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Prices may varySerious hazard — read before use
The manufacturer's Safety Data Sheet classifies this product with one or more GHS Category 1 health hazards — the most severe tier. The hazard statements in quotes below are the verbatim GHS language from the SDS, as required by OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard. The line under each statement translates the GHS classification into plain language.
- H304 “May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways.”
GHS Category 1 aspiration toxicity — thin, oily liquids can slip into the lungs if swallowed, causing chemical pneumonia.
If swallowed, inhaled, or splashed in eyes:
Call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222 (US, 24/7, free) and have the product container with you. Poison Control's standing guidance is to not induce vomiting after chemical exposure; they will direct first-aid steps based on the specific product.
About this product's hazards. This product's Safety Data Sheet uses signal word danger. Read the manufacturer's SDS and follow all safety instructions before use. CarCareTruth ratings translate the manufacturer's safety sheet. They do not replace the SDS or substitute for a hazard assessment specific to your task.
Health score is for adult use as intended, per the manufacturer's SDS. It does not model child ingestion, accidental spill cleanup, or off-label use. See the safety panel below for full hazard classification, and /disclaimer for the full editorial scope.
From the Safety Data Sheet
Full SDS ↗ (rev. 2021-07-02)GHS hazard codes are quoted from the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet. PPE tiers below translate those codes and the listed ingredient chemistry; they are not CarCareTruth recommendations.
EyesSituationalMfr. SDS §8SkinRecommendedMfr. SDS §8 · 29 CFR 1910.138(a) · GHS H317LungsSituationalMfr. SDS §8 · 29 CFR 1910.1200(f) · GHS H304Ventilation—No PPE in published sourcesShow details for all categories ▾Hide details ▴
From the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, Section 8
“No H318 or H319 at §2 mixture level — aerosol spray creates fine mist near face level; eye protection warranted during spray application.”
— CRC
CarCareTruth publishes the cited sources verbatim and does not advise what action a user should take. Consult the full SDS before use.
From the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, Section 8
“H317 (skin sensitizer, Cat 1) at §2 mixture level — nitrile gloves recommended to limit skin contact with the paraffinic petroleum carrier and butyl stearate.”
— CRC
U.S. regulatory standard
29 CFR 1910.138(a); 1910.132(d)
“appropriate hand protection when employees' hands are exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances.”
OSHA standards apply to workplaces. Cited here as the U.S. reference threshold for the underlying hazard class.
CarCareTruth publishes the cited sources verbatim and does not advise what action a user should take. Consult the full SDS before use.
From the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet, Section 8
“Aerosol format creates the primary inhalation exposure. No H335 at §2 mixture level — lung protection is situational for enclosed-space use. H304 is an aspiration (ingestion/swallowing) hazard, not an inhalation vapor route.”
— CRC
U.S. regulatory standard
29 CFR 1910.1200(f); 1910.132(d)
“The employer shall assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment.”
OSHA standards apply to workplaces. Cited here as the U.S. reference threshold for the underlying hazard class.
CarCareTruth publishes the cited sources verbatim and does not advise what action a user should take. Consult the full SDS before use.
No PPE specified in published sources for ventilation. Absence does not imply “not needed” — consult the full Safety Data Sheet.
PPE tiers translate the manufacturer’s SDS and U.S. regulatory standards. Not professional safety advice. How we report safety.
The Podium · Top 3 in Multi-Purpose Lubricant
See the full ranking →This product ranks #5 of 8 in Multi-Purpose Lubricant.Three above it ↓
CarCareTruth's Analysis
Last reviewed May 26, 2026
TL;DR DANGER-rated aerosol (H304 aspiration hazard, H317 skin sensitizer) — no Prop 65 warning. Nitrile gloves are warranted on repeated contact. The heavier paraffinic carrier leaves a more durable corrosion-inhibiting film than WD-40-class sprays. NSF H1 food-equipment certified. Use in ventilated areas.
What it is and how it performs
CRC 3-36 lubricates hinges, cables, tracks, and automotive mechanisms while leaving a corrosion-inhibiting film. The heavier paraffinic oil carrier stays on the surface longer than light petroleum sprays, protecting metal from moisture between applications. NSF H1 certified for incidental food contact. The low-viscosity formula flows into tight clearances, and the oil residue will attract some grit over time — standard for oil-carrier lubricants without a dry-film additive. Review volume is thin (12 reviews), so quality confidence is provisional.
Who should buy this — and who should skip it
Good for homeowners and tradespeople who want corrosion-inhibiting protection on tools, hinges, and marine hardware. The NSF H1 rating suits food-processing or agricultural equipment. Skip it for high-cycle mechanisms like bicycle chains where grit attraction is a concern — a dry-film lubricant will outperform. Open a window or door before applying in enclosed spaces.
Safety and environmental impact
DANGER signal word (SDS §2). H304 (Aspiration Hazard Cat 1) at mixture level — do not induce vomiting if ingested; seek medical attention. H317 (skin sensitizer, Cat 1) at §2 mixture level — nitrile gloves limit repeated skin contact with the paraffinic carrier. No Prop 65 ingredients (SDS §15 confirmed negative).
Fine mist from aerosol application creates the primary inhalation exposure. No H335 at mixture level; caution is for mist build-up in enclosed spaces, not acute inhalation toxicity. CARB compliant (Multi-Purpose Lubricant regulatory exemption). Non-biodegradable petroleum carrier; no aquatic toxicity classification at mixture level.
Frequently asked questions
Is CRC 3-36 the same as WD-40?▾
Not exactly. Both are aerosol petroleum-distillate lubricants, but CRC 3-36 uses a heavier paraffinic mineral oil carrier — higher flash point (89°C vs. WD-40's ~49°C), higher viscosity — that leaves a more persistent protective film. WD-40 original is widely understood by the community as a short-duration lubricant and water displacer; CRC 3-36 is positioned more as a durable corrosion-inhibiting lubricant. The CRC 3-36 formula also carries an NSF H1 food-equipment safety certification, which WD-40 original does not. Both products carry aerosol inhalation and skin-contact precautions.
Does CRC 3-36 have a Prop 65 warning?▾
No. SDS Section 15 (revision 2021-07-02) explicitly states this product is not known to contain any chemicals currently listed as California Prop 65 carcinogens or reproductive toxins. The DANGER signal word on the label reflects the H304 aspiration hazard and aerosol flammability ratings — not a carcinogen classification.
Is CRC 3-36 safe on plastics?▾
The manufacturer lists compatibility with most plastics and metals (Amazon listing). The petroleum-distillate carrier is hydrotreated and paraffinic — lighter in aromatic content than solvent-aggressive formulas. No documented rubber or plastic damage appears in Amazon reviews. Check manufacturer documentation for specific rubber types (EPDM, Buna-N) before applying to sealed assemblies — petroleum-based lubricants vary in rubber compatibility.
What does the DANGER label mean on CRC 3-36?▾
DANGER is the highest GHS signal word (above WARNING). For CRC 3-36, it is driven by H304 (Aspiration Hazard Cat 1) and H222 (Extremely Flammable Aerosol). The aspiration hazard means: if the liquid is swallowed and enters the lungs — particularly if someone vomits after swallowing — it can cause serious lung injury. The practical take: do not induce vomiting if ingested; seek medical attention. H317 (skin sensitizer) is a WARNING-level code by itself and contributes to the health score but does not drive the DANGER signal word.
Does CRC 3-36 contain PFAS?▾
No. SDS Section 3 lists only petroleum distillates, paraffin oils, butyl stearate, dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, carbon dioxide propellant, and petrolatum — no fluoropolymers or PTFE. The corrosion inhibitor package is withheld as a trade secret, but NSF H1 certification provides confidence that the formula meets food-equipment safety standards, which are incompatible with unregulated PFAS use.
From the manufacturer
Marketing copy from CRC, via Amazon. Not editorial.
- •MULTI-PURPOSE LUBRICANT: Protects metal surfaces from corrosion and rust. Ideal for industrial lubricants applications and helps extend equipment life in harsh environments.
- •LOW VISCOSITY FORMULA: Flows easily into tight spaces for thorough coverage. Suitable as a spray lubricant penetrating oil for hard-to-reach areas and moving parts.
- •EASY SPRAY APPLICATION: Convenient spray lubricating oil design allows for quick, mess-free use. Covers surfaces evenly and dries clear blue-green for easy visibility.
- •TEMPERATURE RESISTANT: Performs in temperatures up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintains effectiveness in demanding conditions for reliable, long-lasting lubrication.
- •SAFE FOR PLASTIC PARTS: Compatible with most plastics and metals. Use as a lubricant for plastic parts to reduce friction and wear without damaging sensitive materials.
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Manufacturer specifications
- Material
- Multi-purpose Lubricant CRC 3-36
- Brand
- CRC
- Package Information
- Can
- Liquid Volume
- 16 Fluid Ounces
- Recommended Uses For Product
- Lubricant
- Brand Name
- CRC
- Specific Uses For Product
- Prevent Corrosion
- Item Form
- Liquid
- Manufacturer
- Crc
- Unit Count
- 16 Fluid Ounces
- UPC
- 078254030050
- Number of Items
- 1
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