> *Subject: WD-40
>
> The product began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and
> de-greaser to protect missile parts. WD-40 was created in 1953 by three
> technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company. It's name comes
> from the project that was to find a "water displacement" compound. They
> were successful with the fortieth formulation, thus WD-40.
>
> The Corvair Company bought it in bulk to protect their Atlas missile
> parts. The workers were so pleased with the product, they began
> smuggling (also known as "shrinkage" or "stealing") it out to use at
> home. The executives decided there might be a consumer market for it and
> put it in aerosol cans. The rest, as they say, is history.
>
> It is a carefully guarded recipe known only to four people. Only one of
> them is the "brew master." There are about 2.5 million gallons of the
> stuff manufactured each year. It gets it's distinctive smell from a
> fragrance that is added to the brew. Ken East says there is nothing in
> WD-40 that would hurt you.
>
> Here are some of the uses:
>
> Protects silver from tarnishing
> Cleans and lubricates guitar strings
> Gets oil spots off concrete driveways
> Gives floors that 'just-waxed' sheen without making it slippery
> Keeps flies off cows
> Restores and cleans chalkboards
> Removes lipstick stains
> Loosens stubborn zippers
> Untangles jewelry chains
> Removes stains from stainless steel sinks
> Removes dirt and grime from the barbecue grill
> Keeps ceramic/terra cotta garden pots from oxidizing
> Removes tomato stains from clothing
> Keeps glass shower doors free of water spots
> Camouflages scratches in ceramic and marble floors
> Keeps scissors working smoothly
> Lubricates noisy door hinges on vehicles and doors in homes
> Gives a children's play gym slide a shine for a super fast slide
> Lubricates gear shift and mower deck lever for ease of handling on
> riding mowers
> Rids rocking chairs and swings of squeaky noises
> Lubricates tracks in sticking home windows and makes them easier to open
> Spraying an umbrella stem makes it easier to open and close
> Restores and cleans padded leather dashboards in vehicles, as well as
> vinyl bumpers
> Restores and cleans roof racks on vehicles
> Lubricates and stops squeaks in electric fans
> Lubricates wheel sprockets on tricycles, wagons and bicycles for easy
> handling
> Lubricates fan belts on washers and dryers and keeps them running smoothly
> Keeps rust from forming on saws and saw blades, and other tools
>
> We're not through. Here's more;
>
> Removes splattered grease on stove
> Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging
> Lubricates prosthetic limbs
> Keeps pigeons off the balcony (they hate the smell)
> Removes all traces of duct tape
>
> I have even heard of folks spraying it on their arms, hands, knees,
> etc., to relieve arthritis pain.
>
> One fellow claims spraying it on fishing lures attracts fish.
>
> WD-40 has been designated the "official multi-purpose problem-solver of
> NASCAR," a ringing endorsement if there ever was one. I told my NASCAR
> loving sons about this and they said they couldn't imagine how WD-40 can
> solve the Jeff Gordon problem.
>
> In celebration of their 50th year, the company conducted a contest to
> learn the favorite uses of it's customers and fan club members, (Yes,
> there is a WD-40 Fan Club).
>
> They compiled the information to identify the favorite use in each of
> the 50 states. Naturally I was curious about Georgia and Alabama and
> found the favorite use in both states was that it "penetrates stuck
> bolts, lug nuts, and hose ends." Florida's favorite use was "cleans and
> removes lovebugs from grills and bumpers."
>
> California's favorite use was penetrating the bolts on the Golden Gate
> Bridge.
>
> Let me close with one final, wonderful use--the favorite use in the
> State of New York--WD-40 protects the Statue of Liberty from the elements.
>
> No wonder they have had 50 successful years.*
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