What year did WD-40 come out?

The product made its first appearance on store shelves in San Diego in 1958. In 1960 the company nearly doubled in size, growing to seven people, who sold an average of 45 cases per day from the trunk of their cars to hardware and sporting goods stores in the San Diego area.

What was WD-40 originally invented for?

rust and corrosion
The name WD-40 stands for “water displacement, formulation successful in 40th attempt.” Convair, a unit of General Dynamics, first used WD-40 to protect the outer skin of the Atlas missile from rust and corrosion. The product worked so well that employees sneaked WD-40 cans out of the plant to use at home.

Who developed WD-40?

Norman B. Larsen
According to Iris Engstrand, a historian of San Diego and California history at the University of San Diego, Iver Norman Lawson invented the formula, while the WD-40 company website and other books and newspapers credit Norman B. Larsen.

Where did WD-40 get its name?

It took them 40 attempts to get their water displacing formula to work, but on the 40th attempt, they got it right in a big way. WD-40 Multi Use Product was born. WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, 40th formula. That’s the name straight out of the lab book used by the chemist who developed the product.

Does WD-40 attract fish?

WD-40 addresses the myth on its website, saying: “While WD-40 can be used to help protect fishing equipment from rust and corrosion, WD-40 Company does not recommend using it to attract fish.”

How many attempts did it take to make WD-40?

After 39 unsuccessful attempts, the San Diego-based business perfected the formula. The name of the product, WD-40, reflects its history: “Water Displacement perfected on the 40th try.” While the uses of the water displacement agent have changed over time, the same formula is still sold today.

What happens if you put WD-40 in your gas tank?

A gasoline and WD-40 mixture probably won’t damage the tiny passages of your car’s fuel system. In fact, the mixture might even clean it up a bit. When the gasoline and WD-40 mixture finally reaches one of your car’s cylinders, it will combust in the presence of simultaneously combusting gasoline, acting as a car fuel.

What does WD in WD-40 stand for?

Water Displacement
Take a trip through WD-40 Company history It took them 40 attempts to get their water displacing formula to work, but on the 40th attempt, they got it right in a big way. WD-40 Multi Use Product was born. WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, 40th formula.

Can I use WD-40 on my knees?

Patients who suffer from arthritis are trying anything to relieve those stiff and aching joints. Some have even tried spraying sore joints with WD-40 as they would to fix a squeaky, door hinge.