Oils

Oils lubricate moving parts, reduce friction and protect metal surfaces from rust and corrosion, whether on a production line, in a workshop or around the home. Alongside lubricating, they help push out moisture and keep rubber seals in good condition, extending the working life of machinery and tools.

RS supplies a wide range of industrial oils and lubricants from trusted brands includingAmbersil, Castrol, CRC and RS PRO, stocking options ranging from general-purpose oils and lubricants to specialised silicone and food-grade formulations suited to industry-specific tasks.

Types of Industrial Oils

Industrial oils come in different formulations designed for particular functions, materials or environments. Picking the right type and package format, whether an aerosol, a bottle or a bulk container, makes it easier to apply the oil accurately and avoid waste.

Machine and Lubricant Oils

Machine oils and lubricant oils are the most common type of oil, found in workshops and on production lines. They reduce friction between moving parts, prevent wear and keep components running smoothly. General-purpose machine oil typically comes as an aerosol spray or in a bottle so it can be applied easily to bearings, chains and hinges, while heavier-duty blends suit gearboxes, compressors and equipment under higher load. Many also displace moisture and offer rust protection, making them a practical first choice for general machinery maintenance.

Silicone Oils

Silicone oils are a non-reactive, water-resistant option often used where standard petroleum-based oils are unsuitable, such as on plastics and rubber seals that can swell or degrade with mineral oil, or on electrical components that need a non-conductive lubricant. They are typically supplied as aerosol sprays, making it easy to apply a thin, even coating to hinges, tracks and other moving parts without leaving heavy residue. Because silicone oils do not attract dust the same way some other lubricants do, they also suit lightly-loaded mechanisms that need to stay clean, such as printers, conveyors and window fittings.

Food-Grade Oils

Food-grade oils are formulated to meet food safety standards so they can be used on equipment that comes into contact with food, however incidentally. This occurs in food processing, packaging or pharmaceutical settings. These oils are generally supplied in bottles or aerosol cans and used like standard machine oils to lubricate moving parts, chains and bearings. The difference is that they are formulated so that if the oil accidentally contacts food or packaging during processing, it will not contaminate the product or pose a health risk.

Applications of Industrial Oils

Industrial oils are used across a wide range of trade, industrial and maintenance settings, wherever machine lubrication is needed to keep equipment running reliably. The right oil depends on the equipment, the operating environment and how often the parts need to be serviced.

Machine Maintenance

Routine machine lubrication is one of the most common uses for industrial oils, helping to reduce wear on bearings, chains, gears and other moving parts across factories, workshops and warehouses. Applying oil or grease to mechanical parts on a regular schedule also helps prevent unplanned downtime by catching friction-related wear before it causes a breakdown.

Food and Industrial Processing

In food and industrial processing environments, food-grade oils are used on machinery where there is a chance of incidental contact with food or packaging, helping keep production lines compliant while still protecting equipment from wear. Industrial oils are also used more broadly across processing plants to lubricate conveyors, pumps and other equipment that runs for long periods without interruption.

Automotive Servicing

In automotive workshops, oils and lubricants are used well beyond the engine, covering hinges, locks, cables and other moving parts that benefit from regular attention during a service. A quick spray of oil on door hinges, bonnet and boot catches, and handbrake or throttle cables keeps them moving freely and helps stop them seizing from rust, particularly on older vehicles or those exposed to salt air or heavy rain. Many workshops also use a general-purpose oil to displace moisture from electrical connectors and ignition components after washing a vehicle or working in wet conditions, which helps prevent corrosion-related faults.

Your Trusted Industrial Oil Supplier & Distributor in Australia

RS Australia is a trusted supplier and distributor of industrial oils, so you can buy your oils and industrial lubricants from trusted brands including RS PRO, Rocol and 3-in-one, all in one place. Prices depend on factors like oil type, container size, formulation, and whether you need a light machine oil lubricant or a heavier-duty industrial blend, so compare specifications rather than price alone.

We also stock a full range of related maintenance products, including heat greases, lubricant sprays and degreasers, so you can complete your maintenance kit in one order. Delivery is free for approved business account holders on orders over $60 (excluding GST) and for private and guest orders over $80 (excluding GST). Next working day delivery is available for locally stocked items ordered before 5pm AEST, Monday to Friday. For full delivery terms, visit the RS Australia delivery page for all options, exclusions, and fees.