You must have heard a lot about WD-40 by now after owning a gun.
It can be regarding how good WD-40 works to clean guns or some people suggesting not to use it on guns.
All of these might be confusing you right now to decide whether to use WD-40 or not. I will help you out of this confusion. You need to have complete knowledge of WD-40 gun cleaner.
In this article, I have given an elaborate idea of WD-40. As you scroll down you will get to know about its properties and functionality. By the time you reach the end, you yourself can decide if you can use it for your gun or not.
What Does WD-40 Stand For?
The name of WD-40 bears a history behind it. It is not merely a given name. It represents the legacy of its creation.
This versatile formula was created by an emerging company named Rocket Chemical Company in 1953. The company aimed to create a formula that can prevent rust and also act as a greaser. They wanted a versatile liquid that can serve multiple purposes.
Their hard work paid off on the 40th try. They succeeded in engineering a water displacing formula that can serve the purposes they counted. With the success of this formula, it was named WD-40. It stands for “water displacement-40” after the number of attempts it took to make it.
Is WD-40 A Solvent?
Yes, it is a solvent. It is a versatile solvent of low viscosity that also acts like a lubricant too.
Now there is a lot of debate around the concept of WD-40 not being a solvent and a lubricant both at a time. As per them, it is a solvent that dissolves rust, grime, and grease to clean them off. So, how it works as a greaser?
The answer lies in its chemical formulation. WD-40 has a chemical composition for both a solvent and lubricant. The chemical component of WD-40 that bears the solvent properties is volatile in nature. As soon as the WD-40 comes in contact with the gunmetal, it acts accordingly to remove residues and vaporizes afterward. The only thing left behind is the non-volatile lubricant.
Even though it acts as both at a time, it is better to not solely rely on it for both purposes. The WD-40 might work as a lubricant but the effectivity is not the same as the actual lubricant. It works as a thin layer of emollient. For better results, you should use an additional lubricant to the gun surface.
Is It OK To Clean A Gun With WD40?
Is WD-40 good for guns? Is it ok to clean a gun with WD-40? These are the most common queries regarding the solvent. And the answer to this question is a bit vague. Let me explain why.
WD-40 is an excellent solvent. It can dissolve the unwanted rust and grime effortlessly. It loosens the residues’ bond with the gunmetal and sets them free. However, the WD-40 solvent only separates the grunge. It allows them to move freely all over the gun. At times the free-moving separated grunge gets collected on the unreachable areas making it hard to clean.
Again, WD-40 as a lubricant is a smart idea. The gun automatically gets lubricated after the cleaning session. But there is a catch. It is a very light lubricant which is not enough for gunmetal. It won’t be effective to leave it as it is. You need to coat the gun with another lubricant for better results. It won’t be able to protect your gun from rust.
Considering all the facts, the WD-40 has a lot of criteria to be used as a gun cleaning agent. But its drawbacks are the main reason behind the negative impression it has. Many gun owners tend to avoid and suggest others not to use WD-40 on guns.
On the contrary, others still think it to be a good one for a deep clean. When you disassemble your gun, there are fewer chances to lose the grunge on unreachable areas. You get easy access to all the parts and clean them successfully. It is quite easier to clean with WD-40 too. Even though it won’t be a good lubricant but it can displace moisture to keep it away from rust temporarily.
All in all, it is indeed not a bad idea to use WD-40 to clean guns.
How To Clean A Gun With WD40?
Cleaning a gun with WD-40 is very simple and easy. The WD-40 solvent makes the task a lot easier for its dissolving capability. It can work on the rust, grime, and dust quickly to soften them to be removed easily. You won’t need to do too much hard labor.
To start the cleaning session, you need to select a fixed cleaning area where you will do the work. Keep away any important item that can get damaged coming in contact with the WD-40. The WD-40 has a strong smell. You should wear a mask while working with it. It generally does not cause any skin irritation but it is better to use gloves when working with any chemicals.
Next, you need to complete the safety check of the gun. Unload the gun and make sure it does not hold any ammo. After the final check, you can proceed to the main cleaning session.
- In the first step, you have to disassemble the gun. Get the parts separated for deep cleaning.
- Then spray the WD-40 over the gun parts. Try to cover all the surfaces and also the tight spaces.
- Leave the sprayed gun parts for 24 hours for letting the solvent penetrate inside the gunmetal surface.
After the designated period, spray another layer of WD-40 over the surface.
Now as the gun got fully coated with WD-40 solvent, wipe all the parts separately with a cleaning towel or cloth piece. You will see all the grime, rust, and dirt coming off the gun surface easily.
Thus, you can use WD-40 for gun cleaning. It is not hard or complicated. You just have to be careful while you spray the WD-40 solvent on your gun parts. Do not overspray or not spray too little. Make sure to use the adequate amount to do the job right the right way.
WD40 For Cleaning Guns
WD-40 has different forms that can be used as a gun cleaner. You can find in it a liquid oil form that comes in a can and also as an aerosol spray with an effective spray nozzle.
1. WD-40 Original Formula Multi-Use Product
This is liquid WD-40. It comes in a one-gallon container. You can easily handle it or store it for your gun cleaning sessions. Its consistency is convenient for holding on to the gunmetal more abruptly. The liquid form spreads easily throughout the gun surface without much effort. It seems to travel throughout without sticking to one designated area. While cleaning a gun with it, you need to take the help of a cleaning patch to use it.
2. WD-40 Original Multi-Use Product with Smart Straw Sprays
This WD-40 Multi-Use Product is a versatile product that can be used on a variety of surfaces to remove grease, grime, gunk, gum, tar, sap, super glue, sticker residue, and other sticky stuff. It also acts as a corrosion inhibitor to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements, helping to prevent rust and protect metal surfaces. The smart straw sprays 2 ways, allowing for precision application or a wide spray for larger surfaces.
3. WD-40 Specialist Dry Lube with SMART STRAW SPRAYS
This WD-40 Specialist Dry Lube is a high-quality lubricant that provides long-lasting protection for metal surfaces. The dry formula is designed to reduce friction and wear on metal surfaces, making it ideal for use on a variety of equipment, machinery, and other metal parts. The Smart Straw Sprays 2 Ways, allowing for precision application or a wide spray for larger surfaces. It’s easy to use and provides long-lasting protection without leaving a messy residue. If you are looking for a lubricant that provides reliable protection for your metal surfaces, the WD-40 Specialist Dry Lube is a great choice.
4. WD-40 Specialist Corrosion Inhibitor Anti-Rust Spray
The WD-40 Specialist Corrosion Inhibitor is a long-lasting anti-rust spray that is specifically designed to protect metal surfaces from rust and corrosion. This 6.5 oz spray is formulated to provide long-lasting protection for up to two years, making it ideal for use on outdoor equipment, machinery, and other metal surfaces that are exposed to the elements. It drives out moisture and creates a barrier to protect against corrosion-causing elements, helping to keep metal surfaces looking new for longer.
Difference Between WD-40 And WD-40 Specialist
WD-40 and WD-40 Specialist are both products made by the company WD-40. However, there is a difference between the two products.
WD-40 is a well-known, general-purpose lubricant and cleaner that can be used for a variety of tasks, such as freeing up stuck parts, removing grease and grime, and protecting metal as well as gun surfaces from rust and corrosion.
WD-40 Specialist, on the other hand, is a line of specific-use products that are formulated to address specific problems or issues. For example, there is a WD-40 Specialist Long-Term Corrosion Inhibitor, which is specifically designed to protect gun surfaces from rust and corrosion for up to two years. There is also a WD-40 Specialist Bike chain cleaner, which is specifically formulated to clean and protect bike chains.
So, in terms of performance, both products can be effective and the difference between WD-40 and WD-40 Specialist is that WD-40 is a general-use product, while WD-40 Specialist is a line of specific-use products that are formulated to address specific problems or issues.
Final Words
As you came all the way down reading about WD-40, I think now you yourself can judge if you can clean your gun with WD-40.
No need to rely on others’ opinions anymore. If someone comes to you asking about using WD-40 on guns, you can point out your own judgments on it.
WD-40 can make your work a lot simpler. It is not a harmful chemical if you are not using it in the wrong way. You can now give it a try and see the magic!
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