wd40

[Phil Russell]

WD40 is traditionally used for displacing water ... hence the WD monica. I was told that the inventors were looking for a water displacer and this was the 40th formulation they tried; hence WD40. I do not claim this to be the true reason for the name. I believe it came to prominence for spraying on car distributor caps to displace water.
It is not a lubricant. One use I was told about by a plumber was in freeing stuck stop cocks. Spray around the tap stem and give a little turn until the tap will not turn any more, release the turn and spray a bit more.Repeat. Eventually the tap will free.
I do use it as a cleansing agent for various things, but not airgun related.
Cheers, Phil

[whipsaw]

Good for removing old silicone from around the bath/sink/window - but keep well away from airguns!

I thought it was invented in 1940 hence the name...

[oliver13]

I find it's excellent as a water repellent, but lubricant it's not. It's constituents are very volatile & soon flash off.
If you ever get caught in the rain a few hours away from a chance to get the stock off & dry it properly, it's a Godsend.
I make my own equivalent nowadays, 5 or 6 parts paraffin to 1 part whatever engine oil I have lying around, but I always keep a can of the real stuff handy.

[dayglowfroggy]

I know you end up with a very rusty bike chain if u use this instead of a proper chain lubricant .

[Missedagain1]

Good for removing old silicone from around the bath/sink/window - but keep well away from airguns!

I thought it was invented in 1940 hence the name...

I was told years ago, how true it is I am not sure, but invented in 1940 by/for the War Department, hence the WD40.

Brilliant for water dispersing and cleaning metal work but not near a gun.

Trev.

[Peter Dunkley]

I was told years ago, how true it is I am not sure, but invented in 1940 by/for the War Department, hence the WD40.

Brilliant for water dispersing and cleaning metal work but not near a gun.

Trev.

First developed in 1953 "google it"

Yes ideal as a water dispersant and perfect for getting water out of all the nooks and crannies of your wet gun. Then wipe it off and oil.
I have been using it on all my guns for many many years and used it at work for 15 years.

[lensman57]

It was originally develpoed for NASA to repel water from the metalic parts of the spacecraft. It is of very little use if any in an airgun. Use the usual lubricants for air guns.

A.G

[Jonjon79]

I don't use WD40 on any of my rifles because I've seen it reduce bluing to a dark silver/blue colour.

If mine get wet, I take them out of the stocks, dry with paper towels, lightly oil and, reassemble a couple of hours later.

[PhatMan]

Hello to All,

Many Moons ago, it used to be called 'Rocket WD40' - allegedly with reference to the Titan missile.

For those of you that shoot full-bore & black-powder rifles/pistols, WD40 is excellent to spray down the bore just before you leave the range.

It keeps the powder fouling softer and more easily removable, and retards corrosion on the black-powder bores until you can give them a thorough cleaning

Have fun & a good Sunday,

Best regards

Russ