WD-40 Penetrating Fluid: Best Ways to Use It for Stuck Bolts?

Technical Discussions
1

Hi there,

I’ve been working on a project car that has some rusted bolts and I’m considering using WD-40 penetrating fluid to help loosen them up. I’ve heard mixed reviews about its effectiveness compared to other penetrating oils like Liquid Wrench and PB Blaster.

Here are a few things I’d love to get advice on:

Effectiveness

  • Has anyone had success with WD-40 for rusted bolts? I want to know if it truly penetrates the rust or if it’s more of a temporary fix.

Application Tips

  • What’s the best way to apply it? Should I soak the bolts, or is a quick spray enough? Do I need to let it sit for a while?

Safety and Precautions

  • Are there any safety precautions to consider? I want to make sure I’m using it in a safe manner, especially when working in the garage.

Comparisons

  • How does WD-40 stack up against other penetrating fluids? If any of you have personal anecdotes comparing them, that would be really helpful.

Thanks in advance for your tips and advice! Looking forward to learning from this community!

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2

I’ve had great success using WD-40 on rusted bolts! Just spray it on and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before trying to loosen them. The penetrative properties are impressive!

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3

Absolutely! I’ve found that applying heat after WD-40 works wonders, too. Just be careful of the surrounding materials!

4

WD-40 is not only for loosening bolts. It can also prevent corrosion on exposed metal surfaces. A little goes a long way!

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True! I often use it on garden tools after cleaning to keep them in good shape through the winter.

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Has anyone tried using it for bike maintenance? I wonder if it’s effective on those stubborn rusted parts.

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Definitely! I’ve used WD-40 on my bike bolts before, and it helped a lot. Just give it some time to penetrate.

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Remember not to use WD-40 on electrical contacts or connections. It can cause issues rather than help!

9

Good tip! I’m all ears for more advice on what not to do with WD-40 – there’s so much misinformation out there.

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I once saw a meme that said WD-40 is magic in a can. While it sounds silly, it really does seem to work miracles on stuck bolts!

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11

Haha, right? If only it could fix my love life that easily!

12

Honestly, WD-40’s versatility is surprising. Just be cautious about using it where high-pressure joints are involved; it can wash out greases.

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That’s a great point! It’s a balance between using it for its benefits and understanding its limitations.

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14

Overall, it’s about applying it correctly. Sometimes I find it works better after a little mechanical persuasion, like tapping the bolts lightly.

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When using WD-40, always work in a well-ventilated area. The fumes can be harmful if inhaled in large quantities. A good outdoor workspace is ideal!

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That’s excellent advice! Also, wearing gloves and safety goggles can protect your skin and eyes from any splashes or aerosol exposure.

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Don’t forget that WD-40 is flammable! Keep it away from open flames and sparks. Better safe than sorry, right?

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Absolutely! I always keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case. Safety first!

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If you get WD-40 on your skin, wash it off with soap and water immediately. In case of irritation, use a moisturizing cream afterward.

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Great reminder! I also recommend having some first aid supplies handy, just in case something goes wrong.