WD-40: Are you using it for the right thing?

[old man emu]

We've all got a can of WD-40 in the workshop. It's part of the minimalist toolbox - "If it's supposed to move and it doesn't, WD-40. If it moves and it shouldn't, duct tape."

 

We tend to think of WD-40 as a penetrating oil to be used to free up corroded fasteners, but although it does a fairly good job of that, it is not a job it was designed to do. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTD_SBudQfY&t=382s You only need to watch the first 5:45 minutes.

 

As for penetrating oil, here's what I use - 50% acetone + 50% automatic transmission fluid. It's cheap and easy to make

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLl_voFdZYA 

[kgwilson]

Yes Water Dispersant 40th try. I only use it when I can buy a can on special and as a corrosion deterrent. Inox MX3 is better as a corrosion deterrent, a water dispersant and is also a lubricant.

[skippydiesel]

Non scientific observation: I find the WD -40 spray can fluid to be somewhat less persistent and viscus's than the liquid variant. I have both on the shelf but use the spray can  much less frequently.

[Yenn]

I gave up WD40 years ago and use Inox, which seems to do all the same things better.

I have used acetone and auto fluid as a penetrating oil with good effect. Another thing I have used is Kero and washing up liquid mixed as a degreaser. I don't know if it is better or worse than the bought stuff as I have never bought any.

[skippydiesel]

Inox is good have a bottle of that as well as the WD liquids/spray can. I tend to use them for different things. The Inox is more expensive so am more careful with how much & what I use it on. The WD liquid gets used a lot, particularly for cleaning. The WD spray can,  infrequent use, mostly when I need a "jet" of stuff.