Its name, given by inventor George W. Cole of New Jersey in 1894,[1] reflects the product's triple ability to "clean, lubricate and protect".

The current marketing slogan is "The Tool Kit In A Can," with the logo of the text "3 in" inside a large numeral "1".

A few other products are now produced under the 3-in-1 brand, including a white lithium grease, silicone spray, and oil with added PTFE.

In 2000, the can was redesigned to look like the early 20th century oil can design, with a hemisphere base and tapered straight spout.

[2] An advertisement in The Church Standard magazine (April 13, 1901, p 867) offers 3 in 1 Oil as a perfect polish for pianos.