Flex_Honing_OilOne of the most often asked questions we get that creates a great level of confusion is: “Do I need to use oil?”. Trying to search the internet for a solid answer brings up nothing of great use. Some people say you need a constant flow. Some say, just use WD-40. Most, though, simply say, “Good Question.”

Well, we’re here to provide the answers.

First off, the easy part. Do you need to use oil? Repeat with me: “Yes!”. Why? Because the Flex-hone is made of raw grain abrasive that is laminated to the end of nylon. As the tool is used little bits of that abrasive break off, along with the cast off metal that it is finishing. If you use the tool dry, a couple bad things can happen. You can load up the tool, which greatly decreses its tool life, you can imbed cast off material into the work piece, and you could have people see you doing something silly and laugh at you. Ok, I guess really only two of those are all that important. The point is, yes, please use a lubricant.

The next question is a bit more complicated. What kind of lubricant should I use. The best answer is, “A high quality honing oil.” Many honing companies have their own oils and lubricants and many work very well with the Flex-Hone tool. (of course we offer our own Flex-Hone oil that we like to think is the very best blend of oils and wetting agents, so maybe you should skip the rest of this and just order some Flex-Hone oil).

What should you NOT ever use? A solvent. Remember that the globules are raw grain that is laminated? Well, using a solvent de-laminates those laminations. What does that mean? A less effective tool with a much shorter tool life.

Finally, how much oil do you need to use? Just enough to make a “slurry” of oil and the bits of gunk that is flying around in there. In other words, oiling the tool and a light oil of the work piece is enough to capture the cast off abrasive. While you are well within your rights to use a flow of oil, it is not required by any means.

To sum it up- Flex-Honing is not brain science. The beauty of the tool is how simple it is to use. When it comes to lubrication, just follow these simple rules.

1. Water soluble oils, mineral oils, motor oils and cutting and tapping fluids are all acceptable when using our tool. 
2. Use of a lubricant keeps the tool from loading and to insure exposure of fresh cutting particles. 
3. When working with finer surface tolerances, use better quality honing fluids.
4. Always make sure the hone is well lubricated
5. When possible, use Flex-Hone Oil