Blog

What Is Honing Oil and Why It Matters for Engine Cylinder Performance

When it comes to engine reconditioning and precision metalworking, few tools are as essential as a high-quality honing oil. Whether you're running a high-output machine shop or restoring individual components, understanding how honing oil works—and which type to use—can mean the difference between peak performance and preventable problems.

In this article, we’ll walk through what honing oil is, what it does, and why choosing the right cylinder honing fluid is critical—especially when working with engine components. We’ll also show you how Quakercut® 004 PE supports cleaner machining and better surface finishes in demanding environments.


Read more

How to Choose the Right Metal Removal Fluid

In high-precision machining environments, the right cutting fluid is essential for cooling, lubrication, and extending tool life. Whether you're drilling aerospace alloys or grinding automotive components, water-soluble metal removal fluids like HOCUT® 795 B and HOCUT® 795 H are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern CNC operations.

In this guide, we’ll break down what these fluids are, what sets them apart, and how to choose the right one for your operation.


Read more

What Are Metal Protection Fluids? A Guide to Corrosion Prevention

In metalworking, manufacturing, and logistics, preventing corrosion is critical. Whether you're shipping precision components, storing parts long term, or preparing metal for downstream processing, metal protection fluids — also called corrosion preventatives — play a vital role.

This guide explores the metal protection fluid category, the benefits of using rust preventatives, and how FERROCOTE® 5856 BF from Quaker Houghton delivers long-lasting, barium-free protection trusted across industries.


Read more

Benefits of Fire-Resistant Hydraulic Fluids and Why Viscosity Matters

Hydraulic fluids are essential to the smooth operation of many types of machinery—from forklifts and hydraulic cranes to scissor lifts and pallet jacks. But what exactly do hydraulic fluids do, and why does it matter if they’re fire-resistant, synthetic, or of a specific viscosity? This article breaks down these key concepts in an approachable way and explains why choosing the right fluid, like QUINTOLUBRIC® 888-46 can protect your equipment and improve performance.

Read more

What Is HOUGHTO-SAFE® 419-R? Water-Based Hydraulic Fluid for Shoring & In-Water Applications

For hydraulic systems exposed to extreme conditions—like underwater drilling, outdoor lifting, or shoring—traditional oil-based fluids can present safety, environmental, and performance challenges. Enter HOUGHTO-SAFE® 419-R, a high-viscosity, water-based hydraulic fluid formulated for fire resistance and compatibility with submerged or outdoor applications.

This guide explores how HOUGHTO-SAFE® 419-R works, what sets water glycol fluids apart, and why it’s a preferred choice for contractors, municipalities, and marine operations.

Read more

Is Your Machine Shop Ready for Winter?

Prepping for winter isn’t fun, but we do it to avoid future trouble. We clean up the yard so it’s not a mess in the spring. We blow out the sprinklers and hose bibs so water doesn’t freeze, burst pipes, and wreck the system. Anything metal goes into the shed or garage so it doesn’t rust. 

Getting your shop ready for winter is just as important. However, in this case, it’s more about being aware of the potential problems and monitoring them to keep things running in tip-top shape.

Here are some of the winter-related factors that can lead to expensive, time-consuming problems, particularly if your area experiences harsh winter weather every year. 

Read more

How to Prevent Rust on Metal Parts, Especially While Shipping

Rust on metal parts can turn a successful shipment into a costly headache. For many small machine shop owners and shop foremen, questions like "Why are our parts fine when they leave the shop but rusty when they arrive to my customer?" or "What factors lead to rust in my machine shop?" are all too familiar.

Read more

Optimise your machining process with the right combination of metalworking fluids

No matter what your machining process may be, you’re likely using a variety of metalworking fluids to increase tool life and preserve your machined parts. But when is the last time you reviewed your fluid selection? Using the ideal cutting fluid for your application can drastically extend your machines’ operation. In combination with the proper cleaners and rust preventives,the parts you produce will remain preserved for as long as needed. Quaker Houghton offers the full package of metalworking fluids and can help you make the right choice based on your needs.

Read more

Looking for a new Hydraulic Fluid? Consider QUINTOLUBRIC® 888.

Is your shop in need of a new hydraulic fluid? Have you decided that it’s time to upgrade to something with fire resistance and better performance than your traditional oil? If so, Quaker Houghton’s QUINTOLUBRIC® 888 series may be the right fit for you.

Read more

Performance Automotive Industry: Two Keys To Rev Up Your Shop’s Profitability And Performance

Running a high-performing, profitable shop requires excellence in many areas.  Focusing on just two—customer retention and shop performance—can make the most significant impact on your business. 

When it comes to customer retention, quality and consistency come to mind. There’s no room for error when your customers are trying to shave milliseconds off their racing time. When your customers know that buying from you means one less thing to worry about because your product performs every time, your shop will become—and stay—their go-to option.

Read more