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.

[Kneedragon]

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.

[xxxxxx]

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

[CHURINDOK]

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

[koreboredom]

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

[marksieving]

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.

[TheBlueyedGal]

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

[KowboyUSA]

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

[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.

[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.

[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?

[jmw]

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

[PetePuebla]

I never knew this. Thanks for the education.

[tipic_faker]

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

[svevqgu]

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

[maintenancezone]

Lecithin is the main ingredient also Pam nonstick cooking spray

[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.

[jamessmith]

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 :)

[dragonanderson]

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

[daddydoesdyna]

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

[efrahaimrn]

Something even china cant imitate because it is not patented 😄