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CamperBob2yesterday at 9:21 PM7 repliesview on HN

It requires a special key, nondisclosure agreements, passage through a bank vault and, typically, an executive title. The drinks don’t flow, members don’t rub elbows with notable people and chefs aren’t filling plates with tasty bites. The only perk is knowing the secrets of the world’s most famous lubricant. And yet, for those in the know, there’s no greater privilege.

In other news, WD-40 is not a lubricant.


Replies

542458yesterday at 9:26 PM

It is absolutely a lubricant - it is a combination "lubricant, rust preventive, penetrant and moisture displacer". Whether it's the correct or best lubricant for many applications is iffy, but that doesn't mean it isn't a lubricant!

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cortesoftyesterday at 9:43 PM

The WD-40 website says that is a myth, and it is a lubricant

https://www.wd40.com/myths-legends-fun-facts/

Myth: WD-40 Multi-Use Product is not really a lubricant.

Fact: While the “W-D” in WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, WD-40 Multi-Use Product is a unique, special blend of lubricants. The product’s formulation also contains anti-corrosion agents and ingredients for penetration, water displacement and soil removal.

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caminanteyesterday at 9:58 PM

It's definitely a lubricant.

See their old school ad campaign

> Do you have tight nuts or a rusty tool? [0]

[0] https://thedutchluthier.wordpress.com/2016/09/13/tight-nuts-...

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copperxyesterday at 9:46 PM

It IS a lubricant, although not a very good one.

PyWoodyyesterday at 9:57 PM

3-in-1 is the best bang for the buck lubricant. I use it everywhere. Well, not for that, but for everything else.

zzlessyesterday at 9:46 PM

I am not sure why you are being downvoted but you are absolutely right: it is even in the name (WD stands for 'Water Displacement'). My reaction to this article was a huge: 'why?'. WD-40 is at best mediocre at everything it is used for. Wurth makes much more capable compounds for the came purposes. Their penetrating oil is unmatched. I guess as part of the popular culture, WD-40 has its value but I am not sure its chemical properties are all that unique.

nodesocketyesterday at 9:26 PM

Agree fundamentally WD-40 is a cleaner, but it does offer some lubricant outcomes.

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