WD-40
March 11th, 2012 at 12:26:03 PM
permalink
Is WD-40 the most useful product ever invented?
There's a site that lists 2000 uses for D-40, and I
discovered 2 that aren't on there. I cleaned 12
years of cloudy fogginess off my wife's Jeep's
headlight lenses today, using rubbing compound.
The stuff you you use to rub out auto paint. They
look like new, clear as glass. I read you can spray
WD-40 on hard plastic to shine and protect it, and
it made the lenses glisten, what a difference.
I was having trouble with my seatbelt latch and
it sticks sometimes and won't release the belt.
I sprayed some WD into the latching mechanism
and worked the button a bunch of times and now
it releases the belt with barely any pressure. WD-40
to the rescue. The most useful product I've ever
seen.
There's a site that lists 2000 uses for D-40, and I
discovered 2 that aren't on there. I cleaned 12
years of cloudy fogginess off my wife's Jeep's
headlight lenses today, using rubbing compound.
The stuff you you use to rub out auto paint. They
look like new, clear as glass. I read you can spray
WD-40 on hard plastic to shine and protect it, and
it made the lenses glisten, what a difference.
I was having trouble with my seatbelt latch and
it sticks sometimes and won't release the belt.
I sprayed some WD into the latching mechanism
and worked the button a bunch of times and now
it releases the belt with barely any pressure. WD-40
to the rescue. The most useful product I've ever
seen.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
March 11th, 2012 at 12:35:58 PM
permalink
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
March 11th, 2012 at 12:42:41 PM
permalink
Trivia quiz and no looking it up! What does the WD stand for?
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
March 11th, 2012 at 12:58:52 PM
permalink
Water displacement.
40 turns out to be the 40th version of the formula they used.
And no, I didn't look that up: I remember seeing one of those Science Channel-type shows on it.
40 turns out to be the 40th version of the formula they used.
And no, I didn't look that up: I remember seeing one of those Science Channel-type shows on it.
"In my own case, when it seemed to me after a long illness that death was close at hand, I found no little solace in playing constantly at dice."
-- Girolamo Cardano, 1563
March 11th, 2012 at 1:04:04 PM
permalink
Quote: odiousgambitTrivia quiz and no looking it up! What does the WD stand for?
I'm not sure what the WD stand for, but during my college speech class, a kid gave a speech on it. I wasn't paying to heavy attention, but I believe the 40 stands for something to do with the manhattan project and nuclear warheads.
So Warhead-degreaser 1940? I'm pretty sure the date isn't correct...
March 11th, 2012 at 1:12:54 PM
permalink
And here I was thinking "Winn Dixie."Quote: MathExtremistWater displacement.
March 11th, 2012 at 2:04:27 PM
permalink
I'm pretty sure its water displacement. Its great for
spraying out moisture in small motors on the job
site. One of the things it doesn't work well on is
clock repair. You'd think it would because of all
the gears, but it gum's them up and slows the
clock down.
spraying out moisture in small motors on the job
site. One of the things it doesn't work well on is
clock repair. You'd think it would because of all
the gears, but it gum's them up and slows the
clock down.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
March 11th, 2012 at 2:12:26 PM
permalink
WD-40 actually came out of the space program. I was just in Huntsville, AL, and visited the NASA space camp/science center/museum. My mom and brother Bob live there.
At the museum, one of the displays showed the commercial items invented as a result of the space effort, and it included our beloved WD-40. It means "Water Displacement - 40th attempted formula." This one really worked, and repelled water from critical parts of missles.
Also saw a Saturn V rocket, a retired SR-71 Blackbird, A space shuttle, etc.
The only thing missing was a blow-up photo of Tom Hanks in uniform, all teary-eyed and crap.
At the museum, one of the displays showed the commercial items invented as a result of the space effort, and it included our beloved WD-40. It means "Water Displacement - 40th attempted formula." This one really worked, and repelled water from critical parts of missles.
Also saw a Saturn V rocket, a retired SR-71 Blackbird, A space shuttle, etc.
The only thing missing was a blow-up photo of Tom Hanks in uniform, all teary-eyed and crap.
Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes - Henry David Thoreau. Like Dealers' uniforms - Dan.
March 11th, 2012 at 2:20:52 PM
permalink
Quote: Paigowdan
At the museum, one of the displays showed the commercial items invented as a result of the space effort, .
They got it almost right. It was invented in 1953
for use on ballistic missiles. There was no space
program in 1953. Its made from a secret formula
like Coke and KFC is.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
March 11th, 2012 at 2:25:38 PM
permalink
Yes, that it true. It was a missile/military program originally, - NASA came much later.
The museum started with its missle program roots, and of course Werner von Braun. Saw early films of him discussing his reasons for coming to America, basically stating, "Ve elected to get ze flock outta zere, before ze Soviets rolled in...."
The museum started with its missle program roots, and of course Werner von Braun. Saw early films of him discussing his reasons for coming to America, basically stating, "Ve elected to get ze flock outta zere, before ze Soviets rolled in...."
Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes - Henry David Thoreau. Like Dealers' uniforms - Dan.
March 11th, 2012 at 2:29:12 PM
permalink
Quote: PaigowdanSaw early films of him discussing his reasons for coming to America, basically stating, "Ve elected to get ze flock outta zere, before ze Soviets rolled in...."
The German's were relentless in attacking the Soviet
Union in WWII and after the war, the German's were
terrified of Stalin, with good reason.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
March 11th, 2012 at 3:31:48 PM
permalink
deleted
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
March 11th, 2012 at 5:18:41 PM
permalink
Most useful product ever?
The Transistor. The branding alone for specific purposes.
The Transistor. The branding alone for specific purposes.
Some people need to reimagine their thinking.
March 11th, 2012 at 10:11:17 PM
permalink
Quote: EvenBobThey got it almost right. It was invented in 1953
for use on ballistic missiles. There was no space
program in 1953. Its made from a secret formula
like Coke and KFC is.
I always knew KFC didn't have any chicken in it ;-)
-----
You want the truth! You can't handle the truth!
March 12th, 2012 at 1:51:32 AM
permalink
Quote: EvenBobI'm pretty sure its water displacement. Its great for
spraying out moisture in small motors on the job
site. One of the things it doesn't work well on is
clock repair. You'd think it would because of all
the gears, but it gum's them up and slows the
clock down.
I'm a bit of a WD-40 basher .... nah, what's the right word?... in-perspective-putter? [English needs a word for this?]. The great thing about it is the spray! That can really be the ticket, and for it's described purpose, lubricating something that is, say, threatening to rust, it is perfect. But I don't think of it as the best lubricator. I am big on 3-in-one for most household stuff. There is something about the WD-40 that makes it too runny? maybe it partly is the spray but somehow it won't build up where I want it somehow. And Bob points out something I have noticed too, it probably is just not the best lubricator.
The most delicate kinda cool lubricator is projector oil, the kind for movie projectors. At one time these were a little more common in households, maybe you can't find it anywhere now. Might be good for clocks.
Maybe I need to find the 1000 uses webpage.
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
March 12th, 2012 at 9:35:31 AM
permalink
Quote: odiousgambitI'm a bit of a WD-40 basher .... nah, what's the right word?... in-perspective-putter? [English needs a word for this?]. The great thing about it is the spray! That can really be the ticket, and for it's described purpose, lubricating something that is, say, threatening to rust, it is perfect. But I don't think of it as the best lubricator. .
Its good for some things, like locks, and hinges, and squeaky
things. The old sewing machine oil is even better than 3 in 1,
if you can find it. WD's great for spraying,like you said. And
its a great solvent for removing glue and magic marker and
crayon and stains and a jillion other things.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
March 12th, 2012 at 9:39:30 AM
permalink
One use I heard and haven't read was that is works for repelling pigeons. I don't know if that one is an old wives tale or not.
Supposedly you just spray in the area and the pigeons will stay away. They don't like the smell.
Supposedly you just spray in the area and the pigeons will stay away. They don't like the smell.
March 12th, 2012 at 9:56:05 AM
permalink
You can over use the WD-40 on some things. We used to use it on coin counter machines (big hulking automatic sorters), but found too much on the mechanics would attract the dirt and gunk for the coins. Just a little and a bit of a brush/wipe did the trick to free up the mechanisms.
"Then you can admire the real gambler, who has neither eaten, slept, thought nor lived, he has so smarted under the scourge of his martingale, so suffered on the rack of his desire for a coup at trente-et-quarante" - Honore de Balzac, 1829
March 12th, 2012 at 9:56:27 AM
permalink
The 2000 uses for WD-40 is worth a glance. There's
things I would never have used WD on, but will now.
things I would never have used WD on, but will now.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
March 12th, 2012 at 10:16:02 AM
permalink
WD40 IS NOT A LUBRICANT. It is used to free seized parts.
When I should not use WD40
When I should not use WD40
A falling knife has no handle.
March 12th, 2012 at 10:16:19 AM
permalink
Quote: EvenBobIs WD-40 the most useful product ever invented?
Hmm, I think the wrist watch, Swiss Army Knife (or one of it's many derivatives), and Velcro would make it a horserace.
The real measure is: what make up your "Personal Carry" right now? If you inventoried all the "stuff" on you right now what would be on the list?
For me:
Wrist watch with date and chronograph
Cellphone (not smartphone)
Small "Leatherman" tool (knife, file, small screwdriver, tweezers, scissors) with keyring with two detachable rings
Car keys with remote and detachable multitool (small pliers, phillips and slotted screwdrivers)
They have all served me well, especially the knife.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
March 12th, 2012 at 10:49:02 AM
permalink
All right, most versatile product ever invented.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
March 12th, 2012 at 10:53:16 AM
permalink
Quote: MoscaWD40 IS NOT A LUBRICANT. It is used to free seized parts.
Its a short term lubricant. When the evaporating
is done, whats left is a thin oil. There are 2000
other uses besides freeing seized parts.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
March 12th, 2012 at 11:06:29 AM
permalink
Quote: EvenBobIts a short term lubricant. When the evaporating
is done, whats left is a thin oil. There are 2000
other uses besides freeing seized parts.
And chance WD-40 can loosen up Dan Lubin. Talk about a tight nut. LOL
March 12th, 2012 at 2:18:39 PM
permalink
Quote: thlfOne use I heard and haven't read was that is works for repelling pigeons. I don't know if that one is an old wives tale or not.
Supposedly you just spray in the area and the pigeons will stay away. They don't like the smell.
Really? Pigeons can be a huge problem, and none of the products I've ever seen advertised as repellents ever work. The last time we had a pigeon prblem at home, we got a cat. No more pigeons! A dog works just as well.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
March 12th, 2012 at 3:14:13 PM
permalink
Quote: NareedA dog works just as well.
People who complain about geese fouling up this and that and the other are just unwilling to use dogs. Namby-pambyism. Trust me, the geese learn quick and vamoose.
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
March 12th, 2012 at 3:37:22 PM
permalink
Quote: odiousgambitPeople who complain about geese fouling up this and that and the other are just unwilling to use dogs. Namby-pambyism. Trust me, the geese learn quick and vamoose.
As far as I know, my cat never hurt a pigeon. They simply stopped roosting on the roof when she got home.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
March 12th, 2012 at 3:53:33 PM
permalink
Quote: NareedAs far as I know, my cat never hurt a pigeon. They simply stopped roosting on the roof when she got home.
And the cat even helped them pack and load the moving van. Yeah... that's what happened...
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
March 12th, 2012 at 4:06:02 PM
permalink
Quote: thlfOne use I heard and haven't read was that is works for repelling pigeons. I don't know if that one is an old wives tale or not.
Supposedly you just spray in the area and the pigeons will stay away. They don't like the smell.
Old wives tale. Used to do bird abatement work when I was in pest control. I'm not going to go into great detail here (if you have a bird problem PM me for advice) but I will say that is very detailed work. It might work for a few hours if they are just loafing, but that is it.
Believe me, I heard every old-wives bird-control tale out there.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
March 14th, 2012 at 8:50:50 AM
permalink
Just used WD on a rotary can opener and it works
like new. Didn't see that on the 2000 uses page.
like new. Didn't see that on the 2000 uses page.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
October 29th, 2013 at 3:58:33 PM
permalink
Does this belong in the duct tape thread?
WD 40 removes all traces of duct tape.
WD 40 removes all traces of duct tape.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
October 29th, 2013 at 5:02:59 PM
permalink
WD 40 is actually controversial among bicycle riders.
Many bike repair experts say never ever use it on bike chains and gears and sprockets.
Others swear by it. I love it and use it on my bike.
I use WD 40 as a cleaner when cleaning my bike chain, then after cleaning the chain that's somewhat lubed up with WD 40, dab on a special wax liquid made especially for bike chains.
Many bike repair experts say never ever use it on bike chains and gears and sprockets.
Others swear by it. I love it and use it on my bike.
I use WD 40 as a cleaner when cleaning my bike chain, then after cleaning the chain that's somewhat lubed up with WD 40, dab on a special wax liquid made especially for bike chains.
When somebody doesn't believe me, I could care less. Some get totally bent out of shape when not believed. Weird. I believe very little on all forums
October 29th, 2013 at 5:10:03 PM
permalink
Quote: terapinedWD 40 is actually controversial among bicycle riders.
When I sold antiques, clock repair guys said never
use WD 40 to lube an old clock. It gums up the
works and makes it worse. Works great on old
guns, though.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
October 29th, 2013 at 5:28:32 PM
permalink
Quote: teddys
This is so brilliant I'm bringing it forward for another viewing. Duct tape and WD-40; the miracle combination.
About 20 years ago, I was flying Northwest somewhere. They delayed loading, made several announcements with bogus reasons, and finally a ground agent with some balls and/or an honest bone announced, "Folks, it will just be a few more minutes; the catering truck poked a hole in the fuselage, and as soon as the mechanic gets here and puts a piece of speed tape on it, we'll be good to go." (Speed tape = duct tape, for non-aviators)
True story; I was flying cockpit-access and did the walk-around with the co-pilot on the ramp, and he pointed the hole out to me as they were patching it, up above our heads next to the rear door. Gives you a lot of confidence in that airframe at altitude, huh?
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
October 29th, 2013 at 5:51:46 PM
permalink
New Instant-Fix Fabric Is 100x Stronger Than Duct Tape
Quote:It's joked that duct tape can be used to fix almost anything. But a new product called FiberFix might very well be the only tool you'll ever need for emergency repairs. And the secret is its special resin adhesive that hardens stronger than steel as it cures.
A falling knife has no handle.
October 29th, 2013 at 6:18:34 PM
permalink
Quote: terapinedWD 40 is actually controversial among bicycle riders.
Many bike repair experts say never ever use it on bike chains and gears and sprockets.
Others swear by it. I love it and use it on my bike.
I use WD 40 as a cleaner when cleaning my bike chain, then after cleaning the chain that's somewhat lubed up with WD 40, dab on a special wax liquid made especially for bike chains.
Heard this too. For people who have old rusty bikes around a general lubricant like WD 40 is probably the most likely thing they have handy. So, when the bike is finally cleaned but chain is defunct, the 40 probably gets the blame for the uncared for bike. Either that, or it really is too powerful a solvent. : )
Sanitized for Your Protection
October 29th, 2013 at 6:23:03 PM
permalink
One caution, keep WP-40 far away from the reloading bench, don't even allow the stuff in the same room. It will render primers inert if it touches the priming compound. You won't know until you pull the trigger and nothing happens.
Other than that, I always have a can around.
Other than that, I always have a can around.
October 29th, 2013 at 6:42:17 PM
permalink
Quote:the secret is its special resin adhesive that hardens stronger than steel as it cures.
that must be the stuff Face was removing from that car he bought [g]
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
October 29th, 2013 at 6:49:00 PM
permalink
Quote: Sabretom2
Other than that, I always have a can around.
I have a can in the van, 2 in the barn, 1 in the basement,
1 in the toolbox in the closet. I just spotted another one
in the kitchen tool drawer. Hmmm, I bet I'm set for awhile.
Some of them are 20 years old at least.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
October 29th, 2013 at 6:58:38 PM
permalink
Quote: EvenBobI have a can in the van, 2 in the barn, 1 in the basement,
1 in the toolbox in the closet. I just spotted another one
in the kitchen tool drawer. Hmmm, I bet I'm set for awhile.
Some of them are 20 years old at least.
...where Evenbob hints he may be starring on Hoarders.
Sanitized for Your Protection
October 29th, 2013 at 7:01:18 PM
permalink
Quote: rxwine...where Evenbob hints he may be starring on Hoarders.
When you need it, you need it. I don't want
to go looking for it. WD 40 lists 2000 uses
for it on their site. It warrants having a few
cans around.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
October 29th, 2013 at 7:10:54 PM
permalink
Quote: beachbumbabs(Speed tape = duct tape, for non-aviators)
Speed tape isn't duct tape. Speed tape is metallized, much, much stronger than duct. It's like really thick tin foil that doesn't tear with an adhesive backing, similar to another product I will not mention
Quote: odiousgambitthat must be the stuff Face was removing from that car he bought [g]
Gah! You mentioned it! ><
But no, still not the same stuff. Dynamat is an insulator/sound deadener. Took 30+ man-hours, but I got it off. Speed tape don't come off.
On topic, WD-40 is for posers. I've become a lubricant snob and PB Blaster is where it's at. I won't touch another can of WD-40 again, unless I'm trying to clean something.
The opinions of this moderator are for entertainment purposes only.
October 29th, 2013 at 7:32:15 PM
permalink
Quote: FaceI won't touch another can of WD-40 again, unless I'm trying to clean something.
Which is what I mostly use it for. God invented
3 in1 Oil for lubing.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
October 29th, 2013 at 8:37:57 PM
permalink
Quote: terapinedWD 40 is actually controversial among bicycle riders.
Many bike repair experts say never ever use it on bike chains and gears and sprockets.
Others swear by it. I love it and use it on my bike.
I use WD 40 as a cleaner when cleaning my bike chain, then after cleaning the chain that's somewhat lubed up with WD 40, dab on a special wax liquid made especially for bike chains.
Clean your drive train with any solvent that works, then only use wax chain lube. Re-apply every two rides. Cain oil will make the chain last longer, but who cares? I use wax and my drive train stays clean. I don't mind replacing my chain every 3000 miles if I can change a tire without getting black shit all over everything.
"Truth is ever to be found in the simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things."
-- Isaac Newton
October 30th, 2013 at 5:00:55 AM
permalink
Quote: FaceSpeed tape isn't duct tape. Speed tape is metallized, much, much stronger than duct. It's like really thick tin foil that doesn't tear with an adhesive backing, similar to another product I will not mention
Quote: odiousgambitthat must be the stuff Face was removing from that car he bought [g]
Gah! You mentioned it! ><
But no, still not the same stuff. Dynamat is an insulator/sound deadener. Took 30+ man-hours, but I got it off. Speed tape don't come off.
On topic, WD-40 is for posers. I've become a lubricant snob and PB Blaster is where it's at. I won't touch another can of WD-40 again, unless I'm trying to clean something.
In Army Aviation we call it "hundertmile an hour tape". You can wrap a rotor blade with the stuff.
October 30th, 2013 at 5:25:24 AM
permalink
Quote: Sabretom2In Army Aviation we call it "hundertmile an hour tape". You can wrap a rotor blade with the stuff.
Yup, that's the stuff. Can fix cracks in a rotor/prop, patch a bullet hole up to 2" wide, keep a fender on a car at 200mph.
Speed tape on a cracked rotor is a repair.
Duct tape on a cracked rotor is a crash.
The opinions of this moderator are for entertainment purposes only.
October 30th, 2013 at 12:08:27 PM
permalink
Quote: FaceYup, that's the stuff. Can fix cracks in a rotor/prop, patch a bullet hole up to 2" wide, keep a fender on a car at 200mph.
It is thermally conductive.
It has a high heat reflectivity.
It resists UV degradation for long-term durability.
It is resistant to moisture and solvents.
It is also flame resistant.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
October 30th, 2013 at 12:15:30 PM
permalink
Is it bulletproof too? With a layer or two or three with Kevlar it would be.
Neat stuff.
Neat stuff.
November 19th, 2013 at 8:14:41 PM
permalink
How about Gorilla Tape? It supposedly sticks to anything,
even brick walls.
even brick walls.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
November 19th, 2013 at 8:37:40 PM
permalink
Another, but illegal use (in golf rules) is to spray it on you driver and it will allow the ball to go straight every time.
