Anda di halaman 1dari 17

instructables

Unusual Uses for WD-40

by mikeasaurus

WD-40 is a low viscosity solvent with an added conditioner, neither is WD-40.


lubricant, and probably the item found in almost every
tool box and workshop around the world. The story
goes that development of a corrosion prevention
An important distinction with WD-40:
solution took 40 tries to create a water displacing
formula, the name water displacement 40 stuck. The
Not all WD-40 is the same. Though the cans below
ubiquitous and most recognized brand of
look similar, they are very different. The MSDS for
solvent/lubricant brings with it a lot of myths, and ire,
WD-40 shows that it's mostly a penetrating solvent
regarding its efficacy.
with some oil once the solvent is gone. There are
other varieties of WD-40 on the market that do
This product is used in all kinds of ways, but there's
different things, specifically a version that is a
something very important to consider before reaching
lubricant that has no solvent (see can on the right in
for the blue can
the picture below).

WD-40 is primarily a petroleum-based volatile


solvent that evaporates leaving behind a non-
If you're looking for just a lubricant then standard WD-
volatile lubricant 40 is not the right tool for the job, which is where
Meaning that the solvent penetrates and does its job some confusion and myths arise about this product.
removing grime and then evaporates and leaves In this Instructable we'll focus on the ubiquitous blue
behind a thin film of oil. It's important to know just can of WD-40 (solvent with some oil aftermath) and
what WD-40 is, and what it isn't. explore actual unusual uses.

For certain applications there's room for a product like Whatever your feelings on this sometimes slippery
WD-40, but most other times it's better to use a substance, you're sure to find some unusual uses for
dedicated solvent first followed by a dedicated WD-40 below.
lubricant after. Just like a 2-in-1 shampoo and
conditioner isn't the best at being a shampoo or

Unusual Uses for WD-40: Page 1


Step 1: De-grease Your Hands

Since WD-40 is mostly a solvent, why not use it on After your hands have been degreased, head over to
more than just stuck nuts and bolts? Applying a spray your wash basin and wash your hands with plenty of
of solvent to your greasy hands can help cut into the soap to remove the remaining lubricant the WD-40
grime and clean your hands before applying a soap left.
lather.

Spray your hands over a trash bin or other contained


area and then rub your hands together, working the
solvent into your greasy hands with your fingers to
remove any grease buildup.

Unusual Uses for WD-40: Page 2


Step 2: Remove Stickers / Decals

Removing stickers is one of my least favorite tasks. great at keeping the lubricant on the sticker and
No matter how careful I am I always manage to rip contained.
the sticker, making removal so much more difficult.
WD-40 to the rescue!
After a few minutes you should see a notable change
in the sticker as it's absorbed the WD-40, and should
Blast your sticker with this slippery lubricant and let peel right off.
sit for about 5 minutes. I find that saturating a paper
towel and leaving that on top of the sticker works

Unusual Uses for WD-40: Page 3


Step 3: Crayon + Marker Removal

When regular cleaner just won't do, WD-40 steps in After cleaning you may see some coloration from the
to make cleanup easier. Wax crayons naturally repel crayon, if so repeat the process. After the crayon has
moisture, but WD-40 can tackle this challenge. been removed, clean the wall with regular household
cleaner to and a cloth remove the WD-40 residue.
Spray crayon marked area and let sit for a few
minutes (saturating a square of paper towel to stick to As with all stain removal solutions, test in an
vertical surfaces can help), then rub area with a lint inconspicuous area first to ensure you won't damage
free cloth to remove the crayon. (Thanks for the your walls.
pictures, Troy)

Unusual Uses for WD-40: Page 4


Step 4: Remove Permanent Marker From Walls, and Other Non-porous Surfaces
(Sometimes)

The solvent in WD-40 is strong enough to penetrate you risk smearing the marker around the wall, so go
and remove permanent marker, but the surface that slow and apply more pressure to the rubbing motion
the marker is on make a huge difference. If the once most of the marker has been removed.
marked surface has a glossy paint coating, like the
walls in kitchens and washrooms, you're likely to get If you have a matte or porous finish then the image
the marker off. Ditto with tile. However, if your wall above is likely as good as the cleanup is going to get.
has a matte finish you probably won't get all the If you're determined to remove the marker using this
marker off using WD-40. method then apply more WD-40 and keep scrubbing.

Soak a paper towel or rag with WD-40 and apply it Repeat the process of soaking a rag in WD-40 and
directly onto the permanent marker on the wall. Allow applying it directly to the affected area, letting it sit for
the solvent to make contact with the wall for about 30 a few seconds before buffing and removing the
seconds, then gently rub the area in small circular marker. I was able to remove the marker here on a
motions. If you apply too much pressure right away semi-gloss wall with under 5-minutes of work.

Unusual Uses for WD-40: Page 5


Step 5: Keep Shovel Snow Free

Since WD-40 has lubricating properties, use it to Spray a light coating over the shovel face and wipe
keep things you want clean nice and slippery. off to remove any substances that might be on the
Spraying some WD-40 on your snow shovel face can shovel. Then apply a second light coat and let stand
clean the shovel face and prevent snow from sticking for about a minute to let the solvent evaporate. Then,
to whatever was scooped up previously, and the light you're ready to go! Depending on how much
oil finish after the solvent has evaporated keeps the shoveling you're doing you may need to reapply, so
shovel nice and slippery. (nice boots there, Jessy!) keep the spray can handy.

Step 6: Remove Stuck Ring

Injured knuckles can swell, so timely removal of rings Spray your ring with a liberal dose of WD-40 and then
on fingers becomes critical. Since many banged work the ring around your finger, allowing the low
knuckles come from a workshop, WD-40 is a handy viscosity oil to run in between your ring and skin. The
remedy that can quickly slip a tight ring off a fat oil will lube up your finger and (hopefully) let your
finger. finger slip out from the constricting ring.

Unusual Uses for WD-40: Page 6


Step 7: Clean Stainless Steel Sinks

Though stainless steel is a robust material for the the future.


kitchen, it can get watermarks and fingerprint stains.
Blast your sink with WD-40 and scrub with a souring Since WD-40 is a petroleum-based product, make
pad to remove the most stubborn stains. Not only will sure you clean anything it is used on in the kitchen
it remove stains, the remaining oil from WD-40 also thoroughly afterwards.
helps protect the surface from getting new marks in

Unusual Uses for WD-40: Page 7


Step 8: De Rust Cast Iron Tools

Probably the most practical application for WD-40 For stubborn areas saturate again with WD-40 and
outside of being a lubricant is it's use to clean cast use some 00 steel wool, rubbing in small circles over
iron. the entire area.

Thoroughly coat the rusted area with WD-40 and let


sit for about 5 minutes. Use a 100-120 grit sandpaper
to gently scrub in small circles over the entire affected
area. use a rag to wipe off the loose rust and debris,
then apply more WD-40 and repeat until all large
portions of rust are removed.

The steel wool is great for getting into the small


crevices of the cast iron, and providing a protective oil
sheen to the cast iron. (That's a good looking spindle
sander, Troy).

Unusual Uses for WD-40: Page 8


Step 9: Lubricate Vinyl Records

This is probably the most contentious application for vinyl. The reason to even consider using WD-40 in an
WD-40 on the Internet. Period. But, before you vinyl application like this is the one-two punch of solvent
music purists put my head on a spike, hear me out! (to remove grease) and lubricant (smooth vinyl).

There is some merit to using WD-40 on vinyl records. I can only speak from my own personal experience,
Since WD-40 has solvents it's great for dissolving and I have yet to see any deleterious results.
waxy grime from your records, and evaporates However, if you're unsure you can always use two
quickly leaving a thin oil behind to lubricate the record separate applications of a vinyl-safe cleaning solvent
stylus. However, it's those same solvents that give and then a lubricant.
people pause when using WD-40 on a plastic like

Unusual Uses for WD-40: Page 9


Step 10: Bonus: Where NOT to Use WD-40

As a bonus, it's important to know where not to use WD-40. In the intro I mentioned that WD-40 is a solvent first,
with a light oil remaining after the solvent evaporates. You'd be surprised how people use WD-40 primarily as a
lubricant, which is only going to make things worse. Though there's loads of good applications for WD-40, there's
plenty of places that you shouldn't use it. Here's a few:

Electronics: This might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised at where electronics are hiding. An
often overlooked area could be the buttons on your smartphone or music player, all the way to
something less obvious like the lens for your digital camera. The solvents in WD-40 can break down
some plastics, and the low viscosity of WD-40 makes sure the solution penetrates deep.
Solution: If possible open the device and clean by hand using very little silicone spray.
Bike chains, door hinges: The lubrication will work as intended for all these applications, but the
residue left over can also attract dirt and dust thereby negating the oil benefits after the initial
application.
Solution: Clean bike chain with an old toothbrush to remove debris. Use bike chain oil and wipe
clean with a rag.
Door locks: If your door lock is stuck, the solvent in WD-40 might help is get loose, but there's not
enough lubricant left over to help the tumblers move freely over the long term.
Solution: Use a graphite powder, designed to stay slippery and made especially for locks.
Rubik's Cube: WD-40 is not a lubricant, it's a solvent. Using WD-40 on some plastics can cause
them to break down or melt.
Solution: Use a silicone spray.

Do you have your own unusual use for WD-40?I want to see it!

Share a picture of your unusual use in the comments below and get a free Pro Membership to Instructables!

Gets rid of lice.

Unusual Uses for WD-40: Page 10


Preventive measures are much better for the karma!

I wouldn't know, I've never had lice, but I know it works.

We are not responsible for life forms we cannot see with naked eye, but lice are visible! (Even if
hardly so... P.S. I also never had 'em). Therefore, if someone has them, he should put them in a
container which has then to be emptied outside! (Taking care of one's karma)

Really?? We have fought lice after a church camp. If this is true - you may have changed our lives.

Having been a mechanic for 40 years and lived in Northern BC for 20+ I can tell you using WD40
as a hand cleaner works really well especially when it's -40 and everything water based is frozen.
As for arthritis, it is fairly popular with the old folks and I'm getting to the stage to try it. Just for
comparison, some people use [real] turpentine for their joints.
My unusual uses for WD are: 1] starting diesel engines rather than using ether. You have to shoot
it in after the air filter and preferably right into the turbo or intake manifold. I'm told the propellant is
propane and with the volatile solvent and light oil it ignites well and much gentler than ether. 2] As
cutting oil for drilling steel, it seems to work well. Handy, nice finishes and good tool life.

Thank you for the good tip!! (As cutting oil for drilling steel)

First, excellent 'ible with good photos. Second, do you really call those hands dirty? I'd eat with
hands that clean :-). Third: Here's an odd, off-lable use not mentioned: removing spray paint
overspray. I'm a contractor and frequently have to use Kilz and other oil based primers as well as
acryllic spray paints. Invariably theres some spot the masking tape didn't cover and you end up
with chrome spray paint on a porcelin sink or, worse, Kilz on a laminate counter. As long as you
catch it within the first hour or two after application WD-40, liberally applied will allow you to wipe it
off with a paper towel.
Now, I'm going to add some fuel to the fire...applying WD-40 to clean your hands is no worse than
Unusual Uses for WD-40: Page 11
the orange degreasers since many of them use a combination of citric acid and citriline oil to
decompose oils. Neither of those two is particularly good for your skin. Also, keep in mind that WD-
40 is much better for your health than what your using it to remove. For those that wish to err in the
side of caution petroleum jelly (a.k.a. vaseline) works almost as well. Somewhere there's a chemist
whi can explain the petroleum hierarchy of solvents.

Thanks for sharing. Bike chain is a typical misconception. I'm glad it's been put out there for others.
Do you have any recommendations for removing rust off of bike chains before lubricating them?
Thanks again!

Another good option for rust removal of small/medium parts is coke. Can easily get a can or bottle
in most places, if you're not in a hurry to clean up the stuff.
Just place in a glass jar overnight, make sure the liquid covers whatever you're cleaning; rinse and
dry appropriately next day. The carbonic acid on it loosens rust

Not really. it's the phosphoric acid in coke that does the trick. If it were carbonic acid, soda water
would work just as well-it doesn't. Incidentally weak oxalic acid (as found in rhubarb leaves) works
even better because it chelates (binds) the iron. Downside is that it is poisonous so handle with
care.

Now I wanna try the rhubarb leaves trick!

Yup! my bad

That's pretty awesome. Thanks!

Unusual Uses for WD-40: Page 12


I am a sinner!

It's fine to use to clean your bike chain of dirt and old lubricants. Let dry and use preferred lubricant
to re-lubricate the chain.

Why? Are you guilty of WD40 on the bike chain? lol

Vinegar does great at removing rust from small tools so I believe it would also work well on a bike
chain. Just place the chain in shallow dish or pan or a deep narrow container (I cut the top off a tall
water bottle like Smart Water) & cover the item with vinegar. Let it sit for an hour or two or
overnight then just rinse with water & wipe any remaining rust off. A second soaking may be
appropriate on heavy rust.

Nice. I'm certainly going to try it. I gotta fix a few flats on the kids' bikes so I'll try it once I have the
wheel off.

I would say that this is NOT the best thing to be spraying on your skin. You really do not want to be
absorbing this into your system on a regular basis This is a petroleum-based solvent. Use soap
and water or fast orange much better for your health

Never, ever, use WD-40 to lubricate any firearm, that is unless you are trying to destroy its
precision fits.

Are firearms made of some special material that is attacked by WD40? I always thought they were
mostly made of steel. This comment seems absurd.

Unusual Uses for WD-40: Page 13


White Lightning is the best chain lube that I've found

I melt paraffin and soak the cleaned chain in it. Remove the chain from the paraffin and let it drip
off. Lasts a long time, doesn't attract dirt.

Seriously, you'll shoot WD40 directly on your skin ???

"WD-40 is primarily a petroleum-based volatile solvent "

Use Fast Orange for cleaning hands, better for your health ;o)

Not a great thing for your body. Here is the link for the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
https://www.cla.purdue.edu/polsci/documents/safetydocs/msdadocs/wd40.pdf

I knew a guy who sprayed WD-40 on his knee when his arthritis was acting up...

You know Windex is better for that LOL.

Windex forever ! Lolllllll

No, Windex is to spray into your eyes to clean your contact lenses.

Unusual Uses for WD-40: Page 14


Lollllllll

"And in the lump was my twin!"

It shows it being used directly on the skin of the hands in one of the above pics. Just wash good
with soap and water afterwards.
That 'agent' Orange stuff is tough on the skin because the citric acid takes out the oils.

I've also used baby oil to dissolve grease/oil on your hands and then just wash with soap and
water.

Nice tips for WD-40. I work around a lot of oily machinery, used motor oil etc. and have found
dishwashing soap to be the best way to clean my hands. Dawn or even store brands all work well
to lift the grease (just like in a greasy pan).

Also clears fogged plastic car windows on convertible tops! My son discovered this and used it on
the windows on my Jeep softtop that had been fogged to near opacity for many years. Got them
crystal clear - like new!

I wonder if it would work on headlight lenses.

It would eventually dry and you'd be back to square. Just like all the other temporarty fixes that
have come down the pike.
The trick is to remove all the oxidized plastic causing the 'fogging'.
Then it'll stay clear for a MUCH longer time.
Unusual Uses for WD-40: Page 15
Correct. Finish with a clear coat to make them last even longer.....

There's a clear film, somewhere on the net, that can be used that resists uktra violet too. Just can't
remember the name or the URL to their site. DARN!
I'll have to look and report back.

No, it won't but polishing the lenses with toothpaste does an excellent job :)

I've wondered that myself but have not had a serious enough need to try. Not much to loose by
trying. Please let us know if/how it works.

Success MAY depend on which side of the lens the haze is on. So you may have to do both sides
- not sure how headlight heat would effect any residual lubricant left on the inside. I'd try JUST the
outside first.

Can also use WD 40 for removing water stains from Glass shower surround or taps etc.

This may be old school, but those of you may remember the older cars getting water in the
distributor. shutting down the engine. A shot of WD40 in the distributer cap will remove the water
and the engine will fire right up.

It was almost mentioned; but I was removing the decking from my porch for replacement. Half the
screws backed out nicely while the rest either broke or didn't budge. I then sprayed each screw
with WD-40 and after a few minutes of penetration, backed out 100%.

Unusual Uses for WD-40: Page 16


Margarine is better for cleaning ingrained grease on hands. Rub in the margarine. Then rub in
washing-up liquid. Then rinse under water.

Margarine works well because it is full of emulsifiers and fats. As a bonus, the fats help stop your
skin drying out.

Margarine, one molecule away from being plastic.

That's why flies won't land on or eat it.

The original GOJO is the best for cleaning greasy hands (or tools or clothes are just about
anything) and it's better for your hands too because it is pure lanolin.

This is one for the "What NOT to use WD-40 on" , but my dad used to spray WD-40 on his knees.
He swore it helped with the arthritis.

Unusual Uses for WD-40: Page 17

Anda mungkin juga menyukai