2006-11-13 10:19:18 · 15 answers · asked by billy m 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
WD-40 literally stands for Water Displacement, 40th attempt. That's the name straight out of the lab book used by the chemist who developed WD-40 back in 1953. The chemist, Norm Larsen, was attempting to concoct a formula to prevent corrosion -- a task which is done by displacing water. Norm's persistence paid off when he perfected the formula on his 40th try.
2006-11-13 10:21:24 · answer #1 · answered by Mandie 2 · 8⤊ 1⤋
WD-40 literally stands for Water Displacement, 40th attempt. That's the name straight out of the lab book used by the chemist Norm Larsen when he developed WD-40 back in 1953. Norm was attempting to concoct a formula to prevent corrosion, a task which is done by displacing water. Norm's persistence paid off when he perfected the formula on his 40th try.
Guess the "at first you don't suceed, try, try again paid off here huh? Good question.
2006-11-13 18:25:23 · answer #2 · answered by gypsyintexas 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
WD-40 stands for "Water Displacement, 40th attempt.
According to Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wd40
"WD-40 is the trademark of a widely used penetrating oil (cleaner, lubricant and anti-corrosive solution) spray. It was developed in 1953 by Norm Larsen (then working for the Rocket Chemical Company) to eliminate water and prevent corrosion on electrical circuitry. It also has many household uses.
WD-40 stands for "Water Displacement, 40th attempt", a name which came from Larsen's laboratory notebook. Larsen was attempting to concoct a formula to prevent corrosion by displacing water, and arrived at the formula on his 40th try.[1] A common myth is that "WD" stands for "war department".
It was first used by Convair to protect the outer skin of the Atlas missile from rust and corrosion. The product first became commercially available on store shelves in San Diego in 1958."
2006-11-13 18:22:32 · answer #3 · answered by Dan S 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The purpose of WD-40 was to protect certain machine parts from corrosion due to moisture. The problem was getting the chemical to adhere to the metal and not evaporate, while still displacing the water. It took the developer 40 attempts to get the formula right, hense the name, water displacement-- 40th attempt.
2006-11-13 18:31:58 · answer #4 · answered by Rockstar 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Water Dispersant #40 The WD-40 Web site has lots of interesting facts and uses. Have you used SPOT SHOT carpet cleaner by wd40 it is great! getting things out of light colored carpet I track in.
2006-11-13 18:23:48 · answer #5 · answered by John Paul 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
WD-40 stands for "Water Displacement, 40th attempt", a name which came from Larsen's laboratory notebook. Larsen was attempting to concoct a formula to prevent corrosion by displacing water, and arrived at the formula on his 40th try
2006-11-13 18:22:26 · answer #6 · answered by Debbi 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Water Displacement, 40th attempt
2006-11-13 18:25:04 · answer #7 · answered by like2sew@sbcglobal.net 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
WD-40 stands for "Water Displacement, 40th attempt"
2006-11-13 18:22:20 · answer #8 · answered by SteveT 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Water Displacement perfected on the 40th try....boring isnt it?...i like wd40 better...;-)
2006-11-13 18:21:40 · answer #9 · answered by billyv 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Water displacement on the 40th attempt... I am convinced you only need two tools ....wd40 and duct tape...one to make things go and one to make things stay...
2006-11-13 18:24:51 · answer #10 · answered by Dirtydog 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋