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. Norm's persistence paid off when he perfected the formula on his 40th try. Please see Our History for more information.
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What does WD-40 contain?
While the ingredients in WD-40 are secret, we can tell you what WD-40 does NOT contain. WD-40 does not contain silicone, kerosene, water, wax, graphite, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), or any known cancer-causing agents.
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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.
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How long does WD-40 last after application?
While this may vary depending on the application, WD-40 remains effective even after it appears to dry. The corrosion and rust protection ingredients remain adhered to the surface. External conditions may, of course, require additional applications of WD-40 for maximum protection.
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I've heard that people use WD-40 as a cleaner/remover. What can it be used on?
WD-40 removes sap, tar, adhesives, labels and tape from surfaces without damaging existing paint. It's an effective cleaner for tools, equipment, and vehicles. Use it to remove splattered bugs from the front of cars. WD-40 will even help remove gum from carpet. Just spray, wait, and wipe with a clean cloth.
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How is WD-40 different from 3-IN-ONE®?
WD-40 is the ultimate multi-purpose problem solver. WD-40 cleans/degreases, penetrates to loosen up stuck parts, prevents corrosion and is a light lubricant. 3-IN-ONE, with it's special drip spout, enables you to lubricate without any overspray or splatter. 3-IN-ONE is ideal to use on tools, rollers, hinges, in-line skates, wheels...nearly everything that moves.
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What does WD-40 do?
WD-40 fulfills five basic functions:
1. CLEANS: WD-40 gets under dirt, grime and grease to clean. It also dissolves adhesives, allowing easy removal of labels, tape and excess bonding material.
2. DISPLACES MOISTURE: Because WD-40 displaces moisture, it quickly dries out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuits.
3. PENETRATES: WD-40 loosens rust-to-metal bonds and frees stuck, frozen or rusted metal parts.
4. LUBRICATES: WD-40's lubricating ingredients are widely dispersed and tenaciously held to all moving parts.
5. PROTECTS: WD-40 protects metal surfaces with corrosion-resistant ingredients to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements.
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What surfaces or materials are OK to use WD-40 on?
WD-40 can be used on just about everything. It is safe for metal, rubber, wood and plastic. WD-40 can be applied to painted metal surfaces without harming the paint. Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic are among the few surfaces on which to avoid using a petroleum-based product like WD-40.
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What about using WD-40 on my sports equipment?
WD-40 is safe and effective to use on all types of sporting goods. Use WD-40 on your bike to clean, degrease and lubricate your chain, derailleur, gears, cogs, and moving parts. It will help remove stickers. Use WD-40 to clean and protect your gun. It will prevent corrosion and it won't damage bluing. Spray it on dirt bikes to protect parts and prevent mud from sticking. Use it on watercraft to protect metal surfaces from corrosion and to drive out moisture. WD-40 is also great for cleaning golf clubs and preventing rust on hockey skate blades.
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What is the propellant in WD-40?
A propellant is the stuff that helps pump WD-40 out of the can. The propellant used in WD-40 is carbon dioxide (CO2). CO2 is an inert gas which helps empty the can. Plus, the addition of CO2 reduced the number of VOCs, which helps preserve the environment. Be sure to point the spray nozzle toward the dot on the top of the can to ensure that the can fully empties.
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How do I keep the red straws from getting lost?
Used for thousands of applications, WD-40 cans are now able to do something even more useful - hold onto that little red straw that was forever getting lost! The WD-40 Smart Straw® features a high-impact resistant nozzle, 360-degree valve system and permanently attached straw, so WD-40 users will never lose the straw again®. Flipped down for a wide spray or flipped up for a pinpoint stream, the WD-40 Smart Straw gives consumers a better way to spray!
For old cans of WD-40, there is the NotchCap, designed to securely hold the straw in place when not in use. Simply snap the straw into the recessed slot on the top of the new cap and it will stay there until removed. This is just another small step to keep WD-40 users smiling.
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Where can I buy WD-40?
In many countries, WD-40 is available almost everywhere. WD-40 can be found in automotive, convenience, discount, drug, grocery, hardware, and home center stores. It's also available from leading distributors all over the world. If your store or distributor doesn't sell WD-40, please ask them to add it.
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Does WD-40 offer sponsorship opportunities?
WD-40 Company has focused its resources on supporting athletes through Giant BMX and is no longer able to offer individual sponsorships. We wish to thank all those who have been sponsored by WD-40 Company in the past and wish you good luck in your future racing career.
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What makes WD-40 Trigger Pro different than the other competitors on the market?
WD-40 Trigger Pro has several unique and superior characteristics that differentiate it from competitors on the market. It has a non-leaking bottle/trigger system with two different spray patterns, plus the control to dispense a few drops at a time. The shaped can is sturdier than competitive plastic bottles that may break when dropped. It also carries the WD-40 brand - the most trusted brand name in the lubricant category.
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Is a 20 oz non-aerosol more product than a 20 oz aerosol?
No. Because WD-40 Trigger Pro is a non-aerosol liquid, the 20 "ounces" in the can refers to a fluid ounce (volume) measure. Aerosol products are a "net weight" measure. Measurement systems are not directly comparable.
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Can you put a Smart Straw on WD-40 Trigger Pro?
No. WD-40 Trigger Pro cannot be taken apart once assembled because of the Child Resistant Closure.
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What happens if I pull the trigger when it is in the locked position?
No product will be able to evacuate. However, pressure may build in the can and may dispense once you rotate the nozzle to stream or spray.
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Does this can spray upside down?
Yes, for a short amount of time.
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Is the efficacy the same in WD-40 Trigger Pro vs. WD-40 aerosol cans?
Yes, it is the same great WD-40 formula.
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Why can't I refill Trigger Pro when it is empty?
The product comes equipped with a Child Resistant Closure as required by law and therefore cannot be easily opened once sealed. Removing the trigger can strip the closure and cause the can to leak.
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The nozzle doesn't seem to work like other spray nozzles. Why is it so difficult to turn?
The spray trigger system comes equipped with a Child Resistant Nozzle. In order to change between the spray patterns/settings, simply press down on the blue tab near the yellow tip on top of the trigger and turn nozzle to spray or steam.
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Why do I care about child resistant closures and nozzles if I work in a factory?
Trigger Pro may be sold in distributor retail locations, and therefore is required by law to have a child resistant closure.
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What is the difference between flammable and combustible? Is one safer than the other?
The difference between Flammable and Combustible has to do with the Flashpoint. Flashpoint is the lowest temperature at which a liquid can form an ignitable mixture in air near the surface of the liquid. Flammable liquids have a lower flashpoint, meaning they can ignite at a lower temperature than Combustible liquids. Trigger Pro is combustible, so it requires a higher temperature to ignite, and is therefore safer than flammable liquids.
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Is this a "green" WD-40?
No. However, since many people believe non-aerosols are better for the environment than aerosols, they may describe WD-40 as "green." Rest assured that all WD-40 aerosol products DO NOT contain CFCs, and have not contained them for over 30 years. WD-40's steel cans, whether aerosol or new non-aerosol Trigger Pro, have always been recyclable where steel is recycled.
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Is there a difference with disposing aerosol products versus non-aerosol products?
Yes, in many areas empty aerosol cans have to be punctured before they can be disposed by a business or factory. WD-40 Trigger Pro does not need to be punctured. It can simply be recycled or thrown away.
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Is WD-40 Trigger Pro better for the environment than WD-40 aerosol products?
No. It is no different than any of the other items in the WD-40 line-up. All WD-40 aerosol products DO NOT contain CFCs, and have not contained them for over 30 years. WD-40's steel cans, whether aerosol or new non-aerosol Trigger Pro, have always been recyclable where steel is recycled.
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