The Rocket Chemical company scientists invented WD-40 to help prevent rusting and corrosion in the aerospace industry. NASA used it for their rockets. According to the WD-40 website, the original formula was so good that it’s still in use today. These days the product is used both commercially and around the home. On the TV ad I saw last night, the manufacturers stated it has thousands of uses, which made me decide to use it as this week’s TT topic.
Thirteen Uses for WD-40
1. Cleans piano keys.
2. Helps clean rust from wire shelves.
3. Removes silly putty from furniture.
4. Cleans lime scale from toilet bowls.
5. Removes crayon from wallpaper.
6. Frees stuck Lego blocks.
7. Lubricates and protects air conditioner blades.
8. Stops squeaky doors.
9. Cleans rusty bolts.
10. Lubricates baby buggy wheels.
11. Cleans gunk from pistons.
12. Cleans cell phones.
13. Removes oil and tar from hands.
Extras: Two fun facts from the WD-40 site
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.
You can print out a handy PDF document listing some of the thousand ways to use WD-40 at the website.
I think I might include a can of WD-40 in the follow-up book to House of the Cat. It sounds like something Jannike might be able to use to get out of the jams I have in mind for her.
Have you used WD-40 before? What is your favorite use?
Related posts:
December 10th, 2009 at 12:59 am · Link
My mom swears that using WD-40 on her joints helps with arthritis. Hey, if she says it makes her hands feel better…who am I to say it doesn’t.
December 10th, 2009 at 2:07 am · Link
Hi Shelley :)
I’ve used WD-40. I used it on doorhinges to stop that annoying squeak. I’ve used it on my childrens’ bike chains to protect from rust and keep them running smoothly. I’ve used it on my car.
:)
Thank you for the fun post.
Happy Holidays,
Rob
December 10th, 2009 at 3:59 am · Link
I’m no so sure that the oil would work on IVORY piano keys tho!!
My Thirteen is now posted…Find ‘em HERE
December 10th, 2009 at 4:55 am · Link
Great list, Shelley. We ALWAYS have WD-40 on hand around our house.
Happy Thursday. *Hugs*
December 10th, 2009 at 5:43 am · Link
Oh lawdy, if it’s stuck, WD-40, if it’s loose, Duct tape… This was my father’s mantra.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:54 am · Link
We have some WD in the garage but I have no idea what the hubs uses it for.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:57 am · Link
W D 40 and Duct Tape. Now I can fix anything!
Happy Holidays!
December 10th, 2009 at 7:02 am · Link
Our favorite uses are for bikes and chainsaw chains. Definitely used it on stuck bolts, too.
December 10th, 2009 at 7:12 am · Link
Man, I don’t know what my problem is! I need some of that.
For some reason, I always thought it was for car stuff.
December 10th, 2009 at 7:39 am · Link
And here all I’ve been doing with it is oiling hinges and fixing my bicycle.
December 10th, 2009 at 10:52 am · Link
I’ve been contemplating spraying it on my sticky car door lock, to be honest with you…
December 10th, 2009 at 10:55 am · Link
I love this list. Who knew it could be so useful? Maybe it could help fix a broken particulate on a spacecraft?
December 10th, 2009 at 11:21 am · Link
WD-40 cleans lime scale?? Who knew!
December 10th, 2009 at 1:05 pm · Link
I can’t even begin to list all the times I have used WD40.
I love the list.
December 10th, 2009 at 1:22 pm · Link
I used it on door hinges and on my car. I’ve tried it for lots of things.
December 10th, 2009 at 2:16 pm · Link
Excellent when the old paint on doors sticks to the frame and makes a loud noise when you open the door.
Car Goes Boom
December 10th, 2009 at 2:53 pm · Link
WD40 is an amazing thing :) We don’t actually have much of a lime issue where I live, but I had no idea it would clean limescale off. That’s powerful stuff! Thanks for sharing, Shelley!
December 10th, 2009 at 3:57 pm · Link
I just use it for squeeky doors. Can’t stand listening to a door squeeking.
December 10th, 2009 at 5:04 pm · Link
LOL! I didn’t know any of those uses!
*hugs*
Paige
My TT is at http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com
December 10th, 2009 at 6:27 pm · Link
Hootin’ Annie – I did wonder about the piano keys but all the uses are sent in by people who’ve tried them.
Jennifer – I was surprised by the sheer number of uses.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:55 pm · Link
I don’t know if I have time to list all the ways I’ve used it over the years. Some are classified by the US military to boot, don’t ask me why, but there you have it. I’ve done the classics like squeaky hinges and the bike chain, stuck pad locks, when my sewing machine was being stubborn. I mean really just about any application where a thin coat of oil could help/be used, this is a wonderful product for. Plus that little applicator straw fits into those tight spaces and saves hours of frustration! LOVE IT!
December 11th, 2009 at 9:35 am · Link
‘Frees stuck Lego blocks.’ – I didn’t think that was possible.
LOL at the stuck naked burglar!