View Single Post
Old 28th Mar 2021, 10:06 am   #10
David G4EBT
Dekatron
 
David G4EBT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Cottingham, East Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 5,737
Default Re: Rusted in grub screw.

The main shortcoming of WD40 as a release agent is that as a water dispersant (it's original purpose) it has high surface tension - the opposite of what is needed for freeing stuck screws and nuts, which is capillary action to penetrate. WD40 (the company), have tacitly accepted that whilst WD40 has for decades been seen as a 'toolkit in a can' for everything from stuck screws to oiling hinges - even for arthritic knees, it doesn't do most of the tasks for which it's pressed into service all that well. That's why they introduced their 'Specialist' range of nine products, one of which is their 'Fast Release Penetrant Spray', about which WD40 says:

Quote:

Our Specialist Fast Release Penetrant spray specifically targets corroded or rusted components and mechanisms. It’s [sic] formula loosens stuck or seized parts quickly and easily. The penetrant has an extremely low surface tension, meaning it can cut through rust, seams and tightly-bonded threads to easily saturate and lubricate seized fixings. The Smart Straw and 360° valve allows it to be used precisely at all angles, and the capillary action of the formula means it can reach tight and hard to reach spaces. Highly water resistant, Fast Release Penetrant can also displace moisture that may be disrupting smooth movement and can be used as a preventative to prohibit the build-up of rust and corrosion in the future. Use in temperatures ranging from -20°C to +90°C, on materials such as metal, rubber, plastics, alloys and most paints.

End quote.

If they had a proof-reader to check the above text, they overlooked the 'Grocers' Apostrophe on the first line 'It's formula'. (There's a lot of it about!).

https://www.google.com/search?q=groc...iSi3xN67hTNkZM

The Specialist range of WD40 products (as well as their Motorbike and Bike Ranges), can be found on their website, here:

https://wd40.co.uk/products/wd-40-specialist/

I guess most of us use WD40 for all sorts of things, myself included - removing labels, degreasing, oiling locks, whatever. About the only thing I don't use it for is freeing stuck grub screws or anything else to do with radio restoration. Why would I want to use WD40 on grub screws when a can of Plus Gas lasts for a decade or more?

For those who prefer WD40 products, their Specialist 'Fast Release Penetrant' is widely available and not all that expensive. EG:

https://www.toolstation.com/wd-40-sp...waAsrUEALw_wcB

https://www.screwfix.com/p/wd-40-pen...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

Pic 1) Why not? It gets used for everything else!
Pic 2) Engineering Flow Chart.
Pic 3) I even use a can as a radio!
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Suez Canal Job.jpg
Views:	242
Size:	62.6 KB
ID:	230343   Click image for larger version

Name:	Engineers flow chart WD40.jpg
Views:	307
Size:	71.9 KB
ID:	230344   Click image for larger version

Name:	WD40 Novelty Radio2.jpg
Views:	223
Size:	166.4 KB
ID:	230345  
__________________
David.
BVWS Member.
G-QRP Club member 1339.
David G4EBT is offline