20 Unusual Uses for WD-40 --- Who Knew?!

WD-40 is marketed as a “multi-use product.”

It’s known for the capabilities for which it’s usually enlisted — such as lubricating squeaky hinges, loosening rusted parts and driving out moisture. (In fact, “WD” stands for “water displacement.”)

But WD-40’s uses extend well beyond those roles.

WD-40 Co. offers thousands of uses for its namesake product on its website. Pros and amateurs alike have been discovering more uses since the original WD-40 product was developed in 1953 after 39 failed attempts. (Thus, the “40” in its name.)

We’ve rounded up some of the least known but most helpful uses below.

If your instinct is to save a buck by buying a generic equivalent, we applaud you. But following through on that instinct might be more challenging than usual in WD-40’s case.

Outdoors

·        Deter wasps from nesting. For evicting the buggers from a nest or preventing them from building one.  Just don’t spray a nest while wasps are around. As one commenter who made this mistake puts it: “They do not like it, and will attack.”

·        Prevent grass from collecting on lawnmower blades.

·        Deter squirrels from raiding backyard bird feeders. WD-40 Co. A woman who sprayed it on her bird feeder pole because squirrels were filching bird food: “Can you imagine those little squirrels trying to climb up that lubricated pole?”

·        Prevent snow from sticking to shovels and snowplow blades.

·        Open frozen mailbox doors.

Vehicles

·        Remove dead bugs from various parts. WD-40’s website mentions radiators, grills, bumpers and paint.

·        Remove bird droppings from hoods and roofs.

·        Prevent car parts from freezing in winter. The website mentions locks and windshield-wiper spray nozzles.

·        Remove barnacles from the bottom of boats.