Interesting WD-40® Facts and Uncommon Uses

That classic blue and yellow can with its little red straw has been a staple in households, workshops and labs for years. It boasts more than 2000 common and uncommon uses, some of which may surprise you.

What exactly does WD-40 stand for?

Ever wonder what WD-40 stands for? It literally stands for Water Displacement, 40th attempt. Back in 1953, chemist Norm Larsen was working hard in a small lab in San Diego to develop a formula for water displacement in an effort to prevent corrosion.

As attempt after attempt failed and his lab book continued to increase in size, his persistence finally paid off on, you guessed it, the 40^th try. Hence, the name.

Original Use

WD-40 was originally developed for use in the aerospace industry. In 1953, a fledgling company called Rocket Chemical Company, of which chemist Mr. Larsen was founder, worked hard to create a rust-prevention solvent and degreaser. The staff of three was successful on the 40^th try and WD-40 found its way to space, protecting the outer skin of the Atlas Missile.

The product worked so well that several employees decided to sneak some home.

A new president and a new aerosol can lead to explosive growth.

Mr. Larsen was inspired by the employees who took the product home. A few years later, he began experimenting with putting the product in aerosol cans to make home-use easier. By 1958, cans of WD-40 were on store shelves in San Diego.

As a result, in two years the company nearly doubled in size. Seven employees sold an average of 45 cases per day from the trunks of their cars to hardware and sporting goods stores in the San Diego area.

In 1969, John Barry joined the company as president and chief executive. Since they didn't make rockets, he changed the company name from Rocket Chemical Company to WD-40 Company, Inc. Growth continued at impressive rates under the watchful eye of Mr. Barry.

In 1973, the company went public. The stock price increased by 61% on the first day of listing. Since then, the company has grown tremendously and the product has become a household name.

Fast forward 20 years to 1993. Cans of WD-40 were found to have a home in 4 out of 5 American households and were used by 81% of professionals at work. Sales had grown from 45 cases per day in 1960 (from employee vehicle trunks, no less) to more than one million cans each week.

In 2005, a handy improvement was made to the iconic aerosol can. The WD-40 Smart Straw®, which features a permanently attached straw, was introduced. No more losing that little red straw!

You can use WD-40 for what?!?

WD-40 has thousands of uses. The most inventive ones are for tasks around the home and garden:

If your garden tools are rusty or need lubricating, WD-40 will take care of the job. If you are planning on digging in the yard, give your shovel blade a quick spray (this will prevent sticky clay from clinging to it).

It's the number one tool for removing crayon marks from walls (and virtually any other surface). It's also great for removing permanent marker and nail polish.

If you have kids in the house, WD-40 is a must-have for freeing stuck LEGO® blocks and removing the remnants of temporary tattoos.

For more interesting uses, see WD-40s Official List of 2000+ Uses. You'll learn something new and find yet another use for this irreplaceable product.

SOURCES

http://www.wd40.com/faqs/#q1

http://www.wd40.com/about-us/history/

http://www.cnbc.com/id/32087984