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WD-40 is the trademark name of a widely-used penetrating oil (and cleaner, lubricant, dielectric and anti-corrosion) spray solution commonly sold in hardware stores and other such retail outlets. Developed in 1953 by Norm Larsen, then working for the Rocket Chemical Company, it was originally designed to repel water and prevent corrosion,[1] and later was found to have 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]
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Formulation
WD-40's main ingredients, according to U.S. Material Safety Data Sheet information, are:
- 50%: Stoddard solvent (i.e., mineral spirits -- somewhat similar to kerosene)
- 25%: Liquefied petroleum gas (presumably as a propellant; carbon dioxide is now used instead to reduce WD-40's 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]
Uses
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)
Typical uses of WD-40 in automotive repair include
- Driving moisture out of the high and low-tension electrical components of an internal combustion engine (e.g. cleaning and drying the inside of the ignition distributor cap) so that it will start, particularly on cold days
- 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]
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.
- In Cleaning WD-40 displaces crayon and ink from LCD Computer & TV Displays.
WD-40 Company
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.
See also
- WD-40 - a diesel tractor built by IHC/McCormick-Deering in the 1930s.
- Spy Hard - a movie featuring an agent with codename WD-40.
Similar products
- Selleys RP7
- GT85
- CRC 5-56
- Caramba (in Europe/Germany), marketed since 1874, trademarked in 1903.
- MOS6 by Molycote
References
- ^ a b c d "Our History". WD-40.
- ^ Uses for WD-40 at the Urban Legends Reference Pages
- ^ "WD-40 MSDS".
- ^ TSUBAKI RIDER Motor Chain
- ^ Welcome to RK Excel America - FAQ
- ^ Leatherman Maintenance Tips
- ^ "WD-40 stops cocaine use". New Choices (2005-01-21).
- ^ It tolls for the city - The Boston Globe
- ^ Killion, Andy (2007-04-09). "Revenue, Net Income Both Rise at WD-40", San Diego Business Journal. Retrieved on 2007-04-13.
External links
- WD-40 Web site
- List of 2000 uses for WD-40
- WD-40 Material Safety Data Sheet
- Wacky Uses for WD-40
- Why you shouldn't smash a can of WD40
Wikipedia content modification information:
- This page was last modified on 5 September 2008, at 04:13.
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