WD-40

History
The product began from a search for a rust-prevention solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. Its name comes from the project that was to find a “water displacement” compound. They were successful with the 40th formulation, the WD-40.

The Convair Company bought it in bulk to protect its Atlas missile parts. The workers were so pleased with the product, they began smuggling—also known as shrinkage or stealing—it out to use at home.

The executives decided there might be a consumer market for it and put it in aerosol cans. The rest, as they say, is history.

It is a carefully guarded recipe known only to four people. Only one of them is the “brew master.”

There are about 2.5 million gallons of the stuff manufactured each year. It gets its distinctive smell from a fragrance that is added to the brew. Ken East, one of the original founders, says there is nothing in WD-40 that would hurt you.

Uses of WD-40
    • Protects silver from tarnishing.
    • Cleans and lubricates guitar strings.
    • Gives the floor that “just waxed” sheen without making it
      slippery.
    • Keeps flies off cows.
    • Restores and cleans chalkboards.
    • Removes lipstick stains.
    • Loosens stubborn zippers.
    • Untangles jewelry chains.
    • Removes stains from stainless steel sinks.
    • Removes dirt/grime from the barbeque grill.
    • Keeps ceramic/terracotta pots from oxidizing.
    • Removes tomato stains from clothing.
    • Keeps shower doors free of water spots.
    • Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors.
    • Keeps scissors working smoothly.
    • Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in
      homes.
    • Gives a children’s play gym slide a shine for a super fast
       slide.
    • Lubricates gear shift and mower-deck lever for ease of
      handling on riding mowers.
    • Rids kids’ rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises.
    • Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and make them
      easier to open.
    • Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and
      close.
    • Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles,
      as well as vinyl bumpers.
    • Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles.
    • Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans. Q