Main ingredients, from the
material safety data sheet, are:
The German version of the mandatory EU safety sheet lists the following safety relevant ingredients:
It further lists flammability and effects to the human skin when repeatedly exposed to WD-40 as risks when using WD-40.
Nitrile rubber
gloves and safety glasses should be used. Water is unsuitable for extinguishing burning WD-40.
There is a popular
urban legend that the main ingredient in WD-40 is
fish oil.
[3] Although it is unknown whether the formula contains fish oil, material safety data sheets for the product show that the main ingredient is
Stoddard solvent, not fish oil.
[4]
[edit] Uses
[edit] Typical uses of WD-40 around the home include
- Stopping squeaks in door hinges.
- Loosening rusting components, such as nuts and screws, so they can be removed
- Spraying on hand tools prior to storage to protect against rust
- Cleaning objects affected by grease, caked-on dirt or adhesive residue (such as that left behind by sticky tape)
[edit] Typical use of WD-40 in automotive repair include
- Driving moisture out of the high and low tension electrical components of a motor engine, so that it can start (particularly on cold days). E.g. cleaning and drying the inside of the cap of the ignition distributor.
- Loosening nuts and screws
- Cleaning wheels
- The WD-40 company claims it is safe for use on all motorcycle chains, but recommended cleaning products vary among chain manufacturers. Tsubaki Chain[5] and RK Chain recommend WD-40 to clean or displace water on all types of chains, including sealed ring.[6]
[edit] Specialty Uses
- Leatherman, the manufacturer of the popular multi-tool of the same name, recommends WD-40 as a post-cleaning lubricant to displace water and prevent corrosion.[7]
- WD-40 dissolves cocaine.[8]
- In Boston, officials repaired the bell atop city-owned Faneuil Hall with daily treatments of WD-40 over the course of a week.[9]