Ballistol Questions and Answers
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Ballistol Universal Oil
What is Ballistol Universal Oil?
A multi-purpose oil first made in Germany in 1904 for the German army, which wanted one oil to clean a rifle, protect its metal and care for the wooden stock and leather sling. It cleans, lubricates and protects metal, and also cares for wood, leather and rubber.
How is Ballistol different from WD-40?
Both displace water and free stuck parts. Ballistol also leaves a thin film that keeps rust off without going sticky, and it is safe on wood, leather and rubber, so one can covers more jobs. We compare them in detail in our guide.
Which size or format should I buy?
Sprays (75ml, 200ml, 400ml and the 350ml VarioFlex with a flexible nozzle) are best for getting into hinges, locks and awkward gaps. Bottles (50ml and 500ml) are better value for wiping on with a cloth, and the 500ml takes our pump spray nozzle. The 15ml oil pen puts a single drop exactly where you need it, the wipes suit a toolbox or gun bag, and workshops can buy 5 or 10 litre containers to decant.
Is Ballistol safe on rubber, plastic and paint?
Generally, yes. It keeps rubber door seals supple and stops them freezing in winter, and it is safe on most plastics and paintwork. Some synthetic rubbers can swell slightly after long soaking, so test on a hidden area first. For O-rings and seals that need a dedicated product, use Silicone Oil.
Can I use it on leather?
Yes, on smooth leather such as boots, saddles, tack, slings and holsters. Wipe on a thin coat, leave it for an hour and buff off the excess. It can darken light leather, so test first. Do not use it on suede or nubuck.
Can I use it on wood?
Yes. It feeds dry, grey wood such as tool handles, garden furniture and oil-finished gun stocks, brings out the grain and helps keep damp out. For a deeper finish on a gun stock, use a dedicated stock oil.
Does it remove rust or just prevent it?
It lifts light surface rust and, more importantly, leaves a protective film that stops new rust forming. Heavy, flaking rust needs mechanical removal first; then oil the bare metal to protect it.
Will it free seized nuts and bolts?
Yes. Spray it on, give it time to creep into the thread, then try again. For badly seized fixings, apply it a few times over a day.
Is Ballistol food safe?
Universal Oil is not a food grade oil. For kitchen knives, food machinery and anything that may touch food, use Ballistol H1 Food Oil, which is NSF H1 registered for incidental food contact.
Can I use it on electrical contacts?
It is widely used on battery terminals and electrical contacts to keep moisture and corrosion off. Always disconnect power first and read our guide before using it on electronics.
Does it smell?
It has a distinctive smell when you apply it, which fades as it dries. On leather the smell goes quickly and leaves no greasy film.
Where should I not use it?
Keep it off brakes and tyres, and do not use it on suede or nubuck. It is not a substitute for a dedicated chain lube on bike chains, or for a food grade oil on anything that touches food.
Guns and shooting
Can I clean and oil my gun with Universal Oil?
Yes. It is a cleaner, lubricant and protectant in one, made for guns in 1904. Use it in the bore, a drop on the action, a wipe on the outside metal, and on the wooden stock and leather sling. Always run a dry patch through the bore before you shoot.
How do I remove copper and lead fouling?
Use Robla Solo MIL. It dissolves copper, tombac, zinc and lead fouling from rifle and pistol barrels. For heavy fouling, leave it in the bore overnight, then clean out and finish with Universal Oil to protect the steel.
How do I clean a sound moderator?
Our Silencer Cleaner is made for moderators that cannot be stripped. Plug one end with a rubber bung, fill it with cleaner, leave it to soak, then drain and dry.
When should I use GunCer instead of Universal Oil?
Use GunCer on parts that work hard: rails, bolts and locking lugs on guns that shoot a lot, especially self-loaders. The ceramic additive reduces friction and wear. GunCer Grease stays put on the highest-load parts and works from -50°C to +150°C.
Which cleaning felts do I need?
Felts are sized by calibre and gauge, from .177 and .22 air rifle plugs up to 12 gauge. Pick the size that matches your bore. Classic felts suit normal cleaning; special felts have brass fibres for heavy fouling.
Which cleaning rod should I use?
Our carbon cleaning rods won't damage the bore, have a ball-bearing handle and carry a lifetime warranty. If you already own Parker Hale rods, our adapter kits let you use Ballistol felts with them.
How do I touch up worn bluing?
Use Quick Blueing. It works at room temperature with no heat or tanks: degrease the area, apply, then oil once it has taken.
Which stock oil should I choose?
Balsin revives weathered stocks and comes in clear, red-brown and dark brown. Scherell Schaftol is a traditional oil for open-pore walnut, in light, premium gold, red-brown, dark and extra dark. Choose the shade closest to your current finish.
Can I use it after black powder or corrosive ammunition?
Yes, and clean the same day. Ballistol's mild alkalinity neutralises the acidic residue. Mixed with water, roughly one part Ballistol to seven parts water, it makes a traditional black powder cleaning solution. Dry thoroughly afterwards and finish with neat oil.
Bikes
Which lube should I use on my bike chain?
For all-weather riding, Bike X Lube. For long intervals and high loads, Ceramic Chain Oil. For dry, dusty conditions, Bike DryLube. Universal Oil is fine on cables and pivots, but a dedicated chain lube lasts longer on the chain.
Do e-bikes need a different chain oil?
E-bike motors put more torque through the chain. E-Bike Chain Oil has extreme-pressure and ceramic additives for that load, and clings on in the wet.
Is the chain cleaner safe on carbon frames?
Chain Cleaner dissolves old lube and grime from chains, cassettes and chainrings and is safe on paint, carbon and rubber. Re-lube the chain once it is dry. For the whole bike, use Bicycle Cleaner.
Car and motorbike
How do I stop car door seals and locks freezing?
Wipe Universal Oil onto the rubber door and boot seals and spray it into the locks before the first frost. It displaces water, so there is nothing left to freeze.
Which product do I use on brakes?
Only Brake & Parts Cleaner. It strips oil, grease and brake dust and flashes off without residue. Never use Universal Oil or any lubricant on discs, pads or tyres.
Is the rim cleaner safe on alloy wheels?
Yes. Rim Cleaner is a gel that changes colour as it lifts brake dust, and it is safe on alloy and steel wheels, TPMS sensors, rubber and painted finishes. Rinse it off thoroughly.
How do I lay up a motorbike for winter?
Clean it, then protect bare metal, chrome and fasteners with a thin film of Universal Oil. Our guide covers the full routine.
Home, garden and workshop
How do I fix a squeaky hinge?
Open the door, spray a short burst into the top of the hinge knuckle and swing the door until the squeak stops. Wipe off drips. If it persists, tap the pin halfway out, oil it and tap it back.
When should I use PTFE spray instead of oil?
Where you want lubrication without an oily film that attracts dust: drawer runners, sliding wardrobe and patio doors, locks and cables. PTFE Spray leaves a clean, dry film.
How do I look after garden tools?
Clean off sap and soil, then wipe blades and pivots with Universal Oil before storing them. For sticky sap and resin on blades, use Resin Remover first.
How do I get resin off saw blades?
Spray Resin Remover on, leave it a few minutes and wipe clean. Follow with Universal Oil so the bare steel doesn't rust.
Will it remove sticker residue?
Yes, on hard, non-porous surfaces. Apply, leave it a minute and rub the residue away, then clean the surface.
How do I waterproof a jacket or tent?
Use Pluvonin on clean, dry fabric. It leaves a water and dirt repellent coating on natural and synthetic fibres, including Gore-Tex and leather.
Animals and people
What can I use on my dog's or horse's coat and paws?
Animal Care Oil is made for coats, paws, ears, tails and hooves on dogs, cats and horses. If your animal has a skin problem, ask your vet first.
How long does Stingfree insect repellent last?
Stingfree protects for up to six hours against midges, ticks, mosquitoes and horseflies. Stingfree Animal is made for horses, dogs and cats and lasts up to eight hours. Always follow the label.
Which product is for people's skin?
Neo Ballistol is our skin care oil for hands, feet, massage, manicure and pedicure. Universal Oil is a technical oil and isn't sold for skin care.
Orders, delivery and trade
When will my order arrive?
Weekday orders placed before 12 noon are dispatched the same day, mostly by Royal Mail 48 Tracked. Orders placed between Friday noon and Monday go out on Monday. Delivery options and costs are shown at checkout.
Are there delivery restrictions on aerosols?
Couriers carry aerosols under restricted-goods rules, so some delivery services aren't available for every order or address. The options you see at checkout are the ones that can carry your basket.
Can I return something?
Yes. You can cancel within 14 days of receiving your order, and faulty items can be rejected for a full refund within 30 days. Email sales@ballistol.co.uk to start a return.
Where can I find safety data sheets?
Safety and technical data sheets for every product are in our technical data library.
Can I stock Ballistol in my shop?
Yes. Apply for a trade account and we'll be in touch about pricing and minimum orders.
Is Ballistol Halal certified?
Products listed on our Halal certificate meet Halal requirements. Check the certificate for the specific product you need.
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