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:
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.
by Mary December 10th, 2009 at 12:59 amHi Shelley :)
by RKCharron December 10th, 2009 at 2:07 amI’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
I’m no so sure that the oil would work on IVORY piano keys tho!!
My Thirteen is now posted…Find ‘em HERE
by Hootin' Anni December 10th, 2009 at 3:59 amGreat list, Shelley. We ALWAYS have WD-40 on hand around our house.
Happy Thursday. *Hugs*
by Stephanie Adkins December 10th, 2009 at 4:55 amOh lawdy, if it’s stuck, WD-40, if it’s loose, Duct tape… This was my father’s mantra.
by Inez Kelley December 10th, 2009 at 5:43 amWe have some WD in the garage but I have no idea what the hubs uses it for.
by Jaime December 10th, 2009 at 6:54 amW D 40 and Duct Tape. Now I can fix anything!
Happy Holidays!
by Adelle Laudan December 10th, 2009 at 6:57 amOur favorite uses are for bikes and chainsaw chains. Definitely used it on stuck bolts, too.
by Ella Drake December 10th, 2009 at 7:02 amMan, I don’t know what my problem is! I need some of that.
by Jennifer Leeland December 10th, 2009 at 7:12 amFor some reason, I always thought it was for car stuff.
And here all I’ve been doing with it is oiling hinges and fixing my bicycle.
by Alice Audrey December 10th, 2009 at 7:39 amI’ve been contemplating spraying it on my sticky car door lock, to be honest with you…
by Susan Helene Gottfried December 10th, 2009 at 10:52 amI love this list. Who knew it could be so useful? Maybe it could help fix a broken particulate on a spacecraft?
by Kaye Manro December 10th, 2009 at 10:55 amWD-40 cleans lime scale?? Who knew!
by Heather December 10th, 2009 at 11:21 amI can’t even begin to list all the times I have used WD40.
I love the list.
by Maria December 10th, 2009 at 1:05 pmI used it on door hinges and on my car. I’ve tried it for lots of things.
by Sherry S. December 10th, 2009 at 1:22 pmExcellent when the old paint on doors sticks to the frame and makes a loud noise when you open the door.
Car Goes Boom
by Nessa December 10th, 2009 at 2:16 pmWD40 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!
by Nikki Memmott December 10th, 2009 at 2:53 pmI just use it for squeeky doors. Can’t stand listening to a door squeeking.
by Linda Henderson December 10th, 2009 at 3:57 pmLOL! I didn’t know any of those uses!
*hugs*
Paige
My TT is at http://paigetylertheauthor.blogspot.com
by Paige Tyler December 10th, 2009 at 5:04 pmHootin’ 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.
by Shelley Munro December 10th, 2009 at 6:27 pmI 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!
by Amy W. December 10th, 2009 at 8:55 pm‘Frees stuck Lego blocks.’ – I didn’t think that was possible.
LOL at the stuck naked burglar!
by Julia Smith December 11th, 2009 at 9:35 am