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    WD-40
    Penetrating Oil, Lubricant, Rust Preventive

    WD-40

    by WD-40

    "The can with 2,000 uses"

    96%

    Rating

    4.8/5

    $8.32 for 8 oz can (Amazon)Available
    Community

    Overview

    WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, 40th formula. The Rocket Chemical Company invented it in 1953, and by 1958 it hit store shelves. Made by the WD-40 Company in San Diego, California, this penetrating oil works as a lubricant, rust preventive, penetrant, and moisture displacer. While specialized products outperform it in specific tasks, WD-40 earned a reputation as a versatile jack of all trades. In 2014, it earned a spot in the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. As of 2023, it remains a household staple, found in garages and workshops worldwide.

    The original formula was developed for Convair to protect the outer skin of the Atlas missile from rust and corrosion. Norm Larsen, a chemist at Rocket Chemical, tried 39 times before nailing the 40th formula that actually worked. That persistence paid off. The product's first commercial success came when a San Diego hardware store owner stocked it on his shelves and customers came back asking for more.

    Today the WD-40 Company has expanded far beyond the blue-and-yellow can. The Specialist line, introduced in 2011, targets trade professionals with dedicated formulas for silicone, white lithium grease, and contact cleaner. The BIKE line, launched in 2012, caters to cyclists with chain lubricants and degreasers. In 2008, the company compiled a list of 2,000 uses with help from the WD-40 Fan Club, and for the first time that year, over half of revenues came from outside the United States.

    Key Features

    • Displaces moisture and prevents rust
    • Penetrates rusted and stuck parts
    • Lubricates light-duty moving parts
    • Cleans and removes adhesives, grease, and grime
    • Protects metal surfaces from corrosion
    • Non-conductive up to 47,800 volts
    • Available in Smart Straw, EZ-REACH, Trigger Pro, and Big Blast formats
    • Also sold in bulk sizes up to 55-gallon drums

    Specifications

    Viscosity2.8 cSt at 40°C
    Dielectric Strength44,400–47,800 volts
    Operating Temperature Range-10°F to 200°F
    Kauri-Butanol Value24.8
    Specific Gravity0.808
    Flash Point120°F (Tagliabue closed cup)

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • • Extremely versatile for many household and workshop tasks
    • • Effective at displacing water and drying out electrical components
    • • Penetrates rusted bolts and nuts quickly
    • • Non-conductive, safe for use on electronics
    • • Widely available and affordable

    Cons

    • • Not a heavy-duty lubricant; evaporates quickly
    • • Flammable; requires careful storage and use
    • • Strong petroleum odor
    • • Can damage some plastics and painted surfaces
    • • Not a long-term rust preventative; needs reapplication

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is WD-40 a lubricant?
    WD-40 is advertised as a lubricant and can lubricate light-duty moving parts, but its low viscosity (2.8 cSt at 40°C) makes it a light-duty lubricant. It is better described as a solvent, water displacer, and cleaner. For heavy-duty lubrication, specialized products like WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease are more effective.
    What is the WD-40 price?
    Pricing varies by size and retailer. On Amazon, an 8 oz can with Smart Straw is approximately $8.32, an 11 oz can is around $12.68, and a 12-pack of 12 oz cans costs about $100.56. Prices can fluctuate based on sales and location.
    WD-40 vs. silicone lubricant: What's the difference?
    WD-40 Multi-Use Product is a solvent-based cleaner and light lubricant that displaces moisture and penetrates rust. A silicone lubricant, like WD-40 Specialist Silicone, is a thicker, longer-lasting lubricant that resists water and is ideal for rubber, plastic, and metal parts where a dry, non-staining film is needed.
    Is WD-40 worth it?
    Yes, for its primary uses. It is highly effective as a water displacer for drying out electrical systems, a penetrant for loosening rusted bolts, and a cleaner for removing adhesives and grime. However, it is not a high-performance, long-term lubricant, so its value depends on the specific task.
    When was WD-40 released?
    WD-40 was first introduced as a commercial product in 1958. The formula was originally developed in 1953 for the Rocket Chemical Company to prevent corrosion on the Atlas missile.

    Keywords

    WD-40penetrating oilwater displacerlubricantrust preventivemulti-use producthousehold maintenanceDIYAtlas missileNorm Larsen

    Sources

    WikipediaUmbrex Company ProfileOfficial WebsiteWD-40 Company HistoryAmazon Store

    Product Info

    Brand
    WD-40
    Manufacturer
    WD-40 Company
    Category
    Penetrating Oil, Lubricant, Rust Preventive
    Released
    1958
    Price
    $8.32 for 8 oz can (Amazon)
    Availability
    Available
    Headquarters
    San Diego, California
    Inventor
    Norm Larsen (Rocket Chemical Company)
    Year Invented
    1953
    Year Commercialized
    1958
    Acronym Meaning
    Water Displacement, 40th formula
    Original Purpose
    Protect Atlas missile skin from corrosion
    Hall of Fame Induction
    International Air & Space Hall of Fame (2014)
    Number of Uses
    Over 2,000
    Specialist Line Launch
    2011
    BIKE Line Launch
    2012

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