Working in a small lab in San Diego, California, it took them 40 attempts to get the water displacing formula worked out. But they must have been really good, because the original secret formula for WD-40® Multi-Use Product -which stands for Water Displacement perfected on the 40th try—is still in use today.
Larsen was attempting to create a formula to prevent corrosion in nuclear missiles, by displacing the standing water that causes it. So, why is WD-40 named WD-40? Because the first 39 water displacement formulas designed by Larsen and his company failed.
After 39 unsuccessful attempts, the San Diego-based business perfected the formula. The name of the product, WD-40, reflects its history: "Water Displacement perfected on the 40th try."
A chemist at the Rocket Chemical Company created a compound that would prevent rust and corrosion on the Atlas. It took him 40 attempts to get the water displacing formula right, but the end result became the formula for WD-40.
It provides non-drying protection that stays where you spray it. It has a long-lasting formula to protect metal parts by blocking rust and corrosion for up to 1 year outdoors or 2 years indoors.
WD-40 can be used on just about everything. It is safe for metal, rubber, wood and plastic. WD-40 can be applied to painted metal surfaces without harming the paint. Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic are among the few surfaces on which to avoid using a petroleum-based product like WD-40.
WD-40 was originally used by NASA to prevent rust and corrosion on spacecraft that launched the first satellites into orbit. It was invented by Georgia Tech engineering graduate Reginald Fleet and a team of scientists, and today only a handful of people still know the exact formula.
Well, when it comes to making your choice of penetrating lubricant, a good product to use is WD-40 Specialist Penetrant. All you need to do is soak the screw with the WD-40 Specialist Penetrant spray and let it work its magic for about fifteen minutes or so.
It took them 40 attempts to get the water displacing formula worked out. But they must have been really good, because the original secret formula for WD-40®—which stands for Water Displacement perfected on the 40th try—is still in use today.
As such, the shelf life is considered to be 5 years from the date of production; however, product will often dispense and perform as expected for considerably longer. WD-40® should be stored between 4 degrees centigrade and 54 degrees centigrade, and always shaken before use.
WD-40 can help remove rust from metals like iron, chrome, and stainless steel without further damaging the surface of the metal or removing the paint. The Multi-Use Product is great for loosening and removing excessive surface rust.
When cleaning a toilet bowl, WD-40 works by softening the rust and lime deposits, so they can be easily wiped away. You don't need to use much of it. Simply spray on the affected area, wait a minute or two and brush it away with a regular toilet brush.
Cooking oil
Whether it's olive, canola, or vegetable oil, its uses can extend past the kitchen as a cheap WD-40 alternative. The greasy texture of cooking oil makes it a great lubricant, and it's a good multipurpose oil, too.
The formula for WD-40® Multi-Use Product is a trade secret so protected the company never even filed for a patent. In fact, only a single person knows every exact ingredient that goes into the famous formula.
Depends on the temperature, humidity, and air currents. But one thing for sure, it will evaporate, and leave behind a sticky residue that is designed to give short term rust and corrosion protection. That's because that is the reason it was developed, a water dispersant, not a lubricant.
Restores surfaces to bare metal without scraping, chipping or scrubbing. For light rust, leave parts in 1-3 hours and for heavy rust, leave parts in the rust removal solution overnight.
Nope. The product that comes in those iconic blue-and-yellow cans is more of a corrosion inhibitor than a true penetrating oil. WD-40 is also a water displacer (hence the WD), keeping moisture away from sensitive metal surfaces, and it easily dissolves grease, grime, sap and residue on a variety of parts.
Skin contact: May cause drying of skin and/or irritation. Eye contact: May cause irritation, tearing and redness. Ingestion (Swallowed): May caused irritation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. First Aid Emergency Procedures Ingestion (Swallowed): Do not induce vomiting, seek medical attention.
Yes, WD-40 can potentially cause nasal and respiratory irritation and central nervous system effects such as headache, dizziness, and nausea—especially when inhaled at higher concentrations. You should always use WD-40 in moderation and in a well-ventilated area.
Wylie Dufresne. Chef. Wylie Dufresne. Food type. New American, eclectic/international.
WD-40 Multi-Use Polisher for Stainless-Steel
Not only will it remove greasy fingerprints and smudges, but it will also help keep fingerprints from forming. When you're done polishing off the fingerprints, wipe off any excess oil with a clean, dry cloth.
WD-40 will expertly clean up the wood, and ensure extended protection of the furniture in the long run. Wipe away any residue WD-40 from the surface of the wood, and you're good to go.
Simply spray onto the area you want to clean and scrub a little with a rag until the plastic surface looks clean and shiny. It's important to note that Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic are among the very few surfaces on which to avoid using WD-40.
Extremely Flammable Aerosol. Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated.