into the ground often cracks tight ones loose. Alternatively a pair of section of scaffold pole or similiar will unwind most things (or destroy the tools/cassette splines)

If its mega tight bolting the cassette tool on can prevent it twisting out.

1/2" Impact gun can be good for shocking them off.