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WD-40 can be found in just about every household. But if you’re a prepper, you might want to get a few extra cans so you’ll have plenty on hand for all kinds of applications and projects.
Keep in mind that there are many types of WD-40. In this article, we’ll be looking at survival uses for the original WD-40, also known as WD-40 Multiuse. You can find more information on the different types of WD-40 at their website. Of course, it’s important to use the right tool for the job, so let’s look at some uses for the original old-favorite, WD-40.
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1. Degreaser
WD-40 is an excellent degreaser. Use it to remove grease from hands, tools, clothing, and fabric. Apply WD-40 to the material, allow it to sit, then wash the garment. You may want to spot test WD-40 on the garment first.
2. Remove Rust from Tools
Keep your tools in tiptop shape by using WD-40 to remove rust and lubricate them.
3. Firestarter
Saturate cotton balls with this to create your own fire starters. Then, just light the cotton ball after it is saturated.
4. Stop Squeaks
If squeaking hinges are bothering you, give them a good spray with WD-40 to clean and lubricate.
5. Fix a Stuck Zipper
You can loosen up a stuck zipper by spraying it with WD-40.
6. Remove a Stuck Ring
If your finger is swelling and your ring gets stuck, you can spray it with WD-40 to remove the ring.
7. Remove Adhesive Residue
If residue from duct tape or other adhesive is getting in the way, spray it with the degreaser, let it sit for a bit, and wipe it away.
8. Remove Tree Sap
When you work outside often, it is easy to get stuck with sticky tree sap. Spray it and let the sap soften so you can remove it.
9. Remove Gum
Gum can get stuck in any number of items like carpet and hair. Try using WD-40 to remove it rather than just cutting it out.
10. Loosen Stuck Nuts and Bolts
Nuts and bolts can get stuck from dirt, grime, and rust. Loosen it up with this degreaser and solvent.
11. Clean Toilets
Yes, you can use it to clean rust and limescale buildup in your toilets, making them work less efficiently.
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12. Remove Rust From Firearms
If your firearms are rusted, they won’t work when you need them to, and they can be dangerous to use. Use some of this solvent to clean and remove the rust.
13. Remove Surface Rust From Tools
If your tools have a little surface rust, spray them with WD-40 and polish them up with a clean rag.
14. Remove Grease and Grime From Tools
Tools are less effective and can break when they get covered in grease and grime. Clean them up!
15. Improve Shoveling
Shoveling is hard work, but you can make it easier by spraying your shovel with WD-40 so that it glides through the dirt.
16. Keep Rubber Seals and Weather-stripping Soft and Pliable
If you are trying to keep your house warm, you don’t want your sealing and weather-stripping to dry out and crack. Keep it soft and pliable with a coating of this degreaser.
17. Clean and Shine Stainless Steel
A little bit goes a long way, but you can keep your stainless steel appliances clean and shiny when you polish them with WD-40.
18. Prevent Grass from Sticking to Blades on Your Lawnmower
Spray your lawnmower blades before mowing to keep the grass from building up the blades.
19. Keep Nails Rust-Free
Just spray your box of nails so they don’t get rusty in the damp air.
20. Spray On Arrows
Spray your arrows, so they are easier to remove from your targets during target practice.
21. Clean Bike Chains
You can clean your bike chains with a few squirts of WD-40; just make sure to rinse and apply bike lube, especially if this is your bugout vehicle.
22. Use On Gardening Shears
Keep your harvesting and pruning shears working smoothly with an application of WD-40 in the hinges and on the blades (unless you are using it for food).
23. Keep Locks Working Smoothly
Keep thieves out by keeping your locks clean and lubricated.
24. Use On Electrical Equipment to Drive Out Moisture
You don’t want moisture to get into delicate electrical parts. WD-40 can drive the moisture out of electronics.
25. Use On Your Car or Bugout Vehicle
Spray spark plugs, moving parts, and even ignition wires to keep your car running its best.
26. Lubricate Hinges on Animal Traps
You can’t catch dinner if your traps aren’t working correctly; make sure all the hinges are in good working order.
27. Keep Leather From Cracking
Spray your leather items to keep the leather soft and supple.
28. Use As a Makeshift Waterproofing
Although not a traditional water repellent, WD-40 will help push away water from boots and gloves.
29. Remove Lime Buildup
Lime buildup can harm your plumbing, but you can spray your toilets and sinks to remove it.
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30. Keep Slugs Away From Vegetable Plants
Spray around the base of planters and container gardens to keep slugs from climbing into your pots.
31. Split Firewood More Easily
If you find your blade keeps getting stuck when you are splitting firewood, try spraying it with a bit of WD-40 to help it slide more smoothly.
32. Remove Glue From Fingers
If you get glue on your fingers, spray with a little bit of WD-40 and carefully work the glue off of your skin.
33. De-ice Locks
Locks frozen? A few shots of this stuff should work them loose.
34. Lubricate Snow Shovels
Make snow removal easier by lubricating your shovel blades.
35. Remove Rust From Cast Iron
Spray rusted cast iron tools and then gently remove the rust with a steel wool pad.
36. Protect and Clean Wood
WD-40 can act as a wood protector, especially if you can’t get to the hardware store.
37. Clean and De-gunk Scissors
If your scissors don’t open and close, you might need to give them a good cleaning and lubrication with WD-40.
38. Lubricate Saw Blades
Keep your saw blades running smoothly for your off-grid projects by regularly lubricating them.
39. Remove Ice from Car Windows
Spray your windows before a hard frost to keep ice from sticking, or melt ice off with a few squirts.
40. Protect Fish Hooks from Rust
Keep your fishing hooks from rusting by keeping them well-lubricated with a layer of WD-40.
As you can see from the list, the original formula WD-40 is great to have on hand for both every day uses and for emergency and SHTF situations. Make sure you stock up and keep plenty of cans on hand so you will always have some when you need it.
While the shelf life of this product is technically considered to be 5 years, this refers more to the mechanism of the can than to the actual product itself. If stored properly, your WD-40 should last for many years.
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PDF available of 2000 plus uses of WD40 on their website; http://www.wd40.com/uses
Personally, I use this as a per-treater on hubby’s truck grease on clothing. Clumpy grease needs to be removed first, but after that just spray generously on spot and wash as normal.
Ask any Locksmith and they’ll tell you NO to WD40 in any lock. Spray or dry Carbon Graphite is the only Manufacturer approved Lubricant for locks. Oils attract and catch dirt.
Don’t de-ice car windows with it. It can damage coating and makes windows blurry and attract dirt. It’s also bad for wiper blades.
Many gunsmiths do not recommend WD40 for use on firearms. While it is a great multi-purpose product, it is a solvent, not a lubricant. Over time is can build up and cause malfunctions. Use only lubricants for firearms.
I agree. Ever see that hard crust around the edge of the WD40 can where the product has dried? Think about that crust the next time you are cleaning the bold of your $5,000 custom rifle. Or you Remington Rand M-1.
WD-40 will also kill ants instantly. They almost melt on contact. Haven’t tried it on other bugs.
Definitely a thumbs up for wd40. My only disagreement is using it on wood handles of tools. The wd stands for water displacement. It will draw moisture from the wood , thus making the surface fibers likely to become more prone to damage. My father insisted that you protect his tool handles with wax . At 74 I still do the wax on wood , wd40 on metal routine, so that I don’t get a mental dope slap from the long past old man. I also prefer wax on leather for the same reasons.
As a follow up 8 months later , l see l missed one other : #9 on firearms DO NOT get wd 40 on wood stocks . Just like my previously mentioned tool handles . It will do exactly what it was originally designed for. It will pull moisture out of the wood stock . In stead use paste wax or an oil intended for wood , especially in any part of the stock that touches metal . If you don’t have wax or oil for wood , use vegetable based oil , NEVER petroleum based on wood .
I am looking at a home built in 1984. The structure is solid, as are the original heavy clay tile roof.
The roof is dull, discolored and really dry looking. Would a mild spray washing with mildew remover help restore the original color? Is WD-40 an option to condition dried clay tiles after washing? (similar to lemon oil for dried wood furniture). Or could lemon oil be used to spray the roof with when weather cools to around 70? Please advise…interested in any solutions you may offer!
Instead of asking this question on line on a survival website, I would go on line and look for answers or better still, consult with a couple of roofers in your area who specialize in installing tie roofs. If you are looking for a cheap fix, why not just leave the roof alone. remember: IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T FIX IT.