Ballistol
Northtipton is now offering Ballistol for machine knitters. We know those who have been using Belador Oil for years have questions, so we're putting up the following to help you find out about all this great oil.
FAQS
1. What is Ballistol?
Ballistol is an environmentally safe lubricant and cleaner.
In the early 1900s, the German Imperial Army contracted for a lubricant that
could lubricate and clean the metallic parts of a gun. They also specified
it should be healthy enough for those with scratches, cuts, and minor wounds to
use.
Named for the Latin for 'ballistic oil', this products spread into other parts
of Europe very quickly, and today it is considered 'the' oil for firearms.
2. Since Ballistol is made for firearms, why should I use it on my knitting machine?
As a metal cleaner and lubricant, Ballistol has proven to be superior. Only a small amount is needed, as is the case with Belador Oil.
The Pluses for using Ballistol are
1. It contains no Carcinogens and is Biodegradable* (great for the
environment!)
2. It forms a Protective Film that can creep into the finest scratches to
Protect against Rust (one of our greatest enemies)
3. It will not gum up or harden on the metal (think about seized-up
knobs, buttons, pushers plus all those working parts in the carriage)
4. It does not "resinify." 'Resin-ification' is the process
that causes other oils to thicken, becoming sticky and gluey--think about
needles
and carriages that are 'stuck' to the bed)
5. It is not a conductor of electricity when used alone. (helps stop
static)
*if the cap is left off the bottle, the oil will decompose in 24
months! Leave the cap on and the oil will stay good for years!)
3. How do you know these claims are true?
Several tests have been run on this oil by international
experts.
In 1985, a bottle of Ballistol was found in an attic, where it had been put 60
years before. When tested by the labs, it was found to have the same
degree
of purity and had not hardened or become thick at all. It looked the same,
although just a tad darker, as oil being currently produced.
Who's going to store a knitting machine for 60 years?
After WWII, several rifles were treated with Ballistol and packed away in a
trunk. When the rifles were opened 25 years later, not a speck of
rust was found on any metal parts.
What would your machine look like if you packed it away for 25 years?
4. Why does the banner say "multi-purpose"?
Ballistol can be used for more than cleaning metal. It has many other uses* including :
LEATHER - Use on boots, shoes, gloves, holsters, slings, &
saddles. Protects leather against water. Keeps leather soft & pliable, will
darken lighter colors. Do not use on suede.
KNIVES & TOOLS - Lubricates, cleans, & protects metal, plastic, rubber, & wood.
Outstanding penetrating oil, creeps into the finest cracks, loosens nuts &
bolts. Also use as a cutting/boring oil (20:1).
MARINE - Use in motor compartments, on joints, links, wire pulls, & around
battery terminals. Protects electrical contacts. Beautifies faded gel coats.
Lubricates zippers, push buttons, & winches. Great for fishing rods, reels, &
tackle. Protects Aluminum, prevents pitting.
ROAD & TRAIL - Lubricates autos, motorcycles, bicycles, rollerblades,
skateboards, skis, & sports equipment. Protects all camping gear.
PLASTIC: will not negatively affect plastic materials or paints which are
chemically resistant to oils. Specifically BALLISTOL will not adversely
affect PVC, high pressure polyethylene's, mipolam, Teflon-derivatives or
hostaflon- derivatives.
*information taken directly from Ballistol
5. Why should I use Ballistol instead of Belador Oil?
Those of you have done business with us before, know we both
love Belador Oil. But in recent years, availability and price have gone
up. Unlike many of our other products,
we have had to increase the price of Belador Oil. So we have been
researching the rest of the offerings.
Ballistol has been used in Europe by machine knitters for many years. When we
read report after report about this oil, we became convinced we had found just
the oil
for our knitting machines. Plus, we can offer it to you at the original
price of Belador Oil.
Many of you will discover that you prefer Ballistol over Belador!
1-ounce bottle: $5 plus shipping
