⚠ Aerosol – shipping restrictions
Cannot be shipped to PO Boxes, Parcel Lockers, Tasmania, the Northern Territory or some other locations. Courier restrictions apply.
CRC 5-56 — frees, lubricates, protects and displaces moisture
The workshop staple. CRC 5-56 penetrates rust, corrosion and grime to free seized parts, silences squeaks, displaces moisture and leaves a self-repairing protective film. Silicone free.
One can, five jobs
Penetrate, lubricate, protect, clean and displace moisture — 5-56 is the first can to reach for when hardware is stuck, squeaky or damp.
- Penetrates rust, scale and dirt to free parts
- Lubricates and stops squeaks
- Displaces moisture
- Protects against corrosion
- Continuous, self-repairing film
- Silicone free
Hardware, tools and maintenance
Seized hardware
Free stuck bolts, clamps, locks and fittings without dismantling.
Rigging & touring hardware
Light protection and lubrication for clamps and metal hardware between gigs (always follow your rigging inspection procedures).
Tools & workshop gear
Keep hand tools, fixings and workshop equipment moving and rust-free.
Hinges & locks
Quick lubrication for squeaky hinges and sticking locks.
Damp or coastal storage
Protection in humid or salt-air environments.
Preventive maintenance
A routine wipe-on, spray-on protection for exposed metal.
What it is — and what it isn’t
Use it for
- Freeing rusted, seized or stuck metal parts
- Light lubrication of hinges, locks and tools
- Displacing moisture from metal parts
- Corrosion protection in humid or coastal conditions
Don’t use it for
- Live (energised) equipment — allow up to 4 hours to evaporate before re-energising
- Long-term heavy lubrication (use CRC 5037 grease)
- Rubber and plastic lubrication (use CRC 2094)
- Surfaces you’ll paint or glue without cleaning first
Getting the best result
- Shake well.
- To protect: spray a light, even coat.
- To free seized parts: apply liberally and allow time to penetrate — stubborn parts can take hours.
- To displace water: spray until run-off is clear.
- For corrosion: let it penetrate, then rub with a light abrasive.
Key details
| Official name | CRC 5.56 Multi-Purpose Lubricant |
|---|---|
| Product code | 5005 |
| Size | 400 g aerosol |
| Film | Continuous, self-repairing |
| Coverage | Approx. 90–100 m²/L |
| Silicone | Silicone free |
| Approvals (per CRC) | USDA meat & poultry; AQIS Cat 12 Type C |
| Propellant | Hydrocarbon — flammable aerosol |
Common questions
What is CRC 5-56 used for?
Freeing seized and rusted parts, lubricating and silencing squeaks, displacing moisture and protecting metal from corrosion — a general maintenance spray for tools, hardware and machinery.
Is CRC 5-56 a long-term lubricant?
It’s a light penetrating lubricant. For long-lasting lubrication on metal-to-metal parts, use a grease like CRC 5037.
Can I use 5-56 on electrical parts?
Only when de-energised. CRC advises allowing up to 4 hours for the solvent to evaporate before re-energising. For dedicated electrical protection, CRC 2-26 is designed for the job.
Does 5-56 contain silicone?
No, it’s silicone free.
5-56 vs WD-40 style sprays?
5-56 is CRC’s multi-purpose penetrant and lubricant, made to penetrate, protect, lubricate and displace moisture in one can.
Always read the product label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use. Flammable aerosol unless stated; use with good ventilation, keep away from ignition sources and never use on live (energised) equipment. Test on a small hidden area first — results depend on the surface, conditions and application. Specifications are from CRC technical data and are a guide only.
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