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

[Cessna152]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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/...ing-lubricants
https://www.agvise.com/educational-a...-soil-testing/
https://midwestlabs.com/wp-content/u...wl-memo-23.pdf

[Major Tom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

[RonBoyd]

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

Quote:

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+ho...l_5lzgsukh34_b

[mountainsoft]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Badger 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]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mountainsoft 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]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mountainsoft 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]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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!

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

[Major Tom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbooth 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]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Major Tom 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]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

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]

Quote:

Originally Posted by onthe8ball 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