I haven't been here long, a couple months, but I haven't seen this topic. What do people think about WD-40? I've heard two conflicting sides of this debate. One says it's ok to use, the other says it contains water and will result in rust.
I got a used Delta drill press a couple weekends ago which needed cleaning up, ie dirt and grime. I used WD-40 all over it last night and the press cleaned up nice. First time I've really used WD-40 on my woodworking tools.
No water content - developed by the military - name is its own description: WD (water displacer 40). I've used it to help start a lawn mower (spraying into intake - easier on cylinders than ether) but as a regular lubricant - I don't do it. Others do and have no problem -
Jim
The "WD" stands for "Water Displacement" or somesuch. I use it to clean cast iron but always follow up with a coat of paste wax (that DOES NOT contain silicone)
actually developed by a company called the Rocket Chemical Company of San Diego, by chemist Norm Larsen
description:
This from my Jet tablesaw's manual: Table Top: Remove rust from the tabletop with WD-40 and a Scotch-BriteT Hand Pad. Keep a light coat of WD-40 on the tabletop when not in use.
It will not rust your tools. I've given my metal toolbox a quick spray with WD40 to prevent rust. I'll use WD40 when a spray is convenient, but I much prefer kerosene to wipe my tools to prevent rust. I keep WD40, Liquid Wrench, kerosene, cup grease, and a light sewing machine oil in my shop at all times. Each product has advantages/disadvantages but knowing which one to use for the job at hand is the key.
I believe ya. You can find lots of incorrect information around if you look.
But now you know "The rest of the story."
I use my hand tools on a daily basis (plumber) and I use wd40 just as much. This keeps my tools clean and rust free.
rik
Johnson's paste wax
Jums
Thomas Mitchell asks:
Hard to beat Johnson's, or any good floor wax sans silicone. I use Boeshield T-9 most of the time these days (laziness, I guess, because it is easier to apply).
Charlie Self
I think we agree, the past is over. George W. Bush
If they are, you wouldn't know it by me. I've followed those same directions and have kept a light coat of WD-40 on the tabletop and have had no trouble. Also, contrary to popular belief, I use it on my firearms. I use what I know works. I have also used the wax as you mentioned and it does work, but not as well in my experience.
Don
I thought the WD stood for War Department.....
wr>I use my hand tools on a daily basis (plumber) and I use wd40 just as much.
I don't make the news. I just report it. :)
I don't follow their advice, but for two different reasons: (1) already spent nine-bux on that little can of TopCote and (b) rust, in this semi-arid climate, is not a big worry.
Some recent posts here indicate that Johnson's doesn't sell their paste wax anymore. I haven't seen it on store shelves for some time so I am going to try to stretch what I have left as far as I can.
Kiyu
I guess you could say WD-40 does have water in it, it has water in the name!!
Rob
Butcher's is also good.
nah, that's one of the alternates for SWMBO.
Could it be 3 in 1 oil you are thinking of? as that can contain water, since it contains (or used to) meths and that does contain water (or used to). I found out about this a very long time ago, so things may have changed, and I don't have a can handy to check - I switched to using castrol ever since I found out!
Take Care, Gnube I don't want to win the lottery I just want to win a barn full of seasoned timber! ;O)
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