Who uses WD-40 for cleaning?

Ted · #1

I justed used some on my C32 Spur, because it was gritty after I had sanded the scales to remove some scratches. I tried rinsing it with water but that did not help as good as WD-40. The action is now smooth. Would I need to lube after this? Anybody got experience with WD-40?

Thanks,

Ted

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The Deacon · #2

Great stuff for what its good for, will take tar, tile adhesive, tree sap, and a host of other sticky garbage off a blade better than just about anything else. Great for drying out and waterproofing worn out spark plug cables long enough to get you home on a rainy day. Passable after-run spray for model airplane engines.

That said, I would not personally use it the way you did. Others may very well feel differently. My logic is this... if there is grit, especially metallic grit, in a knife what you need to do is first degrease the knife to so the grit does not stick, then get rid of all the grit. If you do this with water under pressure, or dry with compressed air, the knife is not lubricated at all, so you can easily tell if there is any grit left, or if it is completely clean. On the other hand, if you use WD40 as a pressure spray, you can never be sure you got out all the grit, because if any is left it will be lubricated enough so it will be unnoticable, but may still eventually cause damage. As I said, this is just my opinion. Hope it at least makes some sense to you.

Paul

Zrexxer · #3

WD40 (Water Displacing, 40th attempt) is great for exactly what you used it for. It's mostly light solvents, so it's wonderful for cleaning and flushing out assemblies.

Most people also make the mistake of thinking it's a good lubricant, too - which it's not. Follow up with a dedicated lubricant product.

~Z~

DAYWALKER · #4

Aloha Ted!

I only use it on big things like firearms. Before, I'd spray some on a Q tip and wipe the inside of my SS blade scales.

Now, I use this stuff from www.militec1.com
They send out free samples that will last a LONG time and it's worked wonders on my SS Calypso Jr., FRN Delica and Endura.
Ask for, or write to Brad for a free sample at that website...great product from some great people!

God will put you over...if you let Him! Mark 11:23!

Jurphaas · #5

Hi Ted - I use WD-40 all the time and also on my knives. Mostly I clean the blades with it prior to the sale to get rid of all residue and finger prints. I also lube with it when I'm out of other stuff. Remember I use several knives as EDC if I lube with WD-40 and some grid will not be removed I still can open every one of those knives twice a day for about a hundred years until I will start to notice slack (if any) on the pivot with the quallity steel Spyderco uses. I also will be too old to notice and I might not even remember what "slack" is. (LOL).
Have a great day and needless to say that I like WD-40 for many purposes.

Clipits work!

Ted · #6

Thanks for the info guys. I'll make sure to lube afterwards.

Daywalker, I bought a 4 fl.oz. bottle of Militec-1 last year and I'm pretty sure it's gonna last a lifetime. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Jur, reason I bought WD-40 is because it worked good when I cleaned your Sebbie last week.

Ted

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Edited by - Ted on 1/15/2004 12:11:37 AM

antichristina · #7

wd-40 is what the factory uses in golden for everthing almost it's better stuff than most people give it credit for.

Concord_Bob · #8

WD-40 is great stuff for about everything except guns. It penetrates so good that it can get into your ammunition primers. The end result of that is you pull the trigger and nothing happens.... Not good.

thorin hammer · #9

I have found that after constant use, WD-40 will become very sticky and gunky. This happened to my muti-tool and it took at least six lubes with White Lightning to get the action smooth again. I would definitely not recommend WD-40 for anything but cleaning, which it does extremely well. I like to spray it on a cotton cloth and use that to wipe the blade (and handle if it is stainless steel). I keep the cloth in a plastic zip lock bag.

Some laws permit what honor does not. Collector #14

swede · #10

Hi Ted,
I stopped using WD-40 ten years ago. Not a good cleaner or lubricant at all. I wash all my knives in hot water and detergent first. After that, my preference is Tri-Flow (always), Mili-Tec (especially on SS scales) and White Lightning (on my toughest jobs).

Just my preferences.
Dave