Traveling with oil

[DebW]

At my parents' house in Missouri, I've discovered, is an almost full can of Sturmey Archer Oil. This is the good stuff made for 3-speed hubs. Since I now have a 3-speed hub I plan to rebuild, I need this oil. How do I get it home? I'll be flying there in a couple weeks for xmas. I know I can't carry it on a plane. Can I put it in my luggage? Can I mail it? The can is open so I'd need to transfer it to another container to prevent leaks. Can anyone suggest an appropriate container?

If flying with it and mailing it aren't possible, I could sent it to PA by car with my sister and pick it up from her, but it might be March before I drive that way again.

I'm very excited about this Sturmey Archer Oil. I used up a can a few years ago and throught I'd never see any more. This is premium oil. When I worked in a shop years ago, we'd never say "pass the oil", it was always "pass the Sturmey".

[DeniseGoldberg]

Deb -
I suspect that you can't check it as baggage either. Check the baggage information on the airline's web site. For example, this is from the American Airlines site (and the United Airlines site had something similar):

Flammable Liquids or Solids: Fuel, paints, gas torches (including micro-torches and torch lighters), flammable glues/epoxies - Not allowed

--- Denise

[Bad JuJu]

You might want to call a UPS office and ask their advice.

[SalsaMTB]

How big is the can??

I've mailed out lubes and degreasers through USPS from our store, but they were smaller containers. We just had to make sure they were in a bag so it woulnd't leak. If it's smaller, it can probably be done without a problem. I would recommend calling they USPS and see what the recommend. If they can't take it, maybe go to an auto supply store and see if they can ship it for you. If a store sells oil online, they have a way to ship it!

[Kimmyt]

You may be able to send it UPS... depending on the hazardous properties, etc.

I was at a UPS store the other day and someone wanted to ship some bottles of liquid cleaning agent and UPS said as long as it was sealed, no problem. I don't know if they even asked what was in the liquid.

If you get a very good container, seal it tight, and then put it in a secondary container to hold any possible spills, you may be able to send it that way. Check with your local shipping center either way and see what they will tell you.

K.

[Veronica]

Okay I know you're totally serious but I still got a chuckle picturing you being gleeful about... OIL!

Thanks I needed the laugh.

V.

[DebW]

Okay I know you're totally serious but I still got a chuckle picturing you being gleeful about... OIL!

Thanks I needed the laugh.

V.

Actually, I was so excited at the discovery that I had to call my best friend: "Guess what? Guess what? This is really exciting." "What?" "I found Sturmey Archer Oil." "Oh. Is this something special?" She was polite enough to listen to me extoll the virtues of Sturmey Archer Oil. Then she tried to act a little bit excited. Gotta appreciate a friend like that.

If I ever find a can of Campy grease again, I'm going to be absolutely ecstatic.

This oil is in a 6 oz can with removable drip spout. Maybe a rubber washer in the cap would seal it? Or I could transfer it to a plastic bottle, but would need to test the seal.

[mimitabby]

6 ounces? ought to be a cinch to transport. I thought you were talking about something HUGE like a gallon!

Use lots of plastic and duct tape
and change your signature line to:
"Oil is good"

[Deanna]

If I ever find a can of Campy grease again, I'm going to be absolutely ecstatic.

Just last year my husband found a can of Campy grease in our garage. I think he sold it on ebay. I was completely amazed that somebody would pay what they did for grease.

I think he shipped it via UPS.

[DebW]

I've got my Sturmey Archer oil. Shipped it through the mail (USPS). The can leaked slightly in shipping (lost maybe 1/2 teaspoonful) but it was in a heat sealed plastic bag so didn't escape beyond. I put a circle of moleskin under the cap for a sealer, and it leaked through. [Take notes, kids. Moleskin is not oilproof. Never know when that information might be useful.]

BTW, the can was labeled "99" in green marker which I believe was the price - 99 cents in ~1974. We used a very professional price-tagging system back then, along with our ding-box (cash-register) which required putting a nail into a slot to make the cash drawer open. And if someone paid more than $50 with a credit card, you had to make a phone call and get an authorization number before accepting it. Ah, the halcyon days of small business.

[KnottedYet]

congrats on the oil, Deb!