alternatives to CRC 556 ?

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › alternatives to CRC 556 ?

1101

3122 posts

Uber Geek

#293480 25-Jan-2022 10:44

Hi . Any cheap or better alternatives to the old CRC 556 ?

Just to spray my tools (spanners, saws , garden tools etc) to prevent surface rust & give a mild lube for garden shears etc

The 4L of 556 I bought 20+ years ago is now almost all gone. :-)
I dont think I'll buy 4L again . Having a refillable hand spray bottle seemed to be better than aerosol cans though

timmmay

20580 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2856006 25-Jan-2022 10:52

I use a generic silicone spray from the hardware store. Costs about $10.

xpd

Geek @ Coastguard NZ
13765 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2856008 25-Jan-2022 10:53

WD40 ? :)

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

LinkTree

Gordy7

1906 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#2856009 25-Jan-2022 10:54

CRC 2.26 for delicate jobs

CRC 5.56 for run of the mill

WD40 for run of the mill

CRC 66 Marine for heavier jobs

I had a 4L CRC 556 but it is more convenient to use the cans.

Gordy

My first ever AM radio network connection was with a 1MHz AM crystal(OA91) radio receiver.

Inphinity

2780 posts

Uber Geek

#2856015 25-Jan-2022 10:57

If the smell bugs you, the low odour variant seems just as effective in my experience. WD-40 is also good. Not sure about cheaper, most of the budget variants are much the same price as CRC or WD-40 (around $10 - $12 for a ~500ml spray) so haven't bothered with them.

mdf

3513 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2856017 25-Jan-2022 10:58

I use the CRC 4Ls too. Though there is no way the current way is lasting 20 years! I do tend to slosh it around - it's fine, I've got a whole 4L to use!

1101

3122 posts

Uber Geek

#2856035 25-Jan-2022 11:18

mdf:

I use the CRC 4Ls too. Though there is no way the current way is lasting 20 years! I do tend to slosh it around - it's fine, I've got a whole 4L to use!

4L is cheaper than I remember

4L = $67
.5l spray can = $10 - $13 approx

Looks like WD40 is no longer just a water dispersant (was it ever just that ? ). its now more a do everything , lube , protect , Multi Use .

neb

11294 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2856322 25-Jan-2022 21:28

mdf:
I use the CRC 4Ls too. Though there is no way the current way is lasting 20 years! I do tend to slosh it around - it's fine, I've got a whole 4L to use!

I use 5-56 4L but never spray it, apply it with a fine brush, that way you get what you want where you want it rather than having half of it aerosolised around the room.

There's also a bunch of other things you can use if you want long-term protection and don't care too much about appearances, e.g. Boeshield or equivalent.

Edited to add: Floetrol is also good if you can find it, same sort of effect as Boeshield.

GoodSync

GoodSync. Easily back up and sync your files with GoodSync. Simple and secure file backup and synchronisation software will ensure that your files are never lost (affiliate link).

RunningMan

8955 posts

Uber Geek

#2856372 25-Jan-2022 21:56

WD40 smells better.

neb

11294 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#2856374 25-Jan-2022 22:13

RunningMan:
WD40 smells better.

Apparently it also tastes better for frying, and the fish don't stick to the pan.

(No, that's not a joke).

nickb800

2718 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#2856403 26-Jan-2022 06:01

I use automatic transmission fluid for rust prevention on tools (put keep it in a twist-top tomato sauce bottle to dispense). Save CRC/WD40 for things where you actually need to spray it e.g. freeing up bolts

steve2222

499 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2856416 26-Jan-2022 07:35

Our local 'Dollar" shop had spray cans (cant recall name on it) but it was fine and way cheaper than CRC/WD-40.

MikeAqua

7782 posts

Uber Geek

#2857198 27-Jan-2022 15:33

If you're only using 200ml per year I would think price isn't a big deal.

Personally I like WD-40 in the can with the bendable spray nozzle as I can get it exactly where I want it. I find it has really good directed pressure so you can get it forcefully in between corroded parts or whatever.

If I wanted to just liberally coat something, I'd use whatever is cheapest in a spray bottle.

Mike