Jul 25, 2009

Facts About & Use Of WD-40

Did you know that the main ingredient of WD-40 is fish oil? WD-40 was "born" in 1953 when three research and development technologists at the San Diego Chemical Company tried to develop a water displacement solution or compound as a rust prevention solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. It was on the 40th attempt that the compound was successfully formulated. Thus, it was called Water Displacement Compound #40 and given its commercial name of WD-40.

The Convair Company was its first major customer, who bought it in bulk to protect its Atlas missile parts.

Ken East, one of the compound's co-inventors, claims that WD-40 is safe for use on any surface---cloth, glass, metal, plastic, etc. Being a water displacement compound, WD-40 has been found to have many amazing practical applications and uses.

One time, a man found that some graffiti artist/prankster had spray painted the sides of his beige truck with red paint. A neighbor, who saw the damage, came out and told the truck owner that WD-40 will get rid of the mess without hurting the truck's original paint job.

Below is a list of 40 or so other possible practical uses of WD-40.

Protects silver from tarnishing;
Removes road tar and grime from cars;
Cleans and lubricates guitar strings;
Gives floors a 'just-waxed' sheen without making them slippery;
Keeps flies off cows;
Cleans and restores chalkboards;
Removes lipstick stains in clothes and laundry---saturate the lipstick spots with WD-40 and wash;
Loosens stubborn zippers and rusted-in screws and bolts;
Untangles jewelry chains;
Removes stubborn stains in sinks and tubs;
Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill;
Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing [developing ugly white deposits especially during extremely cold weather];
Removes tomato stains from clothing and linen;
Keeps glass shower doors and enclosures free of water spots;
Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors;
Keeps scissors working smoothly;
Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and in homes;
Removes tar and scuff marks from the kitchen floor --- doesn't harm the finish and one makes scrubbing much easier but make sure to open the windows and air the room when using WD-40 extensively;
Removes bug guts which will eat away the car finish if not removed quickly. In Florida, it is a "favorite" to clean and remove love bugs from motor vehicle grills and bumpers;
Gives a playground gym slide a shine and a "super fast" slide;
Lubricates the gear shift and mower deck lever of riding mowers for easier handling;
Gets rid of squeaky noises in rocking chairs and swings;
Lubricates window tracks and makes them easier to open and close;
Lubricates and makes an umbrella easier to open and close;
Cleans and restores leather and vinyl surfaces --- bumpers, dashboards, and furniture;
Cleans and restores roof racks on cars and trucks;
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 to keep them running smoothly;
Keeps rust from forming on various tools --- e.g., hoes, rakes, shovels/spades, saws/saw blades, etc.;
Removes splattered grease on the stove;
Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging;
Lubricates prosthetic limbs;
Keeps pigeons off the balcony and patio --- they hate the smell;
Removes all traces of duct tape;
Helps to give relief from arthritic pain in arms, hands, and knees;
Attracts fish---spray a little WD-40 on live bait or lure, and it is much cheaper than other chemical attractants. But keep in mind that some states ban chemical-laced baits or lures;
Relieves pain of fire ant bites/stings;
Relieves itching from insect bites and other sources;
Removes crayon marks on walls---just spray and wipe with a clean rag;
Displaces moisture on a distributor cap and allows the car to start ;

It is the favorite compound used by the State of New York to protect the Statue of Liberty from the elements!

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