What is the origin of WD 40?
WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a “water displacement” compound. They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Corvair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts.
What are some household uses for WD 40?
Origin
- Then try it on your stovetop.. Voila! ...
- Here are some of the uses:
- Protects silver from tarnishing.
- Removes road tar and grime from cars.
- Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
- Gives floors that ‘just-waxed’ sheen without making it slippery.
- Keeps flies off cows.
- Restores and cleans chalkboards.
- Removes lipstick stains.
- Loosens stubborn zippers.
What is the active ingredient in WD 40?
- 45–50% low vapor pressure aliphatic hydrocarbon ( isoparaffin)
- <35% petroleum base oil (non-hazardous heavy paraffins)
- <25% aliphatic hydrocarbons (same CAS number as the first item, but flammable)
- 2–3% carbon dioxide (propellant)
What is WD-40 used for?
WD stands for "water displacing" and its main use is as a solvent or rust dissolver. The lubricant-like properties of WD-40 come not from the substance itself, but from dissolving components. And the effect doesn't last. WD-40 can be a good substance to start with — it can help clean up rust or other grime.
What was WD-40 originally created for?
The name WD-40 stands for “water displacement, formulation successful in 40th attempt.” Convair, a unit of General Dynamics, first used WD-40 to protect the outer skin of the Atlas missile from rust and corrosion. The product worked so well that employees sneaked WD-40 cans out of the plant to use at home.
How many attempts did it take to make WD-40?
After 39 unsuccessful attempts, the San Diego-based business perfected the formula. The name of the product, WD-40, reflects its history: "Water Displacement perfected on the 40th try." While the uses of the water displacement agent have changed over time, the same formula is still sold today.
How do you make WD-40?
Two Ways To Make A WD-40 Substitute Method 1: Fill a spray bottle with one part water and three parts organic vegetable oil. Shake to mix. Apply as you would WD-40. Method 2: Mix 90% organic vegetable oil with 10% acetone and shake to combine.
What does the 40 in WD-40 stand for?
The reason for the name comes from the history of the product. WD-40 is a solvent made with a special blend of lubricants. The WD in WD-40 stands for water displacement. Not only that, but the 40 means the 40th attempt at developing the product by the Rocket Chemical Company in 1953 in San Diego, California.
Does WD-40 expire?
What is the shelf-life of WD-40? Indefinite. While some products may have an expiration date, WD-40 lasts so long that a "use by" date isn't necessary.
Is WD-40 used for arthritis?
Patients who suffer from arthritis are trying anything to relieve those stiff and aching joints. Some have even tried spraying sore joints with WD-40 as they would to fix a squeaky, door hinge.
Is WD-40 natural?
Also keep in mind that WD-40 contains synthetic and petroleum-derived ingredients. That means if you prefer to grow your plants using organic methods, you should keep the WD-40 far away from your garden.
Is WD-40 all natural?
It's not particularly environmentally friendly though. While the full formula is a trade secret, its major ingredient is a petroleum distillate based solvent. Aside from all the environmental issues of fossil fuels, this also makes it quite flammable.
Does vegetable oil work like WD-40?
WD 40 lubricating spray may have some low-cost, do-it-yourself competition: vegetable oil and acetone. A mixture of vegetable oil with 10 percent acetone, the active ingredient in nail polish remover and some paint thinners, works as well to free rusted bolts as WD 40. And it costs about one-tenth of the price.
Can WD-40 clean a toilet?
When cleaning a toilet bowl, WD-40 works by softening the rust and lime deposits, so they can be easily wiped away. You don't need to use much of it. Simply spray on the affected area, wait a minute or two and brush it away with a regular toilet brush.
Does WD-40 Remove rust?
WD-40 can help remove rust from metals like iron, chrome, and stainless steel without further damaging the surface of the metal or removing the paint. The Multi-Use Product is great for loosening and removing excessive surface rust.
Did NASA invent WD-40?
WD-40 was invented in San Diego in 1953 as a rust-prevention solvent for Atlas missile outer skins. A chemist at the Rocket Chemical Company created a compound that would prevent rust and corrosion on the Atlas.
Who makes WD-40 oil?
WD-40 Company acquires the 3-IN-ONE ® Oil brand from Reckitt & Coleman. 3-IN-ONE, with its precise applicator spout, is a wonderful addition to the Company’s portfolio of products. 3-IN-ONE was developed in 1894 by George W. Cole of New Jersey. WD-40 Company opens office in Bad Homburg, Germany.
When did WD-40 go public?
WD-40 Company goes public and is listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange on January 19, 1973. Stock price increases by 61% on the first day of trading.
What is WD-40 EZ Reach?
With an attached 8” flexible straw that bends and keeps its shape, it can reach the unreachable: tight plumbing spaces, behind engine blocks, hard-to-reach hinges, rollers and more.
How many countries are WD-40 sold in?
WD-40 Company products are marketed and sold in more than 176 countries and territories around the world. WD-40 Multi-Use Product is a household name, used in numerous consumer and industrial markets such as automotive, manufacturing, sporting goods, aviation, hardware and home improvement, construction, and farming.
How many uses does WD-40 have?
The official list of 2,000 uses for WD-40 Multi-Use Product appears for the first time, thanks to the help of WD-40 Fan Club members. For the first time ever, more than 50% of revenues are generated outside of United States.
What does WD-40 stand for?
WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, 40th formula. That’s the name straight out of the lab book used by the chemist who developed the product. The first company to use WD-40 Multi-Use Product commercially was Convair, an aerospace contractor, to protect the outer skin of the Atlas Missile from rust and corrosion.
Where is the WD-40 located?
2019. WD-40 Company opens technology center in Pine Brook, New Jersey where tribe members can conduct laboratory-based research and development in-house. WD-40 Company opens new office in Milton Keynes and relocates its UK-based tribe members to a new work home. Garry Ridge named Chairman and CEO.
What is WD-40 used for?
By 1969 WD-40 was being marketed to farmers and mechanics in England. In 1973, WD-40 Company, Inc., went public with its first stock offering. Its NASDAQ stock symbol is ( Nasdaq : WDFC ).
What are the ingredients in WD-40?
WD-40's main ingredients as supplied in aerosol cans, according to the US Material Safety Data Sheet information, and with the CAS numbers interpreted: 1 45-50 % low vapor pressure aliphatic hydrocarbon ( isoparaffin) 2 <35% petroleum base oil (non hazardous heavy paraffins) 3 <25% aliphatic hydrocarbons (same CAS number as the first item, but flammable) 4 2-3% carbon dioxide (propellant)
Where is WD-40 spray made?
WD-40 is an American brand and the trademark name of a water-displacing spray manufactured by the WD-40 Company based in San Diego, California. WD-40 acts as a lubricant, rust preventative, penetrant and moisture displacer.
Is WD-40 a trade secret?
WD -40's formula is a trade secret, and has not changed over the years, according to historian Iris Engstrand. The original copy of the formula was moved to a secure bank vault in San Diego in 2018.
Where was WD-40 invented?
Rocket Chemical Company. WD-40 was invented by the three founders of the Rocket Chemical Company of San Diego, California. The team of inventors was working on a line of industrial rust-prevention solvents and degreasers for use in the aerospace industry.
When was WD-40 first sold?
When it was discovered to have many household uses, Larsen repackaged WD-40 into aerosol cans for consumer use and the product was sold to the general public in 1958 . In 1969, the Rocket Chemical Company was renamed after its only product (WD-40).
What is WD-40 propellant?
A propellant which is now used instead of the original liquefied petroleum gas to reduce WD-40's flammability. <10 percent inert ingredients. The long-term active ingredient is a non-volatile viscous oil which remains on the surface to which it is applied, giving lubrication and protection from moisture.
What does WD-40 stand for?
According to the company that makes it, WD-40 literally stands for " W ater D isplacement 40 th " attempt. That's the name straight out of the lab book used by the chemist who helped develop WD-40 back in 1953. Norman Larsen was attempting to concoct a formula to prevent corrosion, a task which is done by displacing water.
Can you use WD-40 oil on zippers?
It can also be used to loosen stuck zippers and displace moisture. Due to its lightness (i.e. low viscosity), WD-40 is not always the preferred oil for certain tasks. Applications that require higher viscosity oils may use motor oils. Those requiring a mid-range oil could use honing oil instead.
The Story Behind WD-40
WD-40 is a celebrity amongst fellow lubricants. It's become a household name over the years, and rightfully so, but how familiar are you with it its history, creation, creator?
WD-40: Its Creation and the Many Uses
The name is actually an abbreviation of Water Displacement, 40th Formula. This means that it was a result of Norman Lawson's 40 th attempt at the formula.
Gas Chromatography Deciphers the Formula?
Gas chromatography is a technique that separates the parts within a mixture be vaporizing them before they decompose. In doing this, it can determine the ingredients of something based on the rates in which each component moves.
Who is the CEO of WD-40?
But none of them was as determined as Garry Ridge, CEO of the WD-40 Company, to keep learning as fast as the world is changing. Indeed, I’m not sure I’ve met a CEO who has made learning more central to the corporate culture than Ridge has, or has found more ways to develop a thirst for learning among his colleagues.
How many countries does WD-40 sell in?
The “very nature of WD-40’s past success doomed it to ultimate failure.”. Fast forward to today: WD-40 now sells its products in 176 countries, sales in Europe alone are bigger than the company’s total sales when Ridge took over, and it has launched a collection of new brands and products.
Is WD-40 a brand?
WD-40 is an unlikely setting for such a learning-obsessed culture. It is hardly a glamorous brand, but it is iconic in its own way. Almost anybody who works on cars, or does home repairs, or just wants to get rid of a squeak or some rust, has one of those bright blue-and-yellow cans in their garage or under their sink.
Is WD-40 a cult stock?
“WD-40 is a cult product,” an article in Barron’s proclaimed, but “it is hardly a cult stock.”. The “very nature of WD-40’s past success doomed it to ultimate failure.”.
Who is the founder of WD-40?
As mentioned in our corporate and brand history, Norm Larsen, founder of Rocket Chemical Company, is considered the original founder of WD-40 ®. Read the real story behind WD-40 ®.
What is WD-40 used for?
A bus driver in Asia used WD-40 ® to remove a python, which had coiled itself around the undercarriage of his bus. Police officers used WD-40 ® to remove a naked burglar trapped in an air conditioning vent. Crayola ® Stain Removal Tips recommends using WD-40 ® to remove (regular) crayon marks from a variety of surfaces.
Does WD-40 contain fish oil?
Myth: WD-40 ® contains fish oil. Fact: Consumers have told us over the years that they have caught some of the biggest fish ever after protecting their fish hooks and lures with WD-40 ®. We believe this legend came from folks assuming that the product must contain fish oil since it appears to attract fish. Sorry Charlie ®, it just ain’t so.
Is WD-40 a grease?
Fact: While WD-40 ® Multi-Use Product it is not a grease, it is formulated with strong lubricating oils and other ingredients, and is a terrific product to use for bike maintenance. It does not attract dirt or moisture to metal surfaces – just be sure to wipe off any excess WD-40 ® Multi-Use Product before riding.
Is WD-40 a lubricant?
Myth: WD-40 ® Multi-Use Product is not really a lubricant.#N#Fact: While the “W-D” in WD-40 ® stands for Water Displacement, WD-40 ® Multi-Use Product is a unique, special blend of lubricants. The product’s formulation also contains anti-corrosion agents and ingredients for penetration, water displacement and soil removal.
Does WD-40 have mineral spirits?
The catchall phrase “Stoddard Solvent” is no longer adequate to tell the proper story. WD-40 ® does indeed have 50% mineral spirits, but they are refined and purified for specific characteristics needed to meet today’s performance, regulatory and safety requirements.
Who is the brewmaster at WD-40?
Ken was the facility manager at WD-40 Company’s San Diego headquarters and was affectionately known as “The Brewmaster.”. He mixed up batches of our secret sauce for over 15 years and was often heard to proudly proclaim, “I absolutely LOVE my job!”. Ken happily retired in 2009.
