The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word OILCAN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
O
I
L
C
A
N
More clues leading to the result OILCAN
- Transported coal in another fuel container
- Broken coal in a fuel container
- Renault turns up, a new lubricant in it
- Container, misdirected in Carolina, bypassing Arkansas
- Garage container one left about in the course of working
- Reversing Renault has article essential for the Tin Man’s release
- Twisted coil on top of a new container in a garage
- Setter left coal-mine, wandering to get lubrication equipment
- Painting has the power that a mechanic could make good use of
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "that a mechanic could make good use of" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case that a mechanic could make good use of = oilcan.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does OILCAN mean?
OILCAN noun- A container with a long spout, for holding oil and delivering it in drops or small quantities for lubrication.