Lubrication, rust prevention, and thousands of other uses
Started in 1953, WD40 began as a small outfit called Rocket Chemical Company, built around rust-prevention and degreasers for aerospace applications. The original formula is named WD40 because it's a Water Displacement formula perfected on the 40th attempt, and it's still used to this day.
WD40 is a name synonymous with handling a job correctly. You know that if you've got a squeaky hinge or automotive grease to remove, WD40 will take care of the problem in just a few quick sprays. While WD40 is known for its multi-purpose formula, the product range has expanded to encompass a wide variety of specialty uses.
Protect Against Rust With WD40
For extra protection against corrosion, you can use WD40 Specialist Lanolin Rust Prevention, use WD40 Specialist Chain Lube to protect your chain from moisture and prevent fling or use WD40's White Lithium formula for metal-on-metal applications to reduce friction and prevent rust.
WD40 is also built for hard-to-reach places, with the WD40 Smart Straw making it easy to apply between tight gaps and underneath your vehicle or appliance. If the Smart Straw can't quite make the distance, then WD40 EZ-Reach has got your back, with a 20cm flexible straw that can bend around corners and make its way into all the nooks and crannies that regular WD40 can't.
Thousands of Uses
The applications for WD40 are innumerable, with the official website listing 2,000 different ways to use the product, with some standard applications such as lubrication, and other not-so-standard uses like removing a python from the undercarriage of a bus —yes, a bus driver really used WD40 to get rid of a snake.
Because WD40 is a multi-purpose product, it makes it incredibly useful for any DIYer to have on-hand in their garage. It's great for lubricating door hinge pins and points, protecting chrome from corrosion, loosening dirt and grease without scratching your paint job, as well as lesser-known uses like driving moisture from flooded engines.
What can I use WD40 for apart from lubricating?
WD40 is called a multi-purpose product for a reason. With more than 2,000 uses including removing grime and soap scum from showers and toilets, removing corrosion, and keeping athletic equipment like footy boots and golf clubs in good nick, WD40 is a true allrounder and a versatile addition to any toolbox.
What should WD40 not be used for?
While WD40 has a wide array of uses and works on a large number of surfaces, you should avoid using it on polycarbonate or clear polystyrene plastic, as well as your mobile phone or iPad as the liquid can harm the plastic and electronic components.
Does WD40 help to remove rust?
While lubrication is the main use for WD40, rust-prevention is another main use for the product. WD40 is designed to remove rust from stainless steel, iron, and chrome without being abrasive to the surface and causing it more damage. If you have larger scale jobs to handle, a 20L tub of WD40 can be used to create an anti-rust bath for corroded car parts, pots and pans or other equipment that will loosen and remove excessive rust.
