Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Airstream Forums > Airstream Restoration, Repair & Parts Forums > General Repair Forum
Click Here to Login
Register Vendors FAQ Community Calendar Today's Posts Search Log in

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 03-11-2004, 05:30 PM   #1
3 Rivet Member
 
jjonesnc's Avatar
 
Cary , North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 156
Images: 8
Send a message via Yahoo to jjonesnc
Wd40!!!!!!!

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.

No wonder they have had 50 successful years.
jjonesnc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2004, 05:41 PM   #2
4 Rivet Member
 
KIMILI's Avatar
 
2004 25' International CCD
Salem , Massachusetts
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 457
That's great! Wow!

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??
__________________
Cheers!
KIMILI
KIMILI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2004, 05:42 PM   #3
4 Rivet Member
 
WayWard Wind's Avatar
 
2004 25' Safari
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 424
WD 40

---you can also use it in your blacksmith shop to turn the metal into a deeper black finish color.
Best,
__________________
Home of the Wayward Wind

Bogfrog & Mr. Turbo

If in life you stumble, make it part of the dance
WayWard Wind is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2004, 05:49 PM   #4
Cartoon Character
 
Porky Pig's Avatar
 
2004 34' Classic
On The Road , U.S.A.
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 885
Images: 10
Be careful where you spray that stuff ...

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
__________________
Porky

TrailerGypsies.com
WBCCI #3405 — Escapees #80360

I live the life I love and I love the life I live.
-- Willie Dixon
Porky Pig is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2004, 06:19 PM   #5
Retired.
 
Currently Looking...
. , At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
overlander63 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2004, 06:28 PM   #6
Rivet Master
 
Janets Husband's Avatar
 
1977 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre
1964 26' Overlander
1977 25' Tradewind
Eastern , Washington
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 865
Images: 6
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.
__________________
Peace
Gary
Janets Husband is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2004, 06:31 PM   #7
3 Rivet Member
 
jjonesnc's Avatar
 
Cary , North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 156
Images: 8
Send a message via Yahoo to jjonesnc
shup Gary back in your box


Yes it does get sticky over time but works great in a pinch!
jjonesnc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2004, 06:49 PM   #8
Site Team
 
Janet H's Avatar

 
1964 26' Overlander
1964 19' Globetrotter
OlyPen , Washington
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,936
Images: 101
Oily residue...

Olive oil works in a pinch - and you can put it on salad (other things too...)

Seriously, Tri-flo is a great choice and doesn't polymerize over time. Keeps the hinges on squeaky box lids silent as well.
__________________
1964 Globetrotter | 2023 Nissan Armada



AirForums Custom Search
Janet H is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2004, 06:54 PM   #9
Rivet Master
 
Edie's Avatar
 
Dallas , Texas
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 561
Images: 19
Exclamation

Be careful with WD40. It is very toxic, can destroy your liver, and is readily absorbed by your skin.
__________________
Edie
Edie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2004, 06:59 PM   #10
Retired Moderator
 
john hd's Avatar
 
1992 29' Excella
madison , Wisconsin
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,644
Images: 40
janet

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
__________________
you call them ferrets, i call them weasels.
john hd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2004, 07:03 PM   #11
2 Rivet Member
 
stuart2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 44
Images: 10
"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!!
stuart2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2004, 07:04 PM   #12
Just an old timer...
 
85MH325's Avatar

 
2004 22' Interstate
Tipton , Iowa
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,766
Images: 37
Quote:
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
__________________
havin' to fix my broken Airstreams since 1987...
AIR 2053 Current: 2004 Airstream Interstate "B-Van" T1N DODGE Sprinter
Former Airstreams: 1953 Flying Cloud, 1957 Overlander, 1961 Bambi, 1970 Safari Special, 1978 Argosy Minuet, 1985 325 Moho, 1994 Limited 34' Two-door, 1994 B190 "B-Van"
85MH325 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2004, 07:07 PM   #13
4 Rivet Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 366
Seriously, I spray my fishing lures for its fish attractaction properties.
Dick
Navigator is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2004, 07:12 PM   #14
Rivet Master
 
Edie's Avatar
 
Dallas , Texas
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 561
Images: 19
Quote:
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.
__________________
Edie
Edie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2004, 08:03 PM   #15
Rivet Master
 
CanoeStream's Avatar

 
2006 25' Safari FB SE
St. Cloud , Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,280
Images: 19
Blog Entries: 3
You got a wet car lock frozen in the winter? WD-40 doesn't help cuz it doesn't mix with water. LPS is water soluble and helps effect an unfreeze (affect an unthaw?). It also stays around and prevents the next freezup.
__________________
Bob

5 meter Langford Nahanni

CanoeStream is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2004, 08:31 PM   #16
Rivet Master
 
Tinsel Loaf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 790
A spray of WD-40 on standing water will kill the mosquitoes. I forget the name of It, but a horse liniment maybe it's was DMSO found at animal feed stores is good for arthritis, joint pain. My old uncle, a vet used it and you could smell it on his breath. Think I could use some about now. The booze isn't working anymore.
Tinsel Loaf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2004, 08:34 PM   #17
2 Rivet Member
 
bswaslien@aol.com's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 47
Images: 12
wd40

I used to take it with me to the .25$ car wash,to use on the distributor cap when got wet. (doesn't help now, no points) PJ
bswaslien@aol.com is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-11-2004, 11:50 PM   #18
3 Rivet Member
 
jjonesnc's Avatar
 
Cary , North Carolina
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 156
Images: 8
Send a message via Yahoo to jjonesnc
When I was a teenager I remember my dad using it to start a wet engine, kept some in the car always after that!
-Jason
jjonesnc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2004, 04:16 AM   #19
Rivet Master
 
flyfisher's Avatar
 
2004 30' Classic
Field and Stream , PA & MT
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 819
I know there are lots of people that use WD-40 on their fishing lures. Although this is a relatively small dosage, WD-40 does contain a petrolium base, and I'm not in favor of putting any pollutants in our lakes or rivers.

John
__________________
Flyfisher
flyfisher is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2004, 06:42 AM   #20
4 Rivet Member
 
sander17's Avatar
 
1996 28' Excella
Okemos , Michigan
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 305
Images: 42
Thumbs up Wonder sprays

Another one for your toolbox is Boeshield T9. It is a lubricant that dries to a thin wax film. Works great on the cast iron tops of woodworking stationary tools and bicycle chains. Originally developed for Boeing aircraft.
sander17 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Fans of Airstream Interstate SilverGate Sprinter and B-van Forum 632 11-08-2018 12:47 PM
Avion trailers FlytoFish Vintage Kin 203 10-20-2017 07:29 AM
A 1963 Overlander named Moonraker! reinergirl 1960 - 1964 Overlander 702 08-28-2017 11:36 AM
WD40 as a polishing agent? Silverflames Cleaning, Stripping & Polishing 20 10-10-2012 05:15 AM
tape issue Viper2 Ribs, Skins & Rivets 17 02-25-2011 08:30 AM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:22 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.