Here is a question from a Model Railroader in Victoria Australia. Bob wants to know “Can I use WD-40 to lubricate the gears on my locomotives? Could I also use use WD-40 for oiling the tracks and trucks on the freight cars?”

Bob tells me that he has already used it and it seems to work well on all the moving parts. He is also using it for maintaining a smooth running track.

Firstly, just to put one thing right, WD40 doesn’t stand for “War Department 1940” as some people think. WD40 is short for “Water Displacement, 40th attempt”.

WD40 was developed by Norm Larsen an employee of the Rocket Chemical Company in 1953. Larsen developed WD40 to prevent corrosion and eliminate water on electrical circuitry.

Now for my answer to Bob’s question. WD40 is basically a penetrating oil (cleaner, lubricant and anti-corrosive solution) in spray form. I personally think using WD40 on, or near, anything plastic could be risky. WD40 can cause “crazing” or surface deterioration of many plastic materials.

Uses for WD40 around the home and automobile include:

• Loosening tight or rusty nuts and screws
• Spraying on hand tools to protect against rust
• Cleaning door locks and hinges on cars and around the house

The material safety data sheet lists the main ingredients as:

• 50% Stoddard solvent (mineral spirits/dry cleaning solvent)
• 25% Liquefied Petroleum Gas
• 15% Light lubricating oil

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