"Almighty" WD-40: what it was created for, where it is forbidden to use it and what does the number 40 mean in the name
Today, the legendary Vedashka doesn’t just brush your teeth and rinse your mouth. But in folk medicine, it is already recommended for the treatment of joints and wound healing. This, of course, is completely absurd. Where to apply WD-40, where it will not help - read on.
No lubricant, but a water displacer
WD-40 is an aerosol preparation. It was formulated as a water repellent and anti-corrosion agent. Used as a preservative for metal surfaces. The drug has excellent penetrating ability and easily gets into hard-to-reach places. Softens rust.
The composition of WD-40 is kept secret, but the proportions of the components used are known:
- white spirit - 50%;
- carbon dioxide - 25%;
- grease (mineral oil) - 15%;
- inert components - 10%.
White spirit acts as a solvent. The carbon dioxide in the composition serves to squeeze the liquid out of the container and turn into an aerosol. Oil for lubrication is logical.
It is precisely because of the low amount of oil in the composition of Vedeshka that it is called not a lubricant, but a universal lubricant. Manufacturers removed the word “lubricant” from the label.
WD-40 only treats the surface, it does not lubricate it. The drug hits the surface, displaces water and creates a thin oil film. After processing with Vedashka, the surface needs to be lubricated - the liquid tends to evaporate.
When you need to rip off a stuck nut; protect from moisture or preserve metal mechanisms and surfaces; clean and separate rusty parts; freeing jammed mechanisms - these are the areas of application of Vadashka. This liquid removes creaks, but temporarily. All other miraculous properties were invented and implemented by cunning marketers.
Why WD-40
WD stands for Water Displacement. Literal translation: water displacer. The number 40 does not refer to chemistry or composition. It means that the formula of the drug was obtained only after the fortieth attempt. If chemist Norman Larsen was twice as nimble, perhaps we saw the name WD-20. But it turned out how it turned out and for this he thanks a lot!
Where you shouldn't use Vedeshka
It can take a long time to list areas where this liquid should not be used. The main thing is to know that the preparation contains white spirit. It is a solvent and does not work with all types of plastic and rubber. For example, you cannot handle WD-40 mechanisms where there are plastic bushings or rubber pads. The solvent will spoil them.
Vedashka is not used:
- for medical and hygienic purposes;
- as a lubricant;
- for degreasing surfaces;
- as an antioxidant;
- for cleaning plumbing;
- as a means for defrosting.
Cannot be applied:
- toys and household items;
- on car locks;
- on chains and gears of mechanisms for lubrication;
- on weapon parts;
- on wiring and contacts to prevent corrosion.
If you want to remove squeaks from furniture fittings at home, find a specialized tool for this. White spirit is not recommended to be sprayed in operated residential areas. Vapors of this substance can harm the eyes and respiratory system.
How do you use WD-40? Write in the comments!
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