[TowerTalk] WD40 - additional

[Bob Nielsen]

On Oct 3, 2005, at 11:52 AM, K8RI on Tower talk wrote:

>
>
>
>
>> I have been impressed by the number and variability of the  
>> responses to my
>> query about WD-40 as a lubricant.
>>
>
>
>> This morning, in Idaho Falls, ID, I had an opportunity to speak  
>> with one of
>> the DOE scientists about WD-40. He told me that it is a silicone  
>> product
>>
>
> I have a gallon of the stuff in the shop.  No where does it say it  
> has a
> silicone in it and virtually all lubricans that do have silicones
> will say so as they are create a major problem around surfaces that  
> will be
> painted.  WD-40 has never caused me a problem around painting.  So  
> although
> I've seen others mention silicone I don't believe there is any in  
> WD-40.
>
> I worked for a company that produced silicones.  I didn't want to  
> get any of
> that stuff any where near a surface I might want to paint some day.  
> <:-))
> Mineral spirits, or Acetone does a very good job of removing  
> WD-40.  When
> viewed at a low angle they leave a big smear after trying to remove
> silicones.
>
> WD 40 is a penetrating oil, so is 3-1 oil but with a different  
> ratio of
> materials and a higher viscosity lubricating oil.  Sewing machine  
> oil is a
> low viscosity oil.
> WD 40 does lubricate, but the lubricating oil is low viscosity and  
> highly
> volitile which means it doesn't stay around long.
>
>

 From the WD-40 website (FAQs):

What does WD-40 contain?
While the ingredients in WD-40 are secret, we can tell you what WD-40  
does NOT contain. WD-40 does not contain silicone, kerosene, water,  
wax, graphite, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), or any known cancer- 
causing agents.

Interestingly enough, I found on the web site that WD-40 has  
purchased quite a few other lines, such as 3-in-1 oil, Lava soap and  
2000 flushes.

Bob, N7XY