Who Invented WD-40?

TL;DR

WD-40, developed during the Cold War, was initially created to protect rocket tanks from corrosion but found countless other uses.

Transcript

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Key Insights

• ❓ WD-40 was originally developed to protect missile tanks from corrosion, highlighting its association with the Cold War.
• 😒 The versatile uses of WD-40 led to its popularity beyond industrial and military applications, making it a household product.
• ❓ Despite its success, the creator of WD-40, Norman Lawson, did not share in its profits and his contributions were largely forgotten.
• 🍧 The exact composition of WD-40 remains a secret, with only a few employees having access to the formula.
• 😒 WD-40's success is attributed to its marketing strategy, increasing availability, and customer feedback on unique uses.
• 😀 The company has faced regulatory challenges, such as the California air resource board ruling, limiting the sale of the original formulation in the state.
• ☄️ WD-40 continues to be a profitable product, with diversification attempts but the majority of profits still coming from the original formula.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the original purpose of WD-40?

WD-40 was created to protect the stainless steel tanks of the Atlas missile from corrosion, ensuring the readiness of the nation's nuclear forces.

Q: How did WD-40 gain popularity for its versatility?

Engineers and mechanics discovered various unconventional uses for WD-40, leading to its adoption in everyday tasks like removing crayon markings and treating arthritis pain.

Q: What were some major events that boosted WD-40 sales?

WD-40 gained traction during Huracan Carla in 1961, where it helped restore flood-damaged emergency vehicles. Its use expanded further during the escalation of military operations in Vietnam in 1964.

Q: What are the key ingredients of WD-40?

The exact composition of WD-40 remains a closely guarded secret. However, the ingredients include low and high vapor pressure aliphatic hydrocarbons, petroleum base oil, and carbon dioxide as a propellant.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• WD-40, created during the Cold War, was originally developed to protect the stainless steel skin of the Atlas missile from corrosion.

• The product received its name from Water Displacement 40th formula, indicating its ability to displace water.

• Over time, WD-40 became popular for its versatility and was used for a wide range of applications beyond its original purpose.