"Ian Malcolm" wrote in message
...
wrote:

wrote:

*JimH* wrote:


WD40 has become a versatile fluid for lubrication, cleaning and water
proofing. This site gives 2000 uses for it.
http://www.twbc.org/wd40.htm

How do you use it on the boat?

I don't, it sux & is basically marked-up Stoddard solvent. There are
far better penetrants as well as cleaners, and calling it a lube is
almost a joke.


Under the right circumstances, it's a fairly good lubricant, as is
water.

A good few years ago I remember reading an article about some testing done
on various lubricants. This would probably have been in an electronics
magazine. Basically, the tests (IIRC it was an inclined plane test with
metal on metal and plastic on metal) showed that although the friction was
lower with freshly applied WD40 than when dry, it was significantly higher
than with just about any commonly available oil or grease and that adding
WD40 to *ANY* other lubricant resulted in *MORE* friction than either that
lubricant or WD40 alone. YMMV, but its the *LAST* thing I reach for if I
want lubrication.

I keep a minature can on board for de-watering my Seagull's carb and
ignition if it ever goes for a swim, but otherwise its strictly a workshop
convenience for sticky label remains, drilling or cutting Aluminium,
cleaning up small parts etc.

There are a couple of spray cans on the shelf and the oldest one (which I
try to use up first unless I've left it somewhere stupid) is still about
1/3 full and has been there about 20 years. Its not a jumbo can either. A
friend used to rent the garage and I 'inherited' it and a few tools from
him so I am certain how long I've had that can. The other can he had on
the go lasted me till the late 90's. He loved the stuff but was very much
a 'hammer' mechanic.

Good marketing though . . .
--
Ian Malcolm. London, ENGLAND. (NEWSGROUP REPLY PREFERRED)
ianm[at]the[dash]malcolms[dot]freeserve[dot]co[dot]uk
[at]=@, [dash]=- & [dot]=. *Warning* HTML & 32K emails -- NUL:
'Stingo' Albacore #1554 - 15' Early 60's, Uffa Fox designed,
All varnished hot moulded wooden racing dinghy.

I agree that it is not a great lubricant when compared to common grade oil
or grease. It can, however, be used as a light lubricant, although perhaps
not as effective as light machine oil.

It is sometimes specifically noted as an acceptable light lubricant in
certain cases and by some manufacturers:

http://www.custombrackets.com/Scripts/wd40.asp

http://www.cobramotorcycle.com/docs/...nersmanual.pdf

http://www.truth.com/TechnicalSuppor...menu=homeowner

On the other hand, some manufacturers specifically recommend against using
it.

Go figure.

Heck, some folks use it on their lures as a fish attractant as well as on
their joints as a relief to arthritis. ;-)