On 9 Mar 2005 08:22:18 -0800, "Bob in Oregon"
wrote:

I have used kerosene in the past to remove rust from tools. It is also
of course used as oil in lanterns. I used it the other day to my
surprise to clean some greasy parts up and it worked great. I got to
thinking about it and am a little puzzled, since most solvents do not
act as oils and vice versa. What exactly is kerosene, and what do you
use it for?

Lamps, as you suggest, and for heat: A portable kerosene stove
stopped us from freezing during one viscious winter storm. I also
happen to have an old Coleman lantern that will work of either white
gas or kerosene.

Reason? Cost = Cheap.