3 in 1 Lubricants and Oil Categories
3 in 1 Lubricants and Oil Top Picks
3 in 1 Lubricants and Oil
Our Range of 3 in 1 Lubricants & Sprays
Our range of 3 in 1 lubricants and sprays represents over 125 years of maintenance expertise, bringing professional-grade solutions to tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts across the UK. We stock the complete selection of 3 in 1 products, including the iconic Multi Purpose Oil that has been trusted worldwide since 1894. From the classic handy oil can with its distinctive flexible spout to modern aerosol formulations, our collection covers everything you need for effective lubrication, penetration, and corrosion protection in workshop and site environments.
Within our 3 in 1 range, you'll find specialist formulations including the PTFE-enhanced Multi Purpose Oil for superior friction reduction, high-performance Penetrant Spray for freeing seized components, and Professional White Lithium Grease for heavy-duty applications. The Professional series offers advanced formulations specifically developed for demanding trade and industrial work, whilst the original Multi Purpose Oil remains a workshop staple for general maintenance tasks. We also stock Silicone Lubricant Spray, ideal for plastics and rubber components where traditional oils aren't suitable.
Whether you're maintaining power tools, servicing bicycles, protecting metal surfaces from corrosion, or keeping hinges and mechanisms operating smoothly, our 3 in 1 selection provides reliable, proven performance. The brand's reputation for delivering exactly what it promises – lubrication, cleaning, and rust prevention in one convenient formula – has made it an essential addition to toolboxes across the country for generations of tradespeople.
About 3 in 1
3 in 1 was created in 1894 by George W. Cole in New Jersey, USA, who formulated the original product specifically for bicycle care and maintenance during the cycling boom of the late Victorian era. The innovative three-way formula offered lubrication, cleaning, and rust prevention in a single application, which was revolutionary at the time. The product proved an immediate success, and the distinctive 3 in 1 name perfectly described its multi-functional capabilities.
Throughout the twentieth century, 3 in 1 expanded internationally, becoming a household name in workshops and garages worldwide. In 1995, the brand was acquired by the WD-40 Company, a move that brought significant investment and allowed 3 in 1 to diversify its product range considerably. Under WD-40's ownership, the brand has developed its Professional series of specialist formulas, designed specifically for demanding applications in trade and industry sectors, whilst maintaining the quality and performance that made the original formula so successful over a century ago.
Who Uses 3 in 1 Lubricants & Sprays?
3 in 1 products are trusted by a diverse range of professionals and enthusiasts, including:
- General maintenance engineers who rely on multi-purpose lubricants for daily servicing tasks
- Bicycle mechanics and cycling enthusiasts maintaining chains, gears, and components
- Automotive technicians using penetrants for seized bolts and lubrication of moving parts
- Plumbers protecting tools and fittings from corrosion in damp environments
- Electricians maintaining hand tools and equipment on site
- Carpenters and joiners lubricating power tools and protecting metal components
- Facilities managers maintaining building hardware, locks, and hinges
- Manufacturing and production staff using professional formulations for machinery maintenance
- DIY enthusiasts keeping household tools and equipment in optimal condition
- Agricultural workers maintaining farm equipment and machinery
Why Choose 3 in 1 Lubricants & Sprays?
3 in 1 has earned its reputation through consistent performance and reliability over more than 125 years. The brand's commitment to quality means that whether you're using the original Multi Purpose Oil or a specialist Professional formula, you can trust the product to deliver effective results. The longevity of the brand itself speaks volumes about its ability to meet the real-world needs of users across generations of tradespeople.
Value for money is another key advantage of 3 in 1 products. The multi-functional nature of the formulations means you can reduce the number of different products you need to stock, saving both money and storage space in your van or workshop. A single can of 3 in 1 Multi Purpose Oil can handle numerous maintenance tasks that might otherwise require multiple specialist products. The precise application options, from traditional oil cans with flexible spouts to modern aerosol formats, minimise waste and ensure you apply product exactly where it's needed.
Being part of the WD-40 Company portfolio provides additional assurance of consistent quality standards and ongoing product development. The Professional range demonstrates 3 in 1's commitment to innovation, offering advanced formulations that meet the specific demands of modern trade and industrial applications, whilst the classic formulas continue to deliver the reliable performance that has made 3 in 1 a trusted name in toolboxes across the UK.
Perfect for Your Job
3 in 1 products excel across an impressive range of maintenance and servicing applications. The multi-purpose oils are ideal for routine tool maintenance, keeping hand tools operating smoothly and protected from corrosion in damp site conditions. They're equally effective for lubricating hinges, locks, and moving parts on doors and windows, making them invaluable for facilities maintenance work and property maintenance jobs.
In workshop environments, 3 in 1 products prove their worth daily. Use them for lubricating power tool components, protecting precision instruments, maintaining bicycle chains and gears, and keeping garage door mechanisms operating quietly and efficiently. The Penetrant Spray is particularly valuable for freeing seized bolts, nuts, and fasteners – a common challenge in automotive repair and maintenance work where corrosion can make disassembly difficult.
For industrial applications, the Professional range offers specialist solutions. White Lithium Grease provides heavy-duty lubrication for high-load applications, offering excellent resistance to water and extreme temperatures. The Silicone Lubricant Spray is perfect for applications involving plastics and rubber where traditional oils might cause degradation, making it ideal for seals, gaskets, and sliding mechanisms in modern machinery and equipment.
Types of 3 in 1 Lubricants & Sprays
Multi Purpose Oils
The original 3 in 1 formula is available in both the traditional handy oil can with flexible spout for precise application in tight spaces, and convenient aerosol spray format for covering larger areas. The PTFE-enhanced version offers additional friction reduction for demanding applications requiring long-lasting lubrication.
Penetrants
The Professional Penetrant Spray is formulated to break through rust and corrosion, making it essential for freeing seized components and fasteners in maintenance and repair work. Ideal for automotive work, machinery maintenance, and any situation where corrosion has locked components together.
Greases
The Professional White Lithium Grease provides heavy-duty lubrication for high-load applications, offering excellent resistance to water and extreme temperatures whilst reducing friction and wear on metal components. Perfect for workshop machinery, automotive applications, and outdoor equipment.
Specialist Lubricants
Silicone Lubricant Spray offers safe application on plastics, rubber, and other materials where traditional oils aren't suitable, providing excellent water resistance and long-lasting protection for seals, gaskets, and sliding mechanisms in modern equipment and machinery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 in 1 a good brand?
Yes, 3 in 1 is an excellent brand with over 125 years of proven performance in professional and domestic applications. It's trusted by tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts worldwide for reliable lubrication, cleaning, and rust prevention. The brand's longevity and acquisition by WD-40 Company in 1995 demonstrate its quality and strong market reputation.
Where is 3 in 1 made?
3 in 1 is manufactured by the WD-40 Company, which operates production facilities in multiple locations worldwide including the UK, USA, and Europe. The brand originated in the United States but products are distributed globally to consistent quality standards, ensuring reliable performance wherever you purchase them.
What's the difference between 3 in 1 and the Professional range?
The Professional range offers specialist formulations developed specifically for demanding trade and industrial applications, including enhanced penetrants, lithium grease, and silicone lubricants for specific materials. The original Multi Purpose Oil remains ideal for general maintenance tasks, whilst Professional products target specific challenging applications where standard formulations may not be sufficient.
Can 3 in 1 be used on bicycle chains?
Absolutely. 3 in 1 was originally created for bicycle maintenance in 1894, and it remains an excellent choice for lubricating bicycle chains, gears, and other moving components. It provides effective lubrication whilst helping to prevent rust and corrosion, making it ideal for both casual cyclists and professional bicycle mechanics.
How should I apply 3 in 1 oil?
For traditional oil cans, use the flexible spout to apply small amounts precisely where needed, ensuring accurate application in tight spaces. For aerosol versions, shake well before use and spray from approximately 150-200mm distance. Always wipe away excess oil after application to prevent attracting dirt and dust, which can create abrasive paste on moving parts.
