WD-40

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

WD-40 spray can
WD-40 spray can
WD-40 spray can from Germany
WD-40 spray can from Germany

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

WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, 40th formula. Larsen was attempting to concoct a formula to prevent corrosion, by displacing the standing water that promotes it. In the process, he arrived at a successful formula on his 40th attempt.[1]

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]

Contents

[edit] Formulation

WD-40's main ingredients, according to U.S. Material Safety Data Sheet information, are:

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

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]

[edit] Uses

[edit] Typical uses of WD-40 around the home include

  • Stopping squeaks in door hinges.
  • Loosening rusted or seized components (i.e., nuts and screws) for easier removal
  • Spraying on hand tools, prior to storage, to help prevent rust
  • Cleaning objects affected by grease, caked-on dirt or adhesive residue (such as that left behind by sticky tape)

[edit] Typical uses of WD-40 in automotive repair include

  • 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 ignition distributor's cap.)
  • 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]

[edit] Specialty Uses

  • 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 Model Railroading WD-40 is used to clean wheels and tracks to ensure good electrical pickup.

[edit] WD-40 Company

WD-40 Company headquarters in San Diego
WD-40 Company headquarters in San Diego

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.

[edit] See also

[edit] Similar products

  • Selleys RP7
  • GT85
  • CRC 5-56
  • Caramba (in Europe/Germany), marketed since 1874, trademarked in 1903.
  • MOS6 by Molycote

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d Our History. WD-40.
  2. ^ Uses for WD-40 at the Urban Legends Reference Pages
  3. ^ WD-40 MSDS.
  4. ^ TSUBAKI RIDER Motor Chain
  5. ^ Welcome to RK Excel America - FAQ
  6. ^ Leatherman Maintenance Tips
  7. ^ WD-40 stops cocaine use. New Choices (2005-01-21).
  8. ^ It tolls for the city - The Boston Globe
  9. ^ Killion, Andy. "Revenue, Net Income Both Rise at WD-40", San Diego Business Journal, 2007-04-09. Retrieved on 2007-04-13. 

[edit] External links