Applying WD-40 to Plastic Can Cause Significant Damage, Explained
WD-40, a name synonymous with lubrication and household maintenance, has an interesting history that traces back to 1953. The product was born in San Diego, California, at the Rocket Chemical Company, with a small team of three individuals working tirelessly to create a water displacement formula for the aerospace industry [1].
The name WD-40 is a testament to the perseverance required to perfect the formula. It stands for "Water Displacement, 40th formula," indicating the successful 40th attempt to find the right mix [3]. Initially, WD-40 was developed to prevent rust and corrosion on missile parts, addressing a critical need in the aerospace industry [1].
Beyond its aerospace origins, WD-40 quickly found a place in households and industries worldwide. Its unique properties, including water displacement and lubrication, made it versatile for loosening rusted parts, displacing moisture in tools and machinery, cleaning residues or adhesives, and even polishing metals [2][5]. Over time, it became a "junk drawer" staple, noted for a wide variety of practical uses such as removing stains or protecting surfaces from moisture [2].
The history of WD-40's uses expanded from an aerospace corrosion protector into a multipurpose household and industrial product, appreciated for its lubrication, cleaning, and moisture displacement capabilities [1][2][5]. Today, WD-40 is a ubiquitous lubricating oil, with over 2,000 purported uses maintained by the company [6].
WD-40's versatility has led to some extraordinary stories. For instance, it was used to remove a python from under a bus, and it was sent to soldiers in Vietnam to help maintain their weapons [4]. In times of disaster, WD-40 has proven useful too, as it was sent to Floridians affected by Hurricane Carla in 1961 to recondition machinery and cars damaged by the storm [7].
However, it's important to note that using WD-40 on certain types of plastic is a mistake, as it can cause damage [5]. Despite this, the story of WD-40 continues to evolve, with new uses and applications being discovered regularly. From its humble beginnings in a San Diego laboratory to becoming a household name, WD-40 remains a testament to innovation and the power of perseverance.
References: 1. History of WD-40 2. Top 10 uses for WD-40 3. The story behind the name WD-40 4. WD-40 in Vietnam 5. What not to use WD-40 on 6. WD-40's list of uses 7. WD-40 in Hurricane Carla
In the evolving story of WD-40, it has found applications beyond its initial purpose in the aerospace industry, making its way into households and industries worldwide, becoming a gadget for various uses due to its technology of water displacement and lubrication. As a versatile solution, WD-40's unique properties have led to surprising uses, from loosening rusted parts to protecting surfaces from moisture, and even surprisingly, removing a python from under a bus.
