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

[LOL!]

I guess I grew up using WD-40 to put as a thin film on metal garden tools to keep them from rusting after washing the mud off of them, but maybe I'm an old fuddy-duddy. Is there something that is more appropriate nowadays in 2019 to use instead? Thanks!

 

[calmloki]

Old erl from the drain pan is mo betta. WD40 is too light.

 

[Mr._Graybeard]

Fluid Film is a popular antirust oil.

 

[Red Badger]

Any motor oil or something like 3-2-1 oil. WD-40 really is too light. It's a great penetrating oil for a myriad of jobs, but it's not a good lubricating oil or coating / preservative oil.

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

 

[cbo111]

For many years I used wd-40 to lube my bicycle chains. Turns out it is a degreaser and actually removes lubricant from the chain. It is ok to use to clean a chain, but should be followed with some type of lube.

 

[davebarnes]

Or, you could "blow that dough" and buy stainless steel garden tools.
For example: https://www.homedepot.com/p/English...-Stainless-Steel-Digging-Spade-R490/207144861

 

[Amethyst]

This. My Dad, a champion DIYer, used 3-in-1 oil to lubricate/desqueak most things around the house; never used WD40 except to open stuck things (it is a solvent, not a lubricant). I use a silicone spray with Teflon for windows and doors.

For many years I used wd-40 to lube my bicycle chains. Turns out it is a degreaser and actually removes lubricant from the chain. It is ok to use to clean a chain, but should be followed with some type of lube.

 

[LOL!]

Thanks for the mention of FluidFilm which I will have to look for at places I shop.

I am not using WD-40 as a lubricant.

 

[OldShooter]

What problem are you trying to solve? Is the WD-40 not working?

Boeshield is better. It deposits a waxy film designed to protect for long term storage but it's not as widely available as WD-40 and its clones. Brownells also sells several lubes and rust protectors: https://www.brownells.com/search/index.htm?k=rust+protection&ksubmit=y CRC has lots of magic potions as well: https://www.crcindustries.com/products/lubricants-penetrants.html

 

[tfudtuckerpucker]

There's a corrosion protection form of WD40 , but I understand the gold standard is fluid film (also available through Amazon)

 

[LOL!]

What problem are you trying to solve? Is the WD-40 not working?

The problem to solve: I used a shovel, pruning shears, loppers, hammer, PVC cutters, etc while repairing my underground water line. They all got muddy and wet. I hosed them off to remove the mud. If I let them air dry, then any steel parts including swivel points will be coated with rust.

Spraying with WD-40 and wiping off with a rag is what I usually use, but only because it's what I've always done. Spraying is convenient and the lack of viscosity lets the fluid go everywhere. So I thought that I'd ask if there was something different that I should be doing. I don't want residue left that will attract any significant amount of dust or pollen.

 

[CyclingInvestor]

For many years I used wd-40 to lube my bicycle chains. Turns out it is a degreaser and actually removes lubricant from the chain. It is ok to use to clean a chain, but should be followed with some type of lube.

So did I early on because it was so easy to apply. After my first rainy season of commuting I learned about liquid graphite.

 

[Skyward1]

A comprehensive corrosion test where WD-40 Specialist did very well. Fluid Film also included.



Comprehensive Corrosion Test: 46 Products Compared | Day At The Range

 

[freetodream]

I guess I'm lazy when it comes to garden tools. I just use them, wash & dry them and put them away. They rust over time but are rather inexpensive to replace.

 

[Jerry1]

The problem to solve: I used a shovel, pruning shears, loppers, hammer, PVC cutters, etc while repairing my underground water line. They all got muddy and wet. I hosed them off to remove the mud. If I let them air dry, then any steel parts including swivel points will be coated with rust.

Spraying with WD-40 and wiping off with a rag is what I usually use, but only because it's what I've always done. Spraying is convenient and the lack of viscosity lets the fluid go everywhere. So I thought that I'd ask if there was something different that I should be doing. I don't want residue left that will attract any significant amount of dust or pollen.

I don’t know, but it seems like you’re using the right product. The WD is for Water Disbursing and that’s what you’re trying to do. Once the water has been removed, they should not rust.

 

[Mr._Graybeard]

The problem to solve: I used a shovel, pruning shears, loppers, hammer, PVC cutters, etc while repairing my underground water line. They all got muddy and wet. I hosed them off to remove the mud. If I let them air dry, then any steel parts including swivel points will be coated with rust.

Spraying with WD-40 and wiping off with a rag is what I usually use, but only because it's what I've always done. Spraying is convenient and the lack of viscosity lets the fluid go everywhere. So I thought that I'd ask if there was something different that I should be doing. I don't want residue left that will attract any significant amount of dust or pollen.

That's actually the purpose WD-40 was designed for. WD stands for "water displacement." If you spray down your tools with WD-40 and store them indoors, you don't need to do anything else.

Edit: Looks like Jerry beat me to it.

 

[Jerry1]

Except you got it right, it’s displacement, not disbursing. Team work!

 

[Amethyst]

That's interesting to know. For garden tools, wouldn't you want to wipe off the WD40? It can't be good for plants.

That's actually the purpose WD-40 was designed for. WD stands for "water displacement." If you spray down your tools with WD-40 and store them indoors, you don't need to do anything else.

Edit: Looks like Jerry beat me to it.

 

[Cessna152]

For many years I used wd-40 to lube my bicycle chains. Turns out it is a degreaser and actually removes lubricant from the chain. It is ok to use to clean a chain, but should be followed with some type of lube.

According to their page on myths:

Myth: WD-40® Multi-Use Product should not be used on bike chains.

Fact: While WD-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 excess WD-40® Multi-Use Product before riding.
For long-term lubrication and other specialized bicycle maintenance needs, check out WD-40® BIKE. 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.

 

[Mr._Graybeard]

That's interesting to know. For garden tools, wouldn't you want to wipe off the WD40? It can't be good for plants.

The stuff is so thin, it doesn't leave a lot of residue. After a week I suspect most of it has evaporated or broken down. You could rinse off the tools with a little detergent and water as a precaution before using them.

 

[Cessna152]

That's interesting to know. For garden tools, wouldn't you want to wipe off the WD40? It can't be good for plants.

Their material safety sheet suggests it may be about as hazardous to plants as most any petroleum-based product. The amount on garden tools is probably not significant. It appears that WD-40 (and PAM) are often used to lubricate soil sampling probes - as evidenced by these sources:
https://algreatlakes.com/blogs/news/soil-sampling-lubricants
https://www.agvise.com/educational-articles/choose-lubricants-carefully-for-soil-testing/
https://midwestlabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/mwl-memo-23.pdf

 

[Major Tom]

For many years I used wd-40 to lube my bicycle chains. Turns out it is a degreaser and actually removes lubricant from the chain. It is ok to use to clean a chain, but should be followed with some type of lube.

My WD-40 use followed the same trajectory as you. Recently, I've been discovering that maybe I wasn't quite as misled as I thought I was by using it as a lubricant, as along with the various alkanes, it's main ingredient is mineral oil -

Wired Magazine - What's Inside WD-40?


Purely anecdotal, but in his blog, this bicycle tech talks about his use of WD-40 to lubricate his bicycle chains. He does have a warning though - be careful what else you let it get on!

It's OK To Use WD-40 On your Bike Chain


Now I don't feel so bad for relying on WD-40 as my default cure when in times of trouble. A few months ago, I was using a spare key a neighbor had entrusted me with, to get into her house. I put the key in the lock - and it got stuck. No matter what I did, it wouldn't come out! All I could think of in those moments was, "Where's the WD-40?" I dashed back to my house as fast as possible, before anyone else noticed that the key was stuck in the front door (it was still turning, so could be used to unlock the door). I grabbed the WD-40, ran back, squibbed some in the keyhole and - voila! - suddenly, the key came out, and the lock was operating smoothly.

It's magic stuff, I tell ya. Don't feel guilty about using it. I feel that in recent years, there has been something of a campaign of misinformation about WD-40 that, at least for me, has made me feel somewhat guilty for still using it. "It's not a lubricant!" people said. However, I couldn't help but notice that it sure acted like one. How come everything I sprayed it on got all slippery if it wasn't a lubricant? Hmmmm......

Maybe it's not the best product to use for every single situation but sometimes, a general purpose cure-all sure is a helpful thing to have around the house. I like my WD-40, and will keep on using it, if it's OK with you.

 

[davismills]

I will continue to use WD40. It's the best stock in my portfolio and I've owned it for 20 years.

 

[target2019]

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

Haven't tried yet, but will soon.

 

[kgtest]

Depending on the application, sometimes Dry Lubricant is a better option. When I was repairing stuck or hard to operate residential windows, that dry lubricant was as good as gold. Slides smooth as butter.