
Where does WD 40 get its name from?
- 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 does WD 40 stand for?
What does WD‑40 ® stand for? WD-40 literally stands for Water Displacement, 40th formula. That’s the name straight out of the lab book used by the chemist who developed the product back in 1953. The chemist, Norm Larsen, was attempting to concoct a formula to prevent corrosion—a task which is done by displacing water.
What does WD-40 stand for?
WD-40 literally stands for Water Displacement, 40th attempt. That’s the name straight out of the lab book used by the chemist who developed WD-40 back in 1953. The chemist, Norm Larsen, was attempting to concoct a formula to prevent corrosion — a task which is done by displacing water.
Why is WD40 called WD40?
Why is it called WD40? 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.

Who came up with WD-40?
Norm LarsenNorm Larsen, the Rocket Chemical technician who invented WD-40, soon came up with the idea of selling it to the general public. WD-40 hit store shelves in San Diego in 1958.
What was WD-40 originally invented for?
Atlas missile from rust and corrosionLarsen." "WD-40" is abbreviated from the term "Water Displacement, 40th formula", suggesting it was the result of the 40th attempt to create the product. The spray, composed of various hydrocarbons, was originally designed to be used by Convair to protect the outer skin of the Atlas missile from rust and corrosion.
What did WD stand for?
(Internet slang) Abbreviation of well done.
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.
What does WD-40 stand for?
Water Displacement, 40th formulaIt took them 40 attempts to get their water displacing formula to work, but on the 40th attempt, they got it right in a big way. WD-40 Multi Use Product was born. 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.
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.
What should you not use WD-40 on?
There are many different types of plastic, but there are two kinds that you should avoid using WD-40 on—polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic. Polycarbonate is a transparent plastic that is commonly used in greenhouses, and polystyrene is typically used for styrofoam and soft drink lids among other items.
Is WD-40 safe on skin?
Skin Contact: May cause moderate skin irritation with short-term exposure with redness, itching and burning of the skin. Prolonged and/or repeated contact may produce defatting and possible dermatitis. May cause an allergic skin reaction (sensitization). Eye Contact: Contact may be irritating to eyes.
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 ).
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.
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)
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.
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 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.
When did Rocket Chemicals start making degreasers?
In 1953 , in a small lab in San Diego, California, the fledgling Rocket Chemical Company and its staff of three set out to create a line of rust-prevention solvents and degreasers for use in the aerospace industry. It took them 40 attempts to get their water displacing formula to work, but on the 40th attempt, they got it right in a big way.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
What does WD-40 stand for?
Why “WD-40”? Because, as the WD-40 Company (formerly the Rocket Chemical Company of San Diego) explained to us: WD-40 literally stands for Water Displacement, 40th attempt. That’s the name straight out of the lab book used by the chemist who developed WD-40 back in 1953.
Why did Corvair buy WD-40?
They were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40. The Corvair Company bought it in bulk to protect their atlas missile parts. Usually such explanations are simply attempts to make some sense of the seemingly nonsensical, but occasionally they’re on the mark.
What is WD-40 oil?
The WD-40 Company, originally the Rocket Chemical Company, is an American manufacturer of household and multi-use products, including its signature brand, WD-40, as well as 3-In-One Oil, Lava, Spot Shot, X-14, Carpet Fresh, GT85, 1001, Solvol, 2000 Flushes and No Vac. It is based in San Diego, California.
Who founded Rocket Chemical Company?
Rocket Chemical Company was founded in 1953 by Cyril E. Irving, Norman Roulette and his son Robert Roulette, and Iver Norman Lawson. Reginald S. Fleet is also claimed to be a founding member by his alma mater, Georgia Institute of Technology.
When did Rocket Chemical Company go public?
Barry, who died July 3, 2009, reportedly made the name change on the basis that the Rocket Chemical Company did not make rockets. The company went public in 1973. Its NASDAQ stock symbol is ( Nasdaq : WDFC ). Gerald C. Schleif became president in 1990 and CEO in 1992; he had joined the company in 1969.
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.
