WD-40, is there something else to use instead?

[RonBoyd]

I have turned to "Strike Hold" (https://www.strikehold.com/) as an alternative to WD-40... it doesn't evaporate (well, as fast).

Strikehold® is a fast-acting, penetrating compound that cuts through dirt, rust and corrosion, quickly getting into metal parts that have become frozen or encrusted. Strikehold® provides a long-lasting dry lubricant, which reduces friction. Helps dry out wet electrical gears and other water-sensitive parts, and will actually improve electrical performance by cleaning and protecting contacts and internal parts including circuitry and connections. Strikehold® protects by providing a shield-like film against the effects of moisture and corrosion, even against saltwater, while repelling sand, dirt and dust.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=strike+h...465055&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_5lzgsukh34_b

 

[mountainsoft]

It's also great for heavy cleaning jobs. like removing old commode wax rings. Seriously, then clean the WD-40 with traditional household cleaner.

Many years ago I used WD-40 to remove labels from 3.5" floppy discs so I could reuse them (sprayed on a paper towel, not on the disc). It worked well to dissolve the adhesive, then I followed that with a normal cleaner to remove the oil residue. Today I would probably use GooGone for that task.

These days I mostly just use WD-40 to fix squeaky cabinet hinges, squeaky lawnmower wheels, etc. More of a temporary fix than a long term solution.

As for garden tools, I don't do anything. Unless they're seriously coated with mud I don't even wash them. I just hang them up in my shed out of the weather. Most of my garden tools are 25-30 years old and still look fine. Any minor surface rust wears off the next time I use the tool.

Handles were a bigger problem for me. I used to break wood shovel handles all the time (we have lots of large stones in our soil) until I upgraded to shovels with fiberglass handles. Haven't broke a handle since then.

Wheelbarrow handles used to break on me a lot too until I started storing the wheelbarrow in the shed out of the weather. My current wheelbarrow is now over 20 years old with no signs of breakage. I used to WD-40 that squeaky wheel, but now I pull the wheel and apply the black automotive grease to the axle.

 

[Mr._Graybeard]

Many years ago I used WD-40 to remove labels from 3.5" floppy discs so I could reuse them (sprayed on a paper towel, not on the disc). It worked well to dissolve the adhesive, then I followed that with a normal cleaner to remove the oil residue. Today I would probably use GooGone for that task.

Years ago a builder gave me a tip that plain old mineral oil (like Johnson's Baby Oil) makes a great adhesive remover. It's basically like WD-40 without all the volatile penetrants. And, it's benign on almost all finished surfaces

 

[RonBoyd]

Many years ago I used WD-40 to remove labels from 3.5" floppy discs so I could reuse them (sprayed on a paper towel, not on the disc). It worked well to dissolve the adhesive, then I followed that with a normal cleaner to remove the oil residue. Today I would probably use GooGone for that task.

I find that using Ronsonol Lighter Fluid (naphtha) is the best way to remove labels. There is no cleanup afterwards... it simply evaporates after a simple wipe.

 

[CRLLS]

In over 40 years of home ownership and owning garden tools, I have never coated garden tools with anything to prevent rust. I have never had a garden tool that rusted away to nothing. The wood handles usually give way long before the steel has degraded. I still have a few shovels that are > 35 years old and are still fine.

As mentioned by mountainsoft earlier, my wheel barrow is now ~40 years old and has had one handle replacement. It may be due for another replacement in 5 more years or so. It is stored outsidel leaning up against the fence. The steel is still functioning just fine. I did repaint it maybe 20 years ago with Rustoleum.

WD-40 is designed to be a water displacer not a lubricant or a rust prevention coating. Sure it has minimal oils and will prevent rust for a short time, But if those are your primary goals then get something more suited for the application. However if WD-40 is meeting your requirements, no need to change.

 

[LOL!]

OK, thanks for all the comments. I'll stick with WD-40 or WD-40 Specialist.

 

[ncbill]

I like Fluid Film for lubrication.

I used it to get a bathroom vent fan running again...after using compressed air to blow out all the dust bunnies.

 

[Lienlord]

They say you only need WD-40 and Duct tape in your tool box. If something should move but it doesn't, use the WD-40. If something shouldn't move but it does, use the Duct tape!

 

[mbooth]

They say you only need WD-40 and Duct tape in your tool box. If something should move but it doesn't, use the WD-40. If something shouldn't move but it does, use the Duct tape!

Araldite is part of the repair holy trinity as well.........

 

[Major Tom]

Araldite is part of the repair holy trinity as well.........

Hehehe - I always keep some JB Weld on hand. It's the same sort of thing - a general purpose epoxy. It finds all sorts of uses. In fact, I'll be using it on Wednesday, to glue a couple of small wood blocks to the inside of the fiberglass high-top on my campervan, so I can then screw in a new center-mounted brake light.

 

[Mr._Graybeard]

Hehehe - I always keep some JB Weld on hand. It's the same sort of thing - a general purpose epoxy. It finds all sorts of uses. In fact, I'll be using it on Wednesday, to glue a couple of small wood blocks to the inside of the fiberglass high-top on my campervan, so I can then screw in a new center-mounted brake light.

Yeah, JB Weld has to be part of the handyman's holy trinity.

 

[Car-Guy]

This is WD-40 for lube application:
WD-40 SPECIALIST 10 oz. Spray and Stay Gel Lubricant

Haven't tried yet, but will soon.

I bought a small can of the Spray Gel.... Save your money and stick with the original version.

 

[CHBinFL]

WD-40 and duct tape are really all you should need. If one doesn't fix it the other should.

 

[onthe8ball]

Just try olive oil, it works!

Believe it or not, there's a cheaper, safer, more environmentally friendly solution: plain old olive oil. For clean, rust-free garden tools, rinse dirt off each time you use them, then rub olive oil onto the cutting and digging surfaces of your garden tools. Also works great on lawn mower blades. The olive oil will repel dirt and rust and keep your garden tools spruce and looking like new.

 

[Sunset]

Believe it or not, there's a cheaper, safer, more environmentally friendly solution: plain old olive oil. For clean, rust-free garden tools, rinse dirt off each time you use them, then rub olive oil onto the cutting and digging surfaces of your garden tools. Also works great on lawn mower blades. The olive oil will repel dirt and rust and keep your garden tools spruce and looking like new.

Good idea, but honestly any cheap vegetable oil will work, no need to go upscale to olive oil

 

[2soon2tell]

onthe8ball,

Yes, the only problem with rubbing olive oil on your tools is that it makes you crave salads.http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/images/smilies/laugh.gif

 

[DaveInMi]

Stain Remover

I had a lease car with light colored upholstery. My son sat in a black greasy spot, then transferred it to the car seat. Before turning the car in, I soaked the spot with WD40, then wiped if up with a wet rag. It easily took the stain out without harming the fabric.

 

[target2019]

I've been using mineral oil on kitchen tools. It will work on other tools. Renews butcher block too. Big bottle at target or Walmarts is very cheap.

 

[marko]

Good idea, but honestly any cheap vegetable oil will work, no need to go upscale to olive oil

I'll bet Robbie uses olive oil.

 

[HFWR]

I've been using mineral oil on kitchen tools. It will work on other tools. Renews butcher block too. Big bottle at target or Walmarts is very cheap.

+1

Organic oils will turn rancid.

 

[onthe8ball]

Rancid yes, but who cares?

+1

Organic oils will turn rancid.

Yes, that's how I learned about it.

My wife had an old half-full large bottle of olive oil that had gone bad, and she found a how-to page with a dozen uses for it. I took it in the shop and tried it on the mower and garden tools, worked great. Who cares about smell on those? It wouldn't be good for kitchen stuff, though, I agree.

 

[RetiredAt55.5]

I have turned to "Strike Hold" (https://www.strikehold.com/) as an alternative to WD-40... it doesn't evaporate (well, as fast).

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=strike+h...465055&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_5lzgsukh34_b

$37 for a 32 ounce bottle.

 

[calmloki]

Telling you - old oil from the drain pan. Use it in the car, then use the nasty stuff to prevent rust on digging tools. Two successive uses = recycling, right?

 

[Starsky]

I use an Australian WD40 alternative that was recommended as a cleaner/lubricant by my local gun dealer called Inox. It is fantastic!

It works great to remove stubborn residue and protect from rust. I like that it feels less oily, and it is safe for all finishes. It also dries extremely clean and residue-free. There's even a food-grade version.

 

[braumeister]

There's even a food-grade version.

Yes, delightful in a vinaigrette for that certain je ne sais quoi.