Overview
I had been meaning to make a rag-in-a-can oiler for quite a while now. Paul Sellers originally wrote a blog post about this unique invention back in February. An invention he had been using now for 52 years.
At first, they seemed fairly mundane. Just one more thing to clutter up the shop. After all, it’s just a rag in a can. Then I started thinking how I could use it beyond woodworking tools.
For my version, I used an empty pipe tobacco tin. Not only does it give it a classic look but it means I can put the lid on and throw it in a backpack for field use.
Construction
For my oiler, I decided to do a little more than simply stuff a rag in a can. Here you can see I cut strips on microfiber cloths into strips and then rolled them tightly until I had enough to fit my tin. Although you don’t have to use microfibre. That’s just what I had on hand.
Next, I used a sharp Olfa knife to cut the cloth down so it was sticking out only a couple millimeters past the rim. Keep in mind it will compress when the lid goes on. So don’t cut it down too short.
Then simply pour in about half a bottle of 3 in1 oil or a light machine oil. You could also use mineral oil if you are using your axe for hunting or butchering. One note of caution though. Do not use any drying oils . Those include linseed, boiled linseed, tung and walnut oil. At best they will harden in the tin and be useless. At worst they can spontaneously combust.
Once you’ve filled your can with oil let it sit overnight so the oil can soak in thoroughly.
How To Use
Now that your oiler is complete there are several ways to use it. For axes and large tools, it works to hold the tin and brush the oil on. For smaller tools like knives and chisels, I just draw the tool across the flat top. That’s all there is to it. A nice light coating of oil without any mess or rags.
Once you’ve made one you’ll understand my enthusiasm. These oiler cans really are a handy piece of kit.
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