Explore Myths, Legends & Fun Facts of the Blue & Yellow Can
WD-40: THE SECRET FORMULA
Myth:Our secret formula isn't such a secret.
Fact:Sorry folks, the over 60-year-old formulation ofWD-40® Multi-Use Product remains a secret today. Any information that you may encounter alleging the disclosure of the “secret sauce” is inaccurate.
One thing we must do is correct any misinformation that may be harmful to either our consumers or our good name. Specifically, the listing of incorrect and poorly defined ingredients and safety information.
Duct Tape &WD-40®: You often hear it said, “You only need two things in life: Duct Tape andWD-40. If it moves and shouldn’t, use Duct Tape, if it doesn’t move and should, useWD-40.” Surely there is a reason for that.
A QUESTION OF LUBRICATION
Myth:WD-40 Multi-Use Product is not really a lubricant.
Fact:While the “W-D” inWD-40 stands for Water Displacement,WD-40 Multi-Use Product is a unique, special blend of lubricants. The product’s formulation also contains anti-corrosion agents and ingredients for penetration, water displacement and soil removal.
WHAT'S STODDARD SOLVENT?
Myth: WD-40 Multi-Use Product contains Stoddard Solvent.
Fact:Over the past few decades, the name Stoddard Solvent was synonymous with all mineral spirits. Today, the mineral spirits found in products like ours are more refined and processed (see hydrogenation,hydrotreatinganddistillationtechniques) providing mixtures with varying boiling points, cleaning ability, and chemical composition.
The catchall phrase “Stoddard Solvent” is no longer adequate to tell the proper story. WD-40 Multi-Use Product does indeed have 50% mineral spirits, but they are refined and purified for specific characteristics needed to meet today’s performance, regulatory and safety requirements.
BIKE FRIENDLY
Myth:WD-40 Multi-Use Product should not be used on bike chains.
Fact:WhileWD-40 Multi-Use Product it is not a grease, it is formulated with strong lubricating oils and other ingredients, and is a terrific product to use for bike maintenance. It does not attract dirt or moisture to metal surfaces – just be sure to wipe off any excessWD-40 Multi-Use Product before riding.
For long-term lubrication and other specialized bicycle maintenance needs, check out WD-40 Specialist BIKE products. Developed specifically for cyclists and mechanics, this high-performance line of bicycle care products is sure to become a mainstay in the toolboxes of bike mechanics for decades.
WHO'S BEHIND IT ALL?
Myth:Ken East isWD-40’s original founder.
Fact:While Ken East is often referred to as one ofWD-40’s original founders, he used to say, “Heck, I ain’t that old.” Ken was the facility manager atWD-40Company’s San Diego headquarters and was affectionately known as “The Brewmaster.” He mixed up batches of our secret sauce for over 15 years and was often heard to proudly proclaim, “I absolutely LOVE my job!” Ken happily retired in 2009.
As mentioned in our corporate and brand history, Norm Larsen, founder of Rocket Chemical Company, is considered the original founder of WD-40 Multi-Use Product . Read the real story behind WD-40Multi-Use Product .
WHAT A FISH STORY!
Myth: WD-40 Multi-Use Product contains fish oil.
Fact: Consumers have told us over the years that they have caught some of the biggest fish ever after protecting their fish hooks and lures with WD-40 Multi-Use Product . We believe this legend came from folks assuming that the product must contain fish oil since it appears to attract fish. Sorry Charlie®, it just ain’t so.
WD-40 Company has taken steps to respect and conserve the environment, and encourages its users to do the same. While WD-40 Multi-Use Product can be used to help protect fishing equipment from rust and corrosion, WD-40 Company does not recommend using WD-40 Multi-Use Product to attract fish.
“WD-40 MULTI-USE PRODUCT CURES ARTHRITIS!” NO WAY.
Myth: WD-40 Multi-Use Product cures arthritis.
Fact: This popular headline, appearing at least once a year in the tabloids, is completely FALSE. WD-40 Company does not recommend the use of WD-40 Multi-Use Product for medical purposes, and knows no reason why WD-40 Multi-Use Product would be effective for arthritis pain relief. WD-40 Multi-Use Product contains petroleum distillates and should be handled with the same precautions for any product containing this type of material.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Myth:Typical consumers need to look beyond the label.
Fact: For the general consumer, the product label provides the key safety and usage information derived from ourSafety Data Sheet and referred to for the general use of our product can be misleading. SDS information is for the workplace and not primarily intended for the general consumer. For the general consumer, the product label provides the key safety and usage information.
MORE FUN FACTS ABOUTWD-40
- A bus driver in Asia used WD-40 Multi-Use Product to remove a python, which had coiled itself around the undercarriage of his bus.
- Police officers used WD-40 Multi-Use Product to remove a naked burglar trapped in an air conditioning vent.
- Crayola® Stain Removal Tips recommends using WD-40 Multi-Use Product to remove (regular) crayon marks from a variety of surfaces.
- TheWD-40 Book, featuring many user testimonials and the wacky humor of Jim & Tim, The Duct Tape GuysTM, was published in 1997. The familiar blue and yellow can has been featured in other books ranging fromThe Big Damn Book of Sheer Manliness(General Publishing 1997)Polish Your Furniture With Pantyhose(Hyperion 1995) toWD-40 for the Soul: A Guide To Mending Everything
- Leslie Nielsen portrayed agent Dick Steele (a.k.a., AgentWD-40) in the 1996 movie Spy Hard
- As The Duct Tape Guys say, “You only need two tools in life, Duct Tape®andWD-40. If it’s not stuck and it’s supposed to be, Duct Tape it. If it’s stuck and it’s not supposed to be,WD-40 it.”
So, keep using your WD-40 Multi-Use Product. You can find a list of over 2,000 uses from our loyal users here. If you find a new use, please let us know. And, if you really need the secret formula, you can find it…...written on a single notepad……locked in a vault…...somewhere in California……if you can get in.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of WD-40 and its applications, it's crucial to highlight the evidence that supports the claims made in the article and dispels any myths surrounding the product. Here are the key concepts discussed in the article along with relevant information:
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Secret Formula:
- Expertise: WD-40's secret formula, over 60 years old, remains undisclosed, and any information claiming otherwise is inaccurate.
- Evidence: The article emphasizes the need to correct misinformation about the formulation, ensuring consumer trust in the product's safety and effectiveness.
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Duct Tape & WD-40:
- Expertise: The common saying, "You only need two things in life: Duct Tape and WD-40," implies the versatility and usefulness of WD-40 in various situations.
- Evidence: The article supports the notion that WD-40 is a valuable product, complementing the functionality of duct tape in different scenarios.
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Lubrication Properties:
- Expertise: While WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, it is a unique blend of lubricants with anti-corrosion agents, penetration enhancers, water displacement, and soil removal ingredients.
- Evidence: The article clarifies that, despite its name, WD-40 Multi-Use Product does function as a lubricant, dispelling the myth about its lubrication properties.
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Stoddard Solvent:
- Expertise: The article addresses the misconception that WD-40 contains Stoddard Solvent, explaining that modern mineral spirits are refined and purified using advanced techniques.
- Evidence: WD-40 Multi-Use Product does contain 50% mineral spirits, but they are refined to meet current performance, regulatory, and safety standards.
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Bike Maintenance:
- Expertise: WD-40 Multi-Use Product is recommended for bike maintenance due to its lubricating oils and other ingredients. However, it is not a grease, and excess product should be wiped off before riding.
- Evidence: For specialized bicycle maintenance, WD-40 offers a separate line of high-performance products under WD-40 Specialist BIKE.
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Founder Clarification:
- Expertise: While Ken East is often mentioned as a founder, the article clarifies that Norm Larsen, founder of Rocket Chemical Company, is considered the original founder of WD-40 Multi-Use Product.
- Evidence: This historical information corrects the common misconception about the founder of WD-40.
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Fish Oil Myth:
- Expertise: The article dispels the myth that WD-40 contains fish oil, attributing the belief to anecdotal stories of increased fishing success after using the product.
- Evidence: WD-40 Company does not recommend using the product to attract fish, emphasizing its commitment to environmental conservation.
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Medical Claims:
- Expertise: The article refutes the false claim that WD-40 cures arthritis, clarifying that it should not be used for medical purposes due to its petroleum distillate content.
- Evidence: This addresses a common misconception and emphasizes the importance of using WD-40 Multi-Use Product appropriately.
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Health and Safety:
- Expertise: The article emphasizes that, for general consumers, product labels provide key safety and usage information, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are primarily intended for the workplace.
- Evidence: This clarifies the distinction between information relevant to general consumers and workplace safety regulations.
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Fun Facts:
- Expertise: The article includes entertaining and unconventional uses of WD-40, showcasing its versatility in various situations.
- Evidence: Anecdotal stories, such as a bus driver using WD-40 to remove a python, add a touch of humor and highlight the diverse applications of the product.
By demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of these concepts, it's evident that WD-40 is a versatile and reliable product with a long history of effective use in various situations.
