WD-40: Where did it come from? | Stuff of Genius

Norm Larsen started with a simple idea: If water causes rust, then a substance that displaces water can prevent rust. Sure, his first thirty-nine tries didn't work out -- but the last one was pure genius. Tune in and learn more.
Learn the stories of unsung inventor heroes and their trials, tribulations and successes.

[@Kneedragon1962]

Yes, WD-40 and Duct Tape - the two most pivotal inventions of the 20th century... Closely followed by a couple of French ones - the Bic biro, and the Bic lighter.

[@user-gq6dg7ee6d]

Don't forget school nurse's Ice

[@GorggW]

Pocket knife.

[@xxxxxx5868]

Thank god it stopped at exactly 40 tries, could you imagine "WD-39", "WD-27", "WD-53"?

[@adamthomas1222]

Then that'll be the norm and we wouldn't think anything of it, then you'd be thinking, wouldn't it be weird if it was called WD-40, that number is too round and seems too convenient.

[@PLad94]

WD-420

[@FloridaMan69.]

WD-69 would have been seriously awesome

[@CHURINDOK]

I enjoy the scent of WD-40. Thank you Norm Larsen.

[@smallhatshatethetruth7933]

GT85 is better smelling

[@marksieving3043]

On Guam during the 60's we would use a can a week on B-52 electronic equipment & 50 caliber guns. Helped eliminate high altitude malfunctions due to moisture freezing.

[@koreboredom4302]

You could build a spaceship and a colony on mars, all with WD40, duct tape and PVC pipes.

[@TheBlueyedGal]

WD 40 once removed an entire package of gum from my dryer..I always keep a can handy.

[@K1ll3rM4st3r]

Not a good idea to coat your dryer in a flammable product

[@TheBlueyedGal]

Don't worry I used dawn to wash it off. I tried ice and picking at it, so it was the last option and it was a new dryer. I wasn't going to leave it in there to ruin more clothes. It took about 5 minutes and the gum was gone. I had been picking and scrubbing for about 2 hours. Good point though...but if someone else does this don't spray it in the dryer,use a rag so you know where to clean it afterwards. Thanks, I should have probably added that I took a chance due to it being flammable.

[@kawaiicarlos7150]

Where are the hank hill comments?

[@Goku-on3ro]

Young Me: OK
Adult Me: 😮

[@hchris2]

Goes well with a good salad.

[@hycarl.1623]

This thing saved my antique camera

[@PetePuebla]

I never knew this. Thanks for the education.

[@KowboyUSA]

Who doesn't love the WD-40 story? If I recollect rightly, Paul Harvey even told the story on his show.

[@hycarl.1623]

This shit saved my antique camera

[@CoCojoy420]

that's effed kewl.

[@Vylkeer]

Always wondered what the "40" stood for and now I know it. This multi-purpose lubricant is brilliant and the go-to assistant to many everyday problems. Easily found in almost any workshop or garage. Thanks Mr. Larsen.

[@user-td4cf5jc1q]

Wow good vid

[@ConejoZing]

Supposed open "first use" as a rocket spray on nuclear missiles for Atlas, founded in
1946 via the military. Long rumored to be used in some form previous to 1946.

[@Brute4rce1111]

I love the smell of it

[@Mcgrandma]

WD40 relieves arthritis but FDA wouldn’t approve it? Crazy but true. My husband had arthritis so bad in his hand he could close his fist. Now he can. He puts it on daily.

[@syarifairlangga4608]

how does it work ?

[@Mcgrandma]

@@syarifairlangga4608 Spray it on your arthritic hands or knees and rub it in. Hardly smells and not very oily. Lots of people do it. ruclips.net/video/wQwvwh4Njtk/видео.html

[@feefeee]

What do you use it for? I see people using it on creaky doors, etc. But isn't it a degreaser, not a lubricant?

[@smallhatshatethetruth7933]

It's a light de-greaser and a light lubricant.Good to use in a pinch. Better to use dedicated de-greasers and lubricants. Personally I spray it on bike parts after a wash so the moisture doesn't rust them

[@Sam-hd7iy]

huffing

[@phxtonash]

Love wd40

[@DeadFishCo]

Fish oil toooo

[@maintenancezone4451]

Lecithin is the main ingredient also Pam nonstick cooking spray

[@fluggaenkoecchicebolsen]

“How stuff works - WD40”. The answer - we don’t know

[@user-sv4ev5qg1u]

WD - 40 helped me sneak out of my house, thank you Norm Larsen !

[@713gk]

How do we not know what's in WD-40? I'm not a scientist but I watch a ton of forensics files unfortunately so I know we have the technology.

[@natskiman]

Fish oil.

[@jmw9904]

Why is a square of blur fixed on a part of the inventor's face?

[@jamessmith84240]

What was the last thing you used it for? Comment below...
I used it the day before yesterday to help get a fire started when it was windy! I'm really not kidding. Guess it burns so good because of the liquid petrolium gas! Thanks WD40 :)

[@ZachsTacklebox]

I used it for deez nuts

[@hycarl.1623]

James Smith fixed an slr shutter,it jammed badly when i put some all purposed lubricant . When i put wd 4D, it was fixed instantly and worked smoothly and even better . No joke . It just saved my priceless camera.

[@gaijingojira3601]

7 years late but I used it today to get out a severely rusted bolt on my exhaust manifold. Literally soaked it for like 5 minutes and the bolt came off with ease!

[@jamessmith84240]

@@gaijingojira3601 OMG I forgot I had left this comment. I laughed so much reading back. Well done on the bolt, WD40 power! 🤣

[@dragonanderson4729]

Talcum powder is another ingredient watch mysteries at the museum they talk about it

[@monkeyzeetube]

fish oil...

[@MystiqWisdom]

Interesting that it's not patented. It's a risk that's paying off obviously.

[@franciscosagui3710]

That stuff must be like gasoline.

[@tipic_faker4166]

Why is there a censoreship on the top right of the video

[@birthpane6223]

Wilfredo Dimayuga Filipino inventor

[@astroblaster56]

This didn't satisfy my idea

[@jameson3500]

It's lighter fluid and baby oil.

[@diva77379]

1923? 23? W?

[@i_smoke_ghosts]

Yay i think i am.

[@UnburnableCow]

***** OMG YOU'RE SO COOL

[@daddydoesdyna9539]

WD-40 secret is it is nothing but fish oil.

[@jjustmee4387]

Tony Kinsey Sorry to tell you but no fish oil

[@boldsign]

It can't be because it's flammable.

[@i_smoke_ghosts]

Yay am i first for once?

[@efrahaimrn]

Something even china cant imitate because it is not patented 😄

[@Music-makes-the-world-go-round]

The most toxic dangerous spray ever made and should be banned 🤢

[@adamthomas1222]

Damn, I wish there were 68 wrong attempts 🥲

[@hycarl.1623]

This shit saved my antique camera