Some interesting data on WD40 regarding its compatibility with various types of seals. This came from a motorcycle chain manufacturer (most MC chains use small Nitrile o-rings to seal each roller):
Here's the formulation of WD-40:
80% Stoddard Solvent (similar to kerosene)
20% light lubricating oil, and a bit of fragrance.
Here's the compatibility of Stoddard Solvent with rubbers and plastics:
Good Compatibility (OK for both static and dynamic seals)
Buna-N (Nitrile)
Chemraz
Epichlorohydrin
Fluorocarbon
Fluorosilicone
Kalrez
Nitrile, hydrogenated
Polyacrylate
Teflon, virgin
Mixed Compatibility (OK for static seals, but not for dynamic seals)
Neoprene
Vamac
Fair Compatibility (OK for some static seals)
Polysulfide
Polyurethane, millable
Fascinating. Thank you. I've always regarded WD-40 as primarily a water displacement medium. It is also handy as a flushing agent provided it is compatible with surrounding materials.
WD-40 History
In 1953, a fledgling company called Rocket Chemical Company and its staff of three set out to create a line of rust-prevention solvents and degreasers for use in the aerospace industry, in a small lab in San Diego, California.
It took them 40 attempts to get the water displacing formula worked out...WD-40®—which stands for Water Displacement perfected on the 40th try.
PB Blaster--Made in the USA. Non-Hazardous to Atmosphere. PB frees everything faster: Rust, Corrosion, sticking, squeaking (use on MICE)LOL!, displaces moisture and does not evaporate. Leaking toilet flapper valves and o-rings restores life to hardened seals. I used it for 45+ yrs in the mechanic trades, since it was called JB Blaster and smeeled better. Smells bad now to keep some from trying to get high on propellants. Trust Me, if you can't get it loose, the last resort is to cut it loose!
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