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"WD-40" is abbreviated from the term "Water Displacement, 40th formula", suggesting it was the result of the 40th attempt to create the product. The spray, composed of various hydrocarbons, was originally designed to be used by Convair to protect the outer skin of the Atlas missile from rust and corrosion.
Posted by u/jim24601 - 64 votes and 11 comments
6 maj 2016 · WD-40® literally stands for Water Displacement, 40th formula. That's the name straight out of the lab book used by the chemist who developed the product back in 1953. The chemist, Norm Larsen, was attempting to concoct a formula to prevent corrosion—a task which is done by displacing water.
WD-40 is a degreaser so it will actually strip the lube, dry out/burn off, then leave you with metal on metal and in a bad situation. If you want to keep the thing moving WD-40 can be used in the very short term, but the item should be properly lubricated as soon as possible.
TIL WD-40, abbreviated from the phrase "Water Displacement, 40th formula", indicating it was the 40th formula tried before finding success. The product was originally designed to repel water and prevent corrosion on the Atlas space rocket, and later was found to have numerous household uses.
20 mar 2017 · The name is actually an abbreviation of Water Displacement, 40th Formula. This means that it was a result of Norman Lawson's 40 th attempt at the formula. WD-40 was developed in 1953, released in 1958, and has never been patented. I know that surprised me, too.
11 mar 2024 · The WD in WD-40 stands for water displacement, and the 40 stands for it being the 40 th — and successful — version of the formula. Water displacement is moving fluid from one place to another, which helps protect metals and other surfaces from moisture that can cause rust and corrosion.
