WD-40 History | Learn the Stories Behind the WD-40 Brand
FASCINATING FACTS YOU NEVER LEARNED IN SCHOOL
In 1953, a fledgling company called Rocket Chemical Company and its staff of three set out to create a line of rust-prevention solvents and degreasers for use in the aerospace industry. Working in a small lab in San Diego, California, it took them 40 attempts to get the water displacing formula worked out. But they must have been really good, because the original secret formula for WD-40® Multi-Use Product -which stands for Water Displacement perfected on the 40th try—is still in use today.
In 1953, a fledgling company called Rocket Chemical Company and its staff of three set out to create a line of rust-prevention solvents and degreasers for use in the aerospace industry. Working in a small lab in San Diego, California, it took them 40 attempts to get the water displacing formula worked out. But they must have been really good, because the original secret formula for WD-40® Multi-Use Product -which stands for Water Displacement perfected on the 40th try—is still in use today.
Convair, an aerospace contractor, first used WD-40 Multi-Use Product to protect the outer skin of the Atlas Missile from rust and corrosion. The product actually worked so well that several employees snuck some cans out of the plant to use at home.
A few years following WD-40 Multi-Use Product's first industrial use, Rocket Chemical Company founder Norm Larsen experimented with putting WD-40 Multi-Use Product into aerosol cans, reasoning that consumers might find a use for the product at home as some of the employees had. The product made its first appearance on store shelves in San Diego in 1958.
Convair, an aerospace contractor, first used WD-40 Multi-Use Product to protect the outer skin of the Atlas Missile from rust and corrosion. The product actually worked so well that several employees snuck some cans out of the plant to use at home.
A few years following WD-40 Multi-Use Product's first industrial use, Rocket Chemical Company founder Norm Larsen experimented with putting WD-40 Multi-Use Product into aerosol cans, reasoning that consumers might find a use for the product at home as some of the employees had. The product made its first appearance on store shelves in San Diego in 1958.
In 1960 the company nearly doubled in size, growing to seven people, who sold an average of 45 cases per day from the trunk of their cars to hardware and sporting goods stores in the San Diego area.
In 1961 the first full truckload order for WD-40 Multi-Use Product was filled when employees came in on a Saturday to produce additional concentrate to meet the disaster needs of the victims of Hurricane Carla along the U.S. Gulf coast. WD-40 Multi-Use Product was used to recondition flood and rain damaged vehicles and equipment.
In 1960 the company nearly doubled in size, growing to seven people, who sold an average of 45 cases per day from the trunk of their cars to hardware and sporting goods stores in the San Diego area.
In 1961 the first full truckload order for WD-40 Multi-Use Product was filled when employees came in on a Saturday to produce additional concentrate to meet the disaster needs of the victims of Hurricane Carla along the U.S. Gulf coast. WD-40 Multi-Use Product was used to recondition flood and rain damaged vehicles and equipment.
In 1968 goodwill kits containing WD-40 Multi-Use Product were sent to soldiers in Vietnam to prevent moisture damage on firearms and help keep them in good working condition.
In 1968 goodwill kits containing WD-40 Multi-Use Product were sent to soldiers in Vietnam to prevent moisture damage on firearms and help keep them in good working condition.
In 1969 the company was renamed after its only product,
WD-40 Company, Inc.
In 1969 the company was renamed after its only product,
WD-40 Company, Inc.
In 1973, WD-40 Company, Inc., went public and was listed Over-The-Counter. The stock price increased by 61% on the first day of listing.
Since that time, WD-40 Brand has grown by leaps and bounds, and is now virtually a household name, used in numerous consumer and industrial markets such as automotive, manufacturing, sporting goods, aviation, hardware and home improvement, construction, and farming.
In 1973, WD-40 Company, Inc., went public and was listed Over-The-Counter. The stock price increased by 61% on the first day of listing.
Since that time, WD-40 Brand has grown by leaps and bounds, and is now virtually a household name, used in numerous consumer and industrial markets such as automotive, manufacturing, sporting goods, aviation, hardware and home improvement, construction, and farming.
In 1993, WD-40 Multi-Use Product was found to be in 4 out of 5 American households (it seems everyone has a can or two) and was used by 81 percent of professionals at work. Sales had grown to more than one million cans each week.
In 1993, WD-40 Multi-Use Product was found to be in 4 out of 5 American households (it seems everyone has a can or two) and was used by 81 percent of professionals at work. Sales had grown to more than one million cans each week.
In 2003, the new WD-40 Big Blast® can was introduced, featuring a wide-area spray nozzle that delivers WD-40 Multi-Use Product quickly and efficiently over large areas.
In 2003, the new WD-40 Big Blast® can was introduced, featuring a wide-area spray nozzle that delivers WD-40 Multi-Use Product quickly and efficiently over large areas.
In 2005, as a commitment to offering consumers the easiest, most convenient way to get the job done, WD-40 Company introduced the WD-40 Smart Straw®, which features a permanently attached straw. The Smart Straw solved the number one complaint about WD-40 Multi-Use Product: losing the little red straw.
In 2005, as a commitment to offering consumers the easiest, most convenient way to get the job done, WD-40 Company introduced the WD-40 Smart Straw®, which features a permanently attached straw. The Smart Straw solved the number one complaint about WD-40 Multi-Use Product: losing the little red straw.
In 2006, WD-40 Company introduced the WD-40 No-Mess Pen® to provide millions of WD-40 Multi-Use Product users a portable, precision-application delivery system of the famous multi-purpose problem solver. The WD-40 Fan Club reached an astonishing 100,000 members & a tribute to WD-40 Brand's fanatical fan base around the globe.
In 2008, WD-40 Company listened to its consumers and converted its most popular-size WD-40 Multi-Use Product cans to Smart Straw cans. The official list of 2000+ Uses for WD-40® Multi-Use Product grew for the first time, thanks to the help of WD-40 Fan Club members.
In 2006, WD-40 Company introduced the WD-40 No-Mess Pen® to provide millions of WD-40 Multi-Use Product users a portable, precision-application delivery system of the famous multi-purpose problem solver. The WD-40 Fan Club reached an astonishing 100,000 members & a tribute to WD-40 Brand's fanatical fan base around the globe.
In 2008, WD-40 Company listened to its consumers and converted its most popular-size WD-40 Multi-Use Product cans to Smart Straw cans. The official list of 2000+ Uses for WD-40® Multi-Use Product grew for the first time, thanks to the help of WD-40 Fan Club members.
In 2009, WD-40 Company introduced WD-40 Trigger Pro® – a non-aerosol product with the same WD-40 Multi-Use Product formula – to better meet the needs of its industrial consumers.
In 2009, WD-40 Company introduced WD-40 Trigger Pro® – a non-aerosol product with the same WD-40 Multi-Use Product formula – to better meet the needs of its industrial consumers.
In 2010, The WD-40 Multi-Use Product/SEMA Cares Camaro sold for $75,000 on January 22 at the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Show and Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, with all proceeds of the vehicle’s sale benefiting Childhelp® and The Victory Junction Gang®Camp children’s charities.
In 2010, The WD-40 Multi-Use Product/SEMA Cares Camaro sold for $75,000 on January 22 at the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Show and Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, with all proceeds of the vehicle’s sale benefiting Childhelp® and The Victory Junction Gang®Camp children’s charities.
In 2011, WD-40 Company introduced WD-40 Specialist® – a new line of best-in-class specialty products under the WD-40 Brand geared toward trade professionals.
In 2011, WD-40 Company introduced WD-40 Specialist® – a new line of best-in-class specialty products under the WD-40 Brand geared toward trade professionals.
In 2011, The WD-40/SEMA Cares Mustang rolled off the auction block at the 40th annual Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Show and Auction on Jan. 22 in Scottsdale, Ariz., raising more than $200,000 to benefit Childhelp® and The Victory Junction Gang® Camp children’s charities.
In 2011, The WD-40/SEMA Cares Mustang rolled off the auction block at the 40th annual Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Show and Auction on Jan. 22 in Scottsdale, Ariz., raising more than $200,000 to benefit Childhelp® and The Victory Junction Gang® Camp children’s charities.
In 2011, WD-40 Company designed four limited edition cans that honor the men and women who serve or have served in uniform, and donated 10 cents of each can purchased to charities. A total of $300,000 was donated to Armed Services YMCA, Veterans Medical Research Foundation and Wounded Warrior Project.
In 2011, WD-40 Company designed four limited edition cans that honor the men and women who serve or have served in uniform, and donated 10 cents of each can purchased to charities. A total of $300,000 was donated to Armed Services YMCA, Veterans Medical Research Foundation and Wounded Warrior Project.
In 2011, Legendary hot rod designer and TV star, Chip Foose, collaborated with WD-40 Company, designing limited edition 8-and 12-ounce WD-40 Smart Straw cans featuring his distinctive sketches.
In 2011, Legendary hot rod designer and TV star, Chip Foose, collaborated with WD-40 Company, designing limited edition 8-and 12-ounce WD-40 Smart Straw cans featuring his distinctive sketches.
In 2012, For the second year in a row, legendary hot rod designer, Chip Foose, partnered with WD-40 Company to design limited edition, collectible Smart Straw cans, featuring his distinctive vehicle sketches.
In 2012, WD-40 Company founded WD-40 BIKE Company, a subsidiary business unit, and launched WD-40 BIKE under the WD-40 Brand, offering a product line focused exclusively on cycling-specific maintenance needs.
In 2012, For the second year in a row, legendary hot rod designer, Chip Foose, partnered with WD-40 Company to design limited edition, collectible Smart Straw cans, featuring his distinctive vehicle sketches.
In 2012, WD-40 Company founded WD-40 BIKE Company, a subsidiary business unit, and launched WD-40 BIKE under the WD-40 Brand, offering a product line focused exclusively on cycling-specific maintenance needs.
In 2012, Designed by legendary hot rod designer, Chip Foose, The WD-40/SEMA Cares Challenger sold for $115,000 at the annual Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Show and Auction on Jan. 20 in Scottsdale, Ariz., with all proceeds providing life-changing services for children in need at Childhelp® and The Victory Junction Gang® Camp children’s charities.
In 2012, Designed by legendary hot rod designer, Chip Foose, The WD-40/SEMA Cares Challenger sold for $115,000 at the annual Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Show and Auction on Jan. 20 in Scottsdale, Ariz., with all proceeds providing life-changing services for children in need at Childhelp® and The Victory Junction Gang® Camp children’s charities.
In 2013, Chip Foose and WD-40 Company partnered again to help children in need. TheWD-40/SEMA Cares Foose 1953 Ford F100 sold for $170,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Show and Auction on Jan. 19 in Scottsdale, Ariz., with all proceeds benefiting Childhelp® and The Victory Junction Gang® Camp children’s charities.
By mid-2013, the WD-40 Company celebrated its 60th Anniversary and the WD-40 Specialist product line had grown to eight products.
In 2013, Chip Foose and WD-40 Company partnered again to help children in need. TheWD-40/SEMA Cares Foose 1953 Ford F100 sold for $170,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Show and Auction on Jan. 19 in Scottsdale, Ariz., with all proceeds benefiting Childhelp® and The Victory Junction Gang® Camp children’s charities.
By mid-2013, the WD-40 Company celebrated its 60th Anniversary and the WD-40 Specialist product line had grown to eight products.
In 2014, Designed by legendary hot rod designer, Chip Foose, the WD-40/SEMA Cares Foose Ford F350 rolled off the auction block for $200,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Show and Auction on Jan. 15. All proceeds benefit Childhelp® and The Victory Junction Gang® Camp and the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.
In 2014, Designed by legendary hot rod designer, Chip Foose, the WD-40/SEMA Cares Foose Ford F350 rolled off the auction block for $200,000 at the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Show and Auction on Jan. 15. All proceeds benefit Childhelp® and The Victory Junction Gang® Camp and the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund.
In 2015, WD-40 Company introduced WD-40 EZ-REACH®. With an attached 8" flexible straw that bends and keeps its shape, it can reach the unreachable - tight plumbing spaces, behind engine blocks, hard-to-reach hinges, rollers, and more.
In 2015, WD-40 Company introduced WD-40 EZ-REACH®. With an attached 8" flexible straw that bends and keeps its shape, it can reach the unreachable - tight plumbing spaces, behind engine blocks, hard-to-reach hinges, rollers, and more.
In 2016, WD-40 Company sticks it to gravity with WD-40 Specialist Spray & Stay Gel Lubricant. With a no-drip formula that stays where it’s sprayed, it provides 12x longer-lasting lubrication on vertical surfaces and moving parts.
In 2016, WD-40 Company sticks it to gravity with WD-40 Specialist Spray & Stay Gel Lubricant. With a no-drip formula that stays where it’s sprayed, it provides 12x longer-lasting lubrication on vertical surfaces and moving parts.
Later in 2016, four new high-performance greases join the WD-40 Specialist family. Their advanced, industrial-strength technology handles specific high-temperature, pressure and moisture challenges, while allowing them to be interchanged on the job without consequences from cross-contamination.
Later in 2016, four new high-performance greases join the WD-40 Specialist family. Their advanced, industrial-strength technology handles specific high-temperature, pressure and moisture challenges, while allowing them to be interchanged on the job without consequences from cross-contamination.
In 2017, WD-40 Company launches its first non-aerosol Industrial-Strength Cleaner & Degreaser under the WD-40 Specialist brand. This water-based formula has an unique bio-solvent that is engineered and proven to be more powerful, safer and easier to use than other degreasers on the market.
In 2017, WD-40 Company launches its first non-aerosol Industrial-Strength Cleaner & Degreaser under the WD-40 Specialist brand. This water-based formula has an unique bio-solvent that is engineered and proven to be more powerful, safer and easier to use than other degreasers on the market.
In 2020, new packaging is introduced for WD-40 Specialist aligning WD-40 Multi-Use Product, WD-40 Specialist and WD-40 BIKE to showcase the brand’s iconic blue and yellow colors.
In 2020, new packaging is introduced for WD-40 Specialist aligning WD-40 Multi-Use Product, WD-40 Specialist and WD-40 BIKE to showcase the brand’s iconic blue and yellow colors.
OVER THE YEARS...
The most interesting piece of WD-40® Multi-Use Product's history is the uses for the product, now numbering in the thousands. Over the years, thousands of WD-40 Multi-Use Product users have written testimonial letters to the company sharing their often unique, if sometimes just plain weird, uses for the product—many of which are shared in other parts of this Web site.
The uses include everything from silencing squeaky hinges and removing road tar from automobiles to protecting tools from rust and removing adhesive labels. But they get a lot crazier than that. Some of the more interesting stories include the bus driver in Asia who used WD-40® Multi-Use Product to remove a python snake, which had coiled itself around the undercarriage of his bus, or when police officers used WD-40® Multi-Use Product to remove a naked burglar trapped in an air conditioning vent.
Think those are crazy? Check out the Official List of 2,000+ Uses here, and more Myths, Legends & Fun Facts here.
Very few brands will ever match the popularity of WD-40 Brand. In fact, the variety and uniqueness of uses for WD-40® Multi-Use Product proved so popular that The WD-40 Book, featuring many user testimonials and the wacky humor of the Duct Tape Guys, was published in 1997. But the literary legend doesn't end there. The familiar blue and yellow can has been featured in other books ranging from The Big Damn Book of Sheer Manliness (General Publishing 1997), Polish Your Furniture With Panty Hose (Hyperion 1995), WD-40 for the Soul: The Guide to Fixing Everything (TV Books 1999), and Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean.
A HISTORY OF YOUR FAVORITE "CAN-DO" CAN
