WD-40

WD-40 is a widely recognised and utilised multi-purpose spray, serving a broad array of functions such as dirt removal, extracting jammed screws and bolts, and unfastening zips, along with numerous other applications within the household.

The designation “WD-40” originated from Norman Larsen, who devised the spray in 1953. It signifies “Water Displacement, 40th formula”, highlighting both the spray’s primary properties and the number of attempts needed for Norman to eventually develop the ideal formula.

Norman was the founder of the Rocket Chemical Company. His motivation for creating WD-40 was to prevent rust and corrosion on the delicate balloon tanks of the Atlas missile they had stored. As the years passed, it became evident that WD-40 offered a multitude of household applications, eventually becoming accessible to the public in 1958.