WD-40: Difference between revisions

WD-40 is the trademark of a widely used penetrating oil (cleaner, lubricant and anti-corrosive solution) spray. It was developed in 1953 by Norm Larsen (then working for the Rocket Chemical Company) to eliminate water and prevent corrosion.^[1] The product is currently sold for many household uses.

WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, 40th formula. Larsen was attempting to concoct a formula to prevent corrosion by displacing water, and arrived at the formula on his 40th attempt.^[1] Misconceptions about the name include that the "WD" stands for "war department".

WD-40 was first used by Convair to protect the outer skin of the Atlas missile from rust and corrosion.^[1] The product first became commercially available on store shelves in San Diego in 1958.^[1]

Main ingredients, from the material safety data sheet, are:

• 50%: Stoddard solvent (mineral spirits, somewhat similar to, but not the same as, kerosene)
• 25%: Liquefied petroleum gas (presumably as a propellant, carbon dioxide is used now to reduce considerable flammability)
• 15+%: Mineral oil (light lubricating oil)
• 10-%: Inert ingredients

The German version of the mandatory EU safety sheet lists the following safety relevant ingredients:

• 60-80%: Heavy Naphtha (petroleum product), hydrogen treated
• 1-5%: Carbon dioxide

It further lists flammability and effects to the human skin when repeatedly exposed to WD-40 as risks when using WD-40. Nitrile rubber gloves and safety glasses should be used. Water is unsuitable for extinguishing burning WD-40.

There is a popular urban legend that the main ingredient in WD-40 is fish oil.^[2] Although it is unknown whether the formula contains fish oil, material safety data sheets for the product show that the main ingredient is Stoddard solvent, not fish oil.^[3]

• Stopping squeaks in door hinges.
• Loosening rusting components, such as nuts and screws, so they can be removed
• Spraying on hand tools prior to storage to protect against rust
• Cleaning objects affected by grease, caked-on dirt or adhesive residue (such as that left behind by sticky tape)

• Driving moisture out of the high and low tension electrical components of a motor engine, so that it can start (particularly on cold days). E.g. cleaning and drying the inside of the cap of the ignition distributor.
• Loosening nuts and screws
• Cleaning wheels
• The WD-40 company claims it is safe for use on all motorcycle chains, but recommended cleaning products vary among chain manufacturers. Tsubaki Chain^[4] and RK Chain recommend WD-40 to clean or displace water on all types of chains, including sealed ring.^[5]

• Leatherman, the manufacturer of the popular multi-tool of the same name, recommends WD-40 as a post-cleaning lubricant to displace water and prevent corrosion.^[6]
• WD-40 dissolves cocaine; when applied to surfaces in toilets, it prevents cocaine from being snorted off these surfaces.^[7]
• In Boston, officials repaired the bell atop city-owned Faneuil Hall with daily treatments of WD-40 over the course of a week.^[8]

In 1969, the Rocket Chemical Company renamed itself WD-40 after what was then its only product, but WD-40 was still sold as "Rocket WD-40" for many years, with the history of its use in preserving Atlas rockets printed on each can. The company went public in 1973. Its NASDAQ stock symbol is (Nasdaq: WDFC). In recent years the WD-40 company has acquired several household-products companies, adding such brand names as 3-In-One Oil, Lava, Spot Shot, X/14, Carpet Fresh and 2000 Flushes to its roster. The company still has its corporate offices in San Diego, California.^[9] It now markets its products in more than 160 countries around the world. In 2003, it recorded sales of $238.1 million.

• WD-40 - a diesel tractor built by IHC/McCormick-Deering in the 1930s.
• Spy Hard - a movie featuring an agent with codename WD-40.

• Selleys RP7
• GT85

• WD-40 Web site
• List of 2000 uses for WD-40 (PDF)
• WD-40 Material Safety Data Sheet (PDF)
• Wacky Uses for WD-40
• Why you shouldn't smash a can of WD40