Difference between revisions of "WD-40"

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(expanded definition; clarified issues with use; see also section)
 
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'''WD-40''' is a penetrating oil that is manufactured by the WD-40 Company in the United States.
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'''WD-40''' is a multi-purpose solution used for rust and corrosion protection, moisture displacement as a penetrating oil, and for cleaning. It is manufactured by the WD-40 Company in the United States. The "WD" in the name stands for Water Displacement, which helps to prevent rust in parts it's applied to.
  
=Cleaning=
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== Cleaning ==
WD-40 is often found in old typewriters, particularly American makes, due to its ubiquitous nature in the United States. It may cause [[typebars]] to gum up and become immovable.
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WD-40 is often found in old typewriters, particularly American makes, due to its ubiquitous nature in the United States, where it is often used for lubrication. Used in typewriters, it may cause [[typebars]] to gum up and become immovable. It is often the cause of the ubiquitous typewriter symptom "[sticky keys]]".
  
WD-40 is often frowned upon in typewriter repair because of its paraffin-wax content. When left on a typewriter for a prolonged period of time, particularly in tight spaces like the [[segment]], WD-40 will attract dirt and grime before becoming a sticky solid.  
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WD-40 is often frowned upon in typewriter repair because of its paraffin-wax content. When left on a typewriter for a prolonged period of time, particularly in tight spaces like the [[segment]], WD-40 will attract dirt, dust, and grime before becoming a sticky solid.  
  
=Use=
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== Use ==
WD-40 can be used to dissolve and remove old WD-40 before flushing, or clean crinkle paint and metal parts when applied with a rag.
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WD-40 can be used to dissolve and remove old WD-40 before flushing with another solvent like [[mineral spirits]] or [[lacquer thinner]]. WD-40 is often used to clean crinkle paint and metal parts when applied with a rag or gentle brush.
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== See Also ==
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* [[typewriter cleaning]]
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* [[typewriter maintenance]]

Latest revision as of 23:17, 20 May 2025

WD-40 is a multi-purpose solution used for rust and corrosion protection, moisture displacement as a penetrating oil, and for cleaning. It is manufactured by the WD-40 Company in the United States. The "WD" in the name stands for Water Displacement, which helps to prevent rust in parts it's applied to.

Cleaning

WD-40 is often found in old typewriters, particularly American makes, due to its ubiquitous nature in the United States, where it is often used for lubrication. Used in typewriters, it may cause typebars to gum up and become immovable. It is often the cause of the ubiquitous typewriter symptom "[sticky keys]]".

WD-40 is often frowned upon in typewriter repair because of its paraffin-wax content. When left on a typewriter for a prolonged period of time, particularly in tight spaces like the segment, WD-40 will attract dirt, dust, and grime before becoming a sticky solid.

Use

WD-40 can be used to dissolve and remove old WD-40 before flushing with another solvent like mineral spirits or lacquer thinner. WD-40 is often used to clean crinkle paint and metal parts when applied with a rag or gentle brush.

See Also