WD-40 has been around for quite a long time now, and for all good reasons. It is an extremely useful spray used in millions of households all around the world. It is a multipurpose spray mainly used as a lubricant, but it also has anti-rust substances and can remove rust efficiently.
It is manufactured by a renowned company, WD-40, and was introduced back in 1953. It found immediate success and still holds its own as one of the best multipurpose products.
If you are looking for substitutes for WD-40, you have landed in the right place. In this article, we will discuss some of the substitutes that you can use if you want a safer solution or the WD-40 is simply not available. Let’s delve right into it!
WD40 Substitute For Lubrication
As far as lubrication is concerned, there are many products that you can use instead of WD40. Those products are listed below.
- Primer
The primer is a widely used makeup cream used to enhance eyes, face, lips, and other body parts. As its name suggests, it is used as a primary cosmetic often applied before applying some other cosmetic product to make that product last longer on your face.
Many people often mistake it for a foundation. However, that is not the case.
From your gate valve to power tools, a primer can lubricate a variety of things. It effectively reduces friction between surfaces in motion. When applied correctly, it can dissipate heat while preventing corrosion.
This will certainly extend the lifespan of your equipment. However, keep in mind that it may not suit some surfaces.
- Cooking Oil
Cooking oil can also be used to prevent rust, loosen tight nuts, and lubricate the surface. It performs better than mineral oils as a lubricant, thanks to its excellent lubricative properties.
Under the right conditions, it can be used to lubricate a wide range of surfaces. However, one key glaring issue with cooking oil is that it is not ideal when working at higher temperatures.
This is because cooking oil has oxygen bonds that can oxidize metal surfaces. This will eventually lead to corrosion. Rather than preventing corrosion, cooking oil can cause metals to corrode under high temperatures and pressure.
It goes without saying that corrosion is the biggest enemy of any metal and can lead to metal degradation. So, you will need to be a bit careful when using cooking oil as a lubricant.
- Olive Oil
If you are out of WD-40, olive oil can also do the job. Whether you want to lubricate a lock or gardening tools, olive oil is a great option. When lubricating hinges, consider moving the hinges back and forth after applying the olive oil to work it in.
Apart from that, olive oil can also fix sticky zippers. So, if you are dealing with one, consider applying olive oil to the teeth of your zipper with a cotton pad. It has also shown great performance against corrosion and can come in handy if you have corroded equipment.
With that being said, if the surface is already rusty, it would be better to remove the rust before applying olive oil for the best results. All these reasons make it a great substitute for WD-40.
- Trick Shot Lubricant
Trick Shot lubricant is a go-to choice for many people when it comes to WD-40 substitutes. It is a penetrating product applied to metals to lubricate and protect them from rust.
It is far more long-lasting than most lubricants on the market. Expectedly then, the surfaces it is applied on will maintain the protective coating for a long time.
Most lubricants contain petroleum distillate, which tends to evaporate quickly. Fortunately, that is not the case with the Trick Shot penetrating lubricant. It is a 100% organic vegetable-oil-based lubricant and can lubricate and protect metal surfaces for longer.
The best thing about the Trick Shot penetrating lubricant is that it is environment-friendly. Since it is biodegradable, it is safe for marine applications. Rest assured that it won’t pollute water or cause trouble to aquatic life in any way.
In addition to that, the Trick Shot penetrating lubricant is non-flammable. Of course, flammability is an important consideration when choosing a lubricant for heavy-duty equipment.
All in all, it can do everything that you’d expect from WD-40 while being safer and non-toxic. This makes the Trick Shot penetrating lubricant an intelligent investment, especially if your area has high humidity levels.
- Vaseline
Vaseline is a thick paste used all over the world as a skin care product. It has been used for decades to protect and repair rough and cracked skin. Thanks to its great benefits for the skin, it is also known as “wonder jelly.”
While vaseline is an amazing skin care product, it has more uses than you may think. It can help you take care of squeaky or stuck metal objects. Apply it carefully using a Q-tip, and make sure to clean the surface before applying it.
Although it contains petroleum, vaseline is non-flammable and environmentally friendly.
How To Make WD40 Alternative At Home
The good news for you is that you can also make a substitute for WD-40 at home. For this purpose, you will need charcoal lighter fluid, mineral spirit, and motor oil.
Start by pouring 15 ml charcoal lighter fluid into a bowl. Next, add 15 ml mineral spirit and 3.75 ml motor oil. It is recommended to use a measuring spoon to measure the exact amounts of all the ingredients.
Once you have added all the ingredients to the bowl, stir them up for several seconds. Once done, pour the solution into a spray bottle and spray it directly on rusty locks, hinges, and other areas. However, it is pertinent to mention that this is a flammable solution, just like the WD-40.
If you want to make a non-flammable substitute, make a solution of 90% vegetable oil and 10% acetone. However, acetone is a harsh chemical and not suitable for some surfaces.
The Bottom Line
WD-40 is one of the most sought-after lubricants on the market. It can be used for anything from preventing rust to lubricating metals. However, it is highly flammable and can cause a fire if not used carefully.
We have listed several alternatives to WD-40 lubricant that you can use without worrying about harming yourself and your property.