I had no idea of all the uses for WD-40. I don't know if all the uses listed below really work, but I'm headed to the store to buy some; it's worth a try.
WD-40 !!!
The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and
de-greaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three
technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. It's name comes from
the project that was to find a "water displacement" compound. They were
successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40.
The Convair Company bought it in bulk to protect their Atlas missile
parts.The workers were so pleased with the product, they began smuggling (also known
as "shrinkage" or "stealing") it out to use at home. The executives decided
there might be a consumer market for it and put it in aerosol cans. The rest, as
they say, is history.
It is a carefully guarded recipe known only to four people. Only one of
them is the "brew master." There are about 2.5 million gallons of the stuff
manufactured each year. It gets it's distinctive smell from a fragrance that is
added to the brew. Ken East says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt
you.
Here are some of the uses:
Protects silver from tarnishing
Cleans and lubricates guitar strings
Gets oil spots off concrete driveways
Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making it slippery
Keeps flies off cows
Restores and cleans chalkboards
Removes lipstick stains
Loosensstubborn zippers
Untangles jewelry chains
Removes stains from stainless steel sinks
Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill
Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing
Removes tomato stains from clothing
Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots
Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors
Keeps scissors working smoothly
Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes
Gives a children's play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide
Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on riding
mowers
Rids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises
Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and
makes them easier to open
Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close
Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles,
as well as vinyl bumpers
Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles
Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans
Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons and bicycles
for easy handling
Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them
running smoothly
Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other
tools
We're not through. Here's more;
Removes splattered grease on stove
Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging
Lubricates prosthetic limbs
Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell)
Removes all traces of duct tape
I have even heard of folks spraying
it on their arms, hands, knees, etc., to relieve arthritis pain.
One fellow claims spraying it on fishing lures attracts fish.
WD-40 has been designated the "official multi-purpose problem-solver of
NASCAR," a ringing endorsement if there ever was one. I told my NASCAR
loving sons about this and they said they couldn't imagine how WD-40 can
solve the Jeff Gordon problem.
In celebration of their 50th year, the company conducted a contest to learn
the favorite uses of it's customers and fan club members, (Yes, there is a
WD-40 Fan Club). They compiled the information to identify the favorite use in
each of the 50 states. Naturally I was curious about Georgia and Alabama and
found the favorite use in both states was that it "penetrates stuck bolts, lug
nuts, and hose ends." Florida's favorite use was "cleans and removes lovebugs
from grills and bumpers." California's favorite use was penetrating the bolts
on the Golden Gate Bridge.
Let me close with one final, wonderful use--the favorite use in the State
of New York--WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
We are part of those million of users and have one in every vehicle, AS included.
The Home depot sells a mini can which is incredibly handy. It even fits in a small purse!
If it's really that harmless - not that I really trust corporate claims - could it be used to improve old teflon surfaces??
WD40 is a great lube ... but it does attract dirt ... so you may have to clean whatever it is you have lubed and then reapply after a certain period of time.
I also use a silicon spray that does an excellent job ... and I don't seem to have the dirt buildup
One additional use:
Starting recalcitrant 6.9 & 7.3 diesel engines in cold weather.
It works very well, I used it for a winter when the glow plugs failed. Not explosive like ether-based starting fluids.
Terry
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Terry Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine
AIR#2611
WD 40 has its uses but for long term lubrication requirments it should not be used.
WD40 will in time tend to get very sticky and lose it lubrication properties. I have seen this happen in as little as 3 months.
Use one of the newer silicone based sprays for that purpose.
not a big fan of tri flo, tried it in my .45 and caused it to jam, same with my .30-06.
LPS #2 is a much better lubricant and anti rust spray.
the only thing i like about wd-40 is the "drying of ignitions" it does work as advertised. other than that, i'll stick with hoppes #9 and good old 10w/30 in a squirt can oiler!
john
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you call them ferrets, i call them weasels.
"I kid you not"
I was camped at a southern Louisianna camp ground a few years ago and an elderly couple camped next to us were spaying their elbows an shoulders with WD-40. Our curiosity was, of course, peaked and we had to ask the obvious. They clamied it was the only thing to help their arthritis! We've been worried about them ever since!!
Originally posted by Edie G Be careful with WD40. It is very toxic, can destroy your liver, and is readily absorbed by your skin.
Edie... are you sure you're not talking about beer here?
Roger
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AIR 2053 “A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.” Robert Heinlein 2006 Bigfoot 25B25RQ towed by a 2001 Born Free 23RK moho
I was camped at a southern Louisianna camp ground a few years ago and an elderly couple camped next to us were spaying their elbows an shoulders with WD-40.
This is not uncommon, and leads to liver failure in a lot of people. It does actually work to lubricate joints. That's a perfect example of how readily it's absorbed through the skin.
The label on the can doesn't say to avoid contact with skin for no reason.
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