Ballistol

Ballistol (meaning 'Ballistic Oil') is a mineral oil-based chemical which advertises that it has many uses. It is manufactured and distributed by Ballistol GmbH in the Bavarian village of Aham and was originally intended for cleaning, lubricating, and protecting firearms.

Ballistol as liquid and as aerosol

Description

The product originated from Germany before World War I, after the German military requested an 'all-around' oil and cleaner for their rifles and equipment. The German military used it from 1905 to 1945.[1]

The chemical is a yellowish[2] clear liquid with a consistency expected of a light oil. However, when it comes in contact with water it emulsifies, becoming a thick creamy white substance. It has a sweet and mildly pungent smell similar to black licorice.[2]

It is distributed in liquid and aerosol forms. The aerosol uses butane or propane as a propellant.

It advertises it has no carcinogens.[2] Other similar products contain petro-chemicals which can pollute the environment if improperly handled and/or discarded.

Metal Compatibility

Ballistol is fully compatible with all metals including aluminium. However, Ballistol dissolves traces of copper, zinc, lead and tombac and can, therefore, be used to clean brass, bronze and silver.[2]

Ingredients

According to a specification from December 2002:

  • pharmaceutical white oil: CAS RN 8042-47-5
  • Oleic acid: CAS RN 112-80-1
  • C-5 alcohols: CAS RN 78-83-1; CAS RN 137-32-6; CAS RN 100-51-6
  • different essential oils to perfume Ballistol

According to 2013 MSDS:[2]

See also

References
  1. "About Us". Archived from the original on 2023-05-18. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
  2. MSDS Tech Bio at the Wayback Machine (archived 2015-09-22)


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