Community Forums

ualdriver · 08-18-2018, 10:31 PM

Hello-

Is there really any reason to use WD-40 to lubricate anything on a RV? It would seem to me that it would be best to lubricate everything (roof antenna, steps, jacks, etc.) with silicone spray? Are there some things best lubricated with WD-40 and not silicone?

grindstone01 · 08-18-2018, 10:43 PM

Silicone spray is best used on rubber parts like slide seals. I use WD-40 (or PB Blaster) on metal parts but it will dry up and evaporate in a couple of hours.

ualdriver · 08-18-2018, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grindstone01

Silicone spray is best used on rubber parts like slide seals. I use WD-40 (or PB Blaster) on metal parts but it will dry up and evaporate in a couple of hours.

Exactly. And it tends to attract dirt and dust. Not sure why to use WD-40.

grindstone01 · 08-18-2018, 10:49 PM

WD -40 is good to use on a squeaky door hinge or free up a metal bolt/part. It's just not made for long term lubrication.

V3600 · 08-18-2018, 11:03 PM

I use WD-40 to clean tools and nothing more. I use Tri-Flo for a spray lube. I use silicon spray in areas that are exposed to the elements.

FIRE UP · 08-18-2018, 11:41 PM

Been using WD-40 for decades on just about anything. Yeah, it's really not a lubricant but, it works. Some folks go to the ends of the earth to find the one and only spray to use on Kwikee step pivoting parts. I've used WD on those and imagine this, THEY'VE BEEN WORKING FOR YEARS. I've sprayed it on all the pivot parts and basically washed out any grime and debris. Wipe off the excess and, I'm good to go for months.

I've used WD on my HWH jacks and guess what, THEY STILL WORK TOO. Yes, you can find actual spray lube and, I have a few of them around.
I've used Spray Silicone on seals, rubber parts, plastic parts that are used for anti-friction systems (think "slide blocks) and it works too, in various applications.
Scott

Winemaker2 · 08-19-2018, 05:38 AM

HWH recommends speay & wipe jack shafts w WD-40 NOT to use silicone. I tried both before I read their recommendations and agree WD-40 much better.

Big Dude · 08-19-2018, 06:11 AM

WD-40 is not actually a lubricant but rather a penetrating solvent and while it does provide some short term lubrication, oil is best used for lubrication or as you mentioned silicon.

Rkesselus · 08-19-2018, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ualdriver

Hello-

Is there really any reason to use WD-40 to lubricate anything on a RV? It would seem to me that it would be best to lubricate everything (roof antenna, steps, jacks, etc.) with silicone spray? Are there some things best lubricated with WD-40 and not silicone?

WD-40 was developed as a water displacement this the initial WD-40 came from the fact that this was the formula found on the 40th try to develop the water displacement it works for a lot of things and if you Google you will find hundreds of uses for WD40 the basic element in it is fish oil[emoji3]

Rkesselus · 08-19-2018, 09:01 AM

WD-40 was developed by a small company that was looking for a water displacement. The result was on the 40th try they found what they wanted and thus the name WD(water displacement) 40 the 4oth try. Here is a history of the products. Over the years is has had hundreds of uses. You will be surprised at what the base of the product comes from.
https://www.wd40.com/cool-stuff/history

Rkesselus · 08-19-2018, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rkesselus

WD-40 was developed by a small company that was looking for a water displacement. The result was on the 40th try they found what they wanted and thus the name WD(water displacement) 40 the 4oth try. Here is a history of the products. Over the years is has had hundreds of uses. You will be surprised at what the base of the product comes from.
https://www.wd40.com/cool-stuff/history

Now I feel stupid I did not think I did the above post correctly so I let the cat out of the bag as to what's in the stuff.

JimmyB2 · 08-19-2018, 09:44 AM

Sold overhead doors for a few years. Told our customers and techs told me to not use WD-40 to lubricate the tracks or hinges since it attracts dust. Used silicone spray only.

MSHappyCampers · 08-19-2018, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rkesselus

WD-40 was developed by a small company that was looking for a water displacement. The result was on the 40th try they found what they wanted and thus the name WD(water displacement) 40 the 4oth try. Here is a history of the products. Over the years is has had hundreds of uses. You will be surprised at what the base of the product comes from.
https://www.wd40.com/cool-stuff/history

X2!

lonfu · 08-19-2018, 10:00 AM

WD is good cleaner but should not be used for lubercation. I rarely use it, mostly for cleaning tools. use 3/1 oil or a light machine oil. If you can use it on a fire... then it is a good lube.... stay away from spray grease.... used motor oil makes a fine lube for steps and door hinges and such.