PSA: Boiled Linseed Oil Flammability--It's Real.

[Steve9]

Nice YouTube vid, demonstrating the flammability/spontaneous
combustion of BLO-soaked rags.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw5MqfrxM9g

[epm729]

That's one of the first lessons I learned in Junior High shop class along with dust explosions. Thanks for posting ,we all need a reminder. Eddie

[SirWilliam]

My in-laws had a fire back in February-the workmen had been there earlier in the day finishing the woodwork and left all the rags in a pile in the upstairs hall. Hopefully they will be able to move back in by the end of the year...

Bill

[lapriester]

My neighbor's newer than mine bouse is an example. He used BLO to finish his deck 15 years ago and left a covered garbage can full of the rags on his deck. When the rags ignited it ended up taking the house with it.

[la Fiere]

What is the best way to handle BLO-soaked rags to prevent this?

[Fogtripper]

Originally Posted by la Fiere

What is the best way to handle BLO-soaked rags to prevent this?

I just hang them on a line outside until they dry/polymerize.

[Kestrel4k]

Remember learning of this danger as a child; how adults can't know this, I just don't understand.

[BSAGuy]

Originally Posted by Kestrel4k

Remember learning of this danger as a child; how adults can't know this, I just don't understand.

Agree, especially any workman that is specifically using BLO. Mindboggling.

[Str8liner]

I have a coal furnace in garage and just toss them in it when I am done. If they want to combust they can have at it. None ever have I might add. When I have a fire going in the winter it is free heat lol. The rags I use to wipe down stocks are thin, and don't absorb oil like those terry cloth ones so I think that has something to do with it...

[Skeet6]

Originally Posted by Str8liner

I have a coal furnace in garage and just toss them in it when I am done. If they want to combust they can have at it. None ever have I might add. When I have a fire going in the winter it is free heat lol. The rags I use to wipe down stocks are thin, and don't absorb oil like those terry cloth ones so I think that has something to do with it...

I used to light them and toss them in my burn barrel.
Mike B