Re: (ET) Lubrication - WD-40

["Max Hall" <maxo iname com>]

Jim, and all you ETers,

As I understand it, (and I have been wrong, er, once or twice in my life),
the "WD" in "WD-40" stands for "water displacer." WD-40 is therefore right
for drying out distributor caps, etc. It's also great at dissolving grease
and tar, things like that. (Timothy's hand cleaning reference makes sense.)

I'm with Jim... it's a short-term lubricant, (but it breaks down
petroleum-based lubes already present!), or a short-term protectant, but
better for degumming and drying.

-Max Hall
-Think globally, act when convenient. No, wait... Think globally, act
locally. That's it.
-Plywood Guy, Scooters, and what-all: http://www.maxmatic.com


----- Original Message -----
From: Jim (Cape Cod USA) <fiskfarm mediaone net>
To: ET List <elec-trak cosmos5 phy tufts edu>
Sent: Friday, June 16, 2000 9:28 AM
Subject: (ET) Lubrication


Hi all,

Something for a slow news day at (ET)

In case I haven't mentioned this in the past, and as a person who makes
a living as an industrial mechanic and technician going back 35 years
now, I want to expose WD-40 for what it is: A CLEANING FLUID, and not a
lubricant. The name came from War Dept. Formula 40 cleaner and
degreaser. If you are using it as a lubricant or ANTI RUST you are
making a big mistake as any surface you use it on is left with less oil
as the WD evaporates. That is what it was designed to do. Kerosene is a
better lube or certainly as good.

They did a great ad campaign starting about 35 years ago and I still see
people using it to lube and "protect" their expensive machinery. I
bought into the hype back then and bought it by the gallon container, I
quickly saw the results (more rust than before and blown bearings) and
threw the crap out. My fellow mechanics over the years have more than
supported my findings.

There are many other great spray oils out there but you won't find them
at the convenience stores. Go to your auto supply and ask what they
carry. I use a Cyclo product called Break- Away. Far better penetrating
oil, good on electrics (even contacts), a good residual top oil and a
good lubricant. I spray it on any rust spots (seams etc) and anything
that needs protection from water (or acid). (About 6 months protection
on exposed seams, etc.) As a penetrating oil it is almost becoming an
urban legend around here (I have seen it perform some miracles myself)
This product does everything (and more) WD-40 CLAIMED to do but you
won't see it sponsoring the evening news.

Happy ET'ing and Happy Father's Day,
Jim