Turns out everything needs oil. This oil can is so perfect and retro and awesome, I've finally stopped making do with WD-40 on things that should never get WD-40ed. And I'm putting a thin coat of oil (and wiping off) on tools like ax heads, shovels, mallets, etc.  My dad or grand-dad had a few of these, or the little ones where you push the bottom, and I finally know why. This is a tool I'll have for a lifetime.  I sould've bought it decades ago. Or someone should've given me one for a gift.