Best Gun Lubricant?

Sweeper · July 30, 2001, 05:08 PM

I have been told that Militec-1 and TW-25B are some of the best firearms lubricants; which one is considered best or are there others which are better? I noticed that Militec-1 is manufactured by a knife company while TW-25B is made by a company that makes firearms cleaning supplies. Any thoughts?

Ed2 · July 30, 2001, 07:15 PM

I've alwaysed used Breakfree. It's a good all purpose cleaner and lubricant - but a buddy of mine who knows about chemicals said it doesnt protect the gun like oil. It's great stuff for cleaning and lubing tho.

ATTICUS · July 30, 2001, 08:52 PM

Breakfree CLP= Cleans + Lubricates + Protects

From what I've seen first hand, and from studies I've read, it does all three very well. There may be better things, but we're splittin hairs here.

GrantLee63 · July 30, 2001, 08:52 PM

BALLISTOL !

waltherpfive · July 30, 2001, 09:25 PM

EEZOX Cleans + Lubricates + Protects

Gewehr98 · July 30, 2001, 09:39 PM

Smells kinda iffy, but it holds up really well in my 1911's, Luger, S&W M-52, Buckmark, Steyr-Hahn, and Czech CZ-52. I noticed after a couple seasons of IPSC that my Limited Class gun's frame rails didn't show quite the amount of wear they had when I was just using Breakfree CLP before.

Sling Shot · July 30, 2001, 10:08 PM

Since this is a best lubricant thread, my vote is grease.

Eezox: It could very well be the best stuff on the planet, but it smells like you know what, and it really does make me sick inhaling the vapors of Eezox. I tried it one time, and threw the whole dang bottle in the trash.

Breakfree: When did they change the color to a faded out very light green color. It used to be a faded out very light yellow color. I guess it was when they changed the formula to smell better. And I am getting tired of shaking the heck out of the stuff every time I have to use it. Put it in a clear bottle, and you will see what I mean.

Ballistol: I have yet to try this stuff. It might me the best thing since sliced bread. Has anybody tested the rust protection properties of Ballistol yet?

Militec-1: This one always makes me laugh. I bake bread, not guns and knives.
Sling Shot

hlpsr · July 30, 2001, 10:19 PM

I have been using Mobil 1 15-50 or Mobil 1 with 20% STP or Mobil 1 eveywhere but Lubriplate on the rails. All seem to work ok. I don't think using the 20% STP would be wise when using your weapon during cold weather.

blades67 · July 30, 2001, 10:36 PM

CLP/Breakfree. The end.

Clayton · July 30, 2001, 11:12 PM

I've been conducting extensive tests on firearms lubricants for the last seven years, I have tried almost everything out there, and the best products IMHO are:

Break Free CLP - The most tested, and most widely used gun care product in the world, proven safe and effective for all firearms. $6.15 for a 12 ounce can at: www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

Wilson Ultima-Lube oil and grease - The best lube I've ever tested and used. Stays put and lasts a long time, significantly reduces wear and fouling, resists water-washout and high temps. Actually made by a company called Protec, which sells it under it's own label. www.wilsoncombat.com www.ProTecLubricants.com

Other notable products:
Corrosion X www.corrosionx.com
Tetra Gun Grease www.tetraproducts.com
Millcomm/Kleenbore TW-25B Ask drcohen!
Eezox 1-800-462-3331
Shooters Choice/MPC FP-10 www.mpc-home.com www.kleenbore.com
G96 Gun Treatment www.g96products.com

Products that I tested and didn't care for:
Mpro7 Gun Lube
Militec-1
X1R
Rem Oil
Sentry Solutions Smooth Kote

Feel free to E-mail me with questions or data requests

.

JimFromFL · July 31, 2001, 07:11 AM

Tetra Gun Grease for cleaning and lubricating the parts than use a coat of Nyoil to protect the outside when stored.

Sweeper · July 31, 2001, 08:07 AM

I noticed that Breakfree has a couple of products, the one that cleans, lubes and protects, and another that is made exclusively for automatics, Breakfree Lubricant; it doesn't clean, just lubricates and protects. Personally, I prefer to clean with a separate solvent then lubricate. I find it hard to believe you can achieve exellent lubrication qualities with a product that cleans and lubricates at the same time.

LIProgun · July 31, 2001, 08:59 AM

My favorite firearm lubricant is a quality synthetic grease, such as RIG +P Stainless Lube, Gold Wonder Lube, etc.

In the oil catagory, BreakFree CLP and Eezox are my current favorites. FWIW, I actually like the smell of Eezox. Since the formula change I find I don't have to shake BreakFree CLP as much as before.

TW-25B is a good lube too.

I have tried but I have been unimpressed with Militec-1. RemOil is not bad but is a bit thin for my tastes.

Dfariswheel · July 31, 2001, 02:19 PM

On my handguns I've been using Super-Lube. They sell two types: an "oil" that is a thick oil/thin grease. And a heavy grease.
These are clear/white synthetic Teflon bearing lubes. The oil stays put and is good from 60 degrees below to 450 above.
I found this at Lowes and K-Mart in a spray can. The can is labeled as a spray-on grease, but the company describes it as an oil.
For FREE samples of the oil and grease go to:

www.super-lube.com

Lately, I've gone back to CLP Break-free on my AR, but still use grease on other rifles.

Clayton · July 31, 2001, 03:23 PM

FYI- Break Free LP actually scores lower on lubricant wear tests than original Break Free CLP, hard to believe, but true.
I just purchased a new can of Break Free CLP, and it looks and smells the same as a can I bought in 1989. A light amber color. Break Free has a few new products like Extreme Sports Lube and Collector which are a light green color. As long as you shake it before use, it works great. The military had problems with this, particularly with the M60, when I was in, because the troops were too lazy or stupid to shake it before use. Very few people in the service have ever fired a weapon outside of the military.
Super Lube is a pretty good product. It was tested by the 10 SFG in the late 80's, and found to be good in a maritime environment. It doesn't lube as well as Tetra or TW25B, nor does it protect as well as Break Free CLP.

automainea · July 31, 2001, 07:39 PM

sentry solutions

brandon_h3 · July 31, 2001, 10:07 PM

A little super unleaded gas should get them nice and clean.

contender4040 · July 31, 2001, 10:53 PM

Hornady dry-lube has been working well in all of my weapons. Less trouble with the dust and sand out here.

Wild Romanian · August 1, 2001, 07:02 AM

The U.S. military uses break free on its M60 machine guns. I have also used the Military LSA fluid that was originally developed for the M16 rifle. I also grease all pressure points with Lubra-plate. This grease goes all the way back to WWII. It was issued with the MI service rifle. It is extremely waterproof and can be purchased at most bearing houses. W.R.

Steve in PA · August 1, 2001, 01:32 PM

I use Rem Oil w/teflon on all my semi-autos, a little on the end of a q-tip, wipe the rails and other areas and have never had a problem.

KSFreeman · August 1, 2001, 02:17 PM

Kellube. It's made by that father-son gunsmith team in Northern Indiana. It's the only stuff I've found that won't burn off when you shoot all day (6+ hours). I think Springfield still uses it.

Shake · August 1, 2001, 02:34 PM

I've seen other products out there that have as part of their name "CLP". Are these the same as Break Free CLP? Or is the original the only way to go?

Shake

Clayton · August 1, 2001, 10:59 PM

Break Free CLP is indeed the best "CLP" out there. The current U.S. military issue CLP made by Royal Lubricants doesn't work as well. Break Free CLP has quality control measures and in depth test data far and above the likes of any other product out there. It is currently issued to the military forces of 28 nations, along with hundreds of police departments worldwide. It is compatible, effective, and safe to use on any weapon you have. It is a far better product than Rem Oil, both in the lab and on the street.
The bottom line is, while Break Free CLP isn't the "best" lube out there, it is a sure and safe bet, and the standard by which I personally judge the new products I test.
www.break-free.com

Clayton · August 1, 2001, 11:32 PM

There are many different tests used to determine the lubricity and strength
of oil and grease, which are conducted by private firms like Falex, in
accordince with American Society of Testing Methods standards.
The problem with using data like this is many companies refuse to provide
data(RemOil, G96, Mpro7) while others may use the metric measurements vs.
standard. They don't want you comparing data.
Here's some data on weld load(ASTM-2596, ASTM-2783). The higher the number,
the better the lube:
Break Free CLP--315kg
Tetra Gun Grease--800kg
Militec1--800kg
MilCommTW25B--620kg
Super Lube--250kg
ShootersChoice(MPC) FP-10--720kg

Here's some wear test data(ASTM-4172). The smaller the number, the better
the lube:
Break Free CLP .8mm
MilCommTW25B .042mm
CorrosionX .58mm

Here's some corrosion resistance test data(ASTM-1748). The higher the
number, the better the protection:
Break Free CLP- 900
CorrosionX- 1160

There are several other tests, but the results are similar. Remember,
however, that lab tests do not always predict real world performance. There
are trade offs as well. There are no products that are the best at
everything, so you must decide what is most important on the weapon being
used, as well as the environmental conditions being encountered. Glock's
require only moderate corrosion protection, so Tetra Grease would be good, as would TW25B.
Blued firearms like say a Marlin lever action rifle, or parkerized weapons
like a Mossberg 590 would benifit most by using Corrosion X.
The best protectant available is Corrosion X. The best lubes available are
Tetra Gun Grease, MilComm(Kleenbore) TW25B, and Wilson Combat(Protec) Ultima
lube oil and grease.
I use Wilson's Ultima Lube because it protects well, lubes great, stays
were you put it, doesn't evaporate or wear off, and it remains visible for
easy inspection. Lubes like Tetra and TW25B are all but invisible when
applied, which makes it hard to determine the condition of your weapon. I
like to be able to see the lubricant on the weapon, or my self esteem tends
to suffer

.

drcohen · August 2, 2001, 09:08 PM

plenty of variety out there ... plenty of opinions. that's good. that means people are thinking.

Clayton appears to have done plenty of homework.

So I guess my choice of TW-25B is justified as a better lube.

Try it for yourself. Good luck.

July 30, 2001, 05:08 PM	#1
Sweeper Junior Member Join Date: July 22, 2001 Posts: 5	Best Gun Lubricant? I have been told that Militec-1 and TW-25B are some of the best firearms lubricants; which one is considered best or are there others which are better? I noticed that Militec-1 is manufactured by a knife company while TW-25B is made by a company that makes firearms cleaning supplies. Any thoughts?

July 30, 2001, 08:52 PM	#4
GrantLee63 Member Join Date: April 27, 2001 Location: Hometown of Henry Ford USA Posts: 83	BALLISTOL ! __________________ "Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool" -Unknown

July 30, 2001, 09:39 PM	#6
Gewehr98 Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2000 Location: Token Creek, WI Posts: 4,067	Been using TW-25B for about 8 years... Smells kinda iffy, but it holds up really well in my 1911's, Luger, S&W M-52, Buckmark, Steyr-Hahn, and Czech CZ-52. I noticed after a couple seasons of IPSC that my Limited Class gun's frame rails didn't show quite the amount of wear they had when I was just using Breakfree CLP before. __________________ "Bother", said Pooh, as he chambered another round... Neural Misfires

July 30, 2001, 10:36 PM	#9
blades67 Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 1999 Location: Chandler, Arizona, USA Posts: 6,014	CLP/Breakfree. The end. __________________ Guns cause crime like spoons cause Rosie O'Donnell to be fat! I hunt, therefore I am.

July 30, 2001, 11:12 PM	#10
Clayton Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 2001 Location: Bentonville, Arkansas Posts: 268	I've been conducting extensive tests on firearms lubricants for the last seven years, I have tried almost everything out there, and the best products IMHO are: Break Free CLP - The most tested, and most widely used gun care product in the world, proven safe and effective for all firearms. $6.15 for a 12 ounce can at: www.midsouthshooterssupply.com Wilson Ultima-Lube oil and grease - The best lube I've ever tested and used. Stays put and lasts a long time, significantly reduces wear and fouling, resists water-washout and high temps. Actually made by a company called Protec, which sells it under it's own label. www.wilsoncombat.com www.ProTecLubricants.com Other notable products: Corrosion X www.corrosionx.com Tetra Gun Grease www.tetraproducts.com Millcomm/Kleenbore TW-25B Ask drcohen! Eezox 1-800-462-3331 Shooters Choice/MPC FP-10 www.mpc-home.com www.kleenbore.com G96 Gun Treatment www.g96products.com Products that I tested and didn't care for: Mpro7 Gun Lube Militec-1 X1R Rem Oil Sentry Solutions Smooth Kote Feel free to E-mail me with questions or data requests . Last edited by Clayton; August 1, 2001 at 11:50 PM.

July 30, 2001, 07:15 PM	#2
Ed2 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2001 Posts: 119	I've alwaysed used Breakfree. It's a good all purpose cleaner and lubricant - but a buddy of mine who knows about chemicals said it doesnt protect the gun like oil. It's great stuff for cleaning and lubing tho.

July 30, 2001, 08:52 PM	#3
ATTICUS Senior Member Join Date: June 7, 1999 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 2,100	Breakfree CLP= Cleans + Lubricates + Protects From what I've seen first hand, and from studies I've read, it does all three very well. There may be better things, but we're splittin hairs here.

July 30, 2001, 09:25 PM	#5
waltherpfive Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2001 Location: TN Posts: 129	EEZOX Cleans + Lubricates + Protects

July 30, 2001, 10:08 PM	#7
Sling Shot Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2000 Posts: 315	Since this is a best lubricant thread, my vote is grease. Eezox: It could very well be the best stuff on the planet, but it smells like you know what, and it really does make me sick inhaling the vapors of Eezox. I tried it one time, and threw the whole dang bottle in the trash. Breakfree: When did they change the color to a faded out very light green color. It used to be a faded out very light yellow color. I guess it was when they changed the formula to smell better. And I am getting tired of shaking the heck out of the stuff every time I have to use it. Put it in a clear bottle, and you will see what I mean. Ballistol: I have yet to try this stuff. It might me the best thing since sliced bread. Has anybody tested the rust protection properties of Ballistol yet? Militec-1: This one always makes me laugh. I bake bread, not guns and knives. Sling Shot

July 30, 2001, 10:19 PM	#8
hlpsr Member Join Date: November 12, 1999 Location: IL. Posts: 25	I have been using Mobil 1 15-50 or Mobil 1 with 20% STP or Mobil 1 eveywhere but Lubriplate on the rails. All seem to work ok. I don't think using the 20% STP would be wise when using your weapon during cold weather.

July 31, 2001, 07:11 AM	#11
JimFromFL Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2001 Posts: 185	Tetra Gun Grease for cleaning and lubricating the parts than use a coat of Nyoil to protect the outside when stored.

July 31, 2001, 08:07 AM	#12
Sweeper Junior Member Join Date: July 22, 2001 Posts: 5	I noticed that Breakfree has a couple of products, the one that cleans, lubes and protects, and another that is made exclusively for automatics, Breakfree Lubricant; it doesn't clean, just lubricates and protects. Personally, I prefer to clean with a separate solvent then lubricate. I find it hard to believe you can achieve exellent lubrication qualities with a product that cleans and lubricates at the same time.

July 31, 2001, 08:59 AM	#13
LIProgun Senior Member Join Date: August 27, 2000 Location: Hudson Valley, NY Posts: 489	My favorite firearm lubricant is a quality synthetic grease, such as RIG +P Stainless Lube, Gold Wonder Lube, etc. In the oil catagory, BreakFree CLP and Eezox are my current favorites. FWIW, I actually like the smell of Eezox. Since the formula change I find I don't have to shake BreakFree CLP as much as before. TW-25B is a good lube too. I have tried but I have been unimpressed with Militec-1. RemOil is not bad but is a bit thin for my tastes. __________________ MOLON LABE. - Leonidas of Sparta, 480 B.C.

July 31, 2001, 02:19 PM	#14
Dfariswheel Senior Member Join Date: May 4, 2001 Posts: 7,478	On my handguns I've been using Super-Lube. They sell two types: an "oil" that is a thick oil/thin grease. And a heavy grease. These are clear/white synthetic Teflon bearing lubes. The oil stays put and is good from 60 degrees below to 450 above. I found this at Lowes and K-Mart in a spray can. The can is labeled as a spray-on grease, but the company describes it as an oil. For FREE samples of the oil and grease go to: www.super-lube.com Lately, I've gone back to CLP Break-free on my AR, but still use grease on other rifles.

July 31, 2001, 03:23 PM	#15
Clayton Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 2001 Location: Bentonville, Arkansas Posts: 268	FYI- Break Free LP actually scores lower on lubricant wear tests than original Break Free CLP, hard to believe, but true. I just purchased a new can of Break Free CLP, and it looks and smells the same as a can I bought in 1989. A light amber color. Break Free has a few new products like Extreme Sports Lube and Collector which are a light green color. As long as you shake it before use, it works great. The military had problems with this, particularly with the M60, when I was in, because the troops were too lazy or stupid to shake it before use. Very few people in the service have ever fired a weapon outside of the military. Super Lube is a pretty good product. It was tested by the 10 SFG in the late 80's, and found to be good in a maritime environment. It doesn't lube as well as Tetra or TW25B, nor does it protect as well as Break Free CLP.

July 31, 2001, 07:39 PM	#16
automainea Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2001 Posts: 105	sentry solutions

July 31, 2001, 10:07 PM	#17
brandon_h3 Junior member Join Date: June 3, 2001 Posts: 226	A little super unleaded gas should get them nice and clean.

July 31, 2001, 10:53 PM	#18
contender4040 Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2001 Location: texas Posts: 240	Hornady dry-lube has been working well in all of my weapons. Less trouble with the dust and sand out here.

August 1, 2001, 07:02 AM	#19
Wild Romanian Junior member Join Date: April 10, 2001 Posts: 448	The U.S. military uses break free on its M60 machine guns. I have also used the Military LSA fluid that was originally developed for the M16 rifle. I also grease all pressure points with Lubra-plate. This grease goes all the way back to WWII. It was issued with the MI service rifle. It is extremely waterproof and can be purchased at most bearing houses. W.R.

August 1, 2001, 01:32 PM	#20
Steve in PA Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 1999 Location: Northeastern PA Posts: 756	I use Rem Oil w/teflon on all my semi-autos, a little on the end of a q-tip, wipe the rails and other areas and have never had a problem. __________________ Steve

August 1, 2001, 02:17 PM	#21
KSFreeman Senior Member Join Date: June 9, 2001 Location: Lafayette, Indiana--American-occupied America Posts: 5,418	Kellube. It's made by that father-son gunsmith team in Northern Indiana. It's the only stuff I've found that won't burn off when you shoot all day (6+ hours). I think Springfield still uses it.

August 1, 2001, 02:34 PM	#22
Shake Senior Member Join Date: September 5, 1999 Location: Utah Posts: 1,004	I've seen other products out there that have as part of their name "CLP". Are these the same as Break Free CLP? Or is the original the only way to go? Shake __________________ “The object of war is not to die for your country, but to make some other bastard die for his.” -George Patton

August 1, 2001, 10:59 PM	#23
Clayton Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 2001 Location: Bentonville, Arkansas Posts: 268	Break Free CLP is indeed the best "CLP" out there. The current U.S. military issue CLP made by Royal Lubricants doesn't work as well. Break Free CLP has quality control measures and in depth test data far and above the likes of any other product out there. It is currently issued to the military forces of 28 nations, along with hundreds of police departments worldwide. It is compatible, effective, and safe to use on any weapon you have. It is a far better product than Rem Oil, both in the lab and on the street. The bottom line is, while Break Free CLP isn't the "best" lube out there, it is a sure and safe bet, and the standard by which I personally judge the new products I test. www.break-free.com Last edited by Clayton; August 4, 2001 at 01:15 PM.

August 1, 2001, 11:32 PM	#24
Clayton Senior Member Join Date: July 27, 2001 Location: Bentonville, Arkansas Posts: 268	There are many different tests used to determine the lubricity and strength of oil and grease, which are conducted by private firms like Falex, in accordince with American Society of Testing Methods standards. The problem with using data like this is many companies refuse to provide data(RemOil, G96, Mpro7) while others may use the metric measurements vs. standard. They don't want you comparing data. Here's some data on weld load(ASTM-2596, ASTM-2783). The higher the number, the better the lube: Break Free CLP--315kg Tetra Gun Grease--800kg Militec1--800kg MilCommTW25B--620kg Super Lube--250kg ShootersChoice(MPC) FP-10--720kg Here's some wear test data(ASTM-4172). The smaller the number, the better the lube: Break Free CLP .8mm MilCommTW25B .042mm CorrosionX .58mm Here's some corrosion resistance test data(ASTM-1748). The higher the number, the better the protection: Break Free CLP- 900 CorrosionX- 1160 There are several other tests, but the results are similar. Remember, however, that lab tests do not always predict real world performance. There are trade offs as well. There are no products that are the best at everything, so you must decide what is most important on the weapon being used, as well as the environmental conditions being encountered. Glock's require only moderate corrosion protection, so Tetra Grease would be good, as would TW25B. Blued firearms like say a Marlin lever action rifle, or parkerized weapons like a Mossberg 590 would benifit most by using Corrosion X. The best protectant available is Corrosion X. The best lubes available are Tetra Gun Grease, MilComm(Kleenbore) TW25B, and Wilson Combat(Protec) Ultima lube oil and grease. I use Wilson's Ultima Lube because it protects well, lubes great, stays were you put it, doesn't evaporate or wear off, and it remains visible for easy inspection. Lubes like Tetra and TW25B are all but invisible when applied, which makes it hard to determine the condition of your weapon. I like to be able to see the lubricant on the weapon, or my self esteem tends to suffer . Last edited by Clayton; August 2, 2001 at 11:45 PM.

August 2, 2001, 09:08 PM	#25
drcohen Member Join Date: February 22, 2001 Location: NJ Posts: 58	hm... plenty of variety out there ... plenty of opinions. that's good. that means people are thinking. Clayton appears to have done plenty of homework. So I guess my choice of TW-25B is justified as a better lube. Try it for yourself. Good luck.