Unlock Stubborn Parts with WD-40 Specialist® Penetrant

Do you ever feel stuck? Not knowing where to go or unable to move?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Nuts, bolts and hinges also experience this and that’s where WD-40 Specialist_® Penetrant comes to the rescue!

In today’s piece, we will look at what WD-40 Specialist Penetrant is and how it differs from our more traditional and well-known product, the WD-40_® Multi-Use Product. During our discussion, we will showcase WD-40 Specialist Penetrant  and unpack its key features and ingredients. We will further our discussion by examining the common problems this spray is able to address, its benefits and provide tips on using it.

To start, what is WD-40 Specialist_® Penetrant?

This product is one of many included in our WD-40 Specialist_® line. It is specifically designed to penetrate and remove rust while also serving as a rust preventative spray. Unlike regular WD-40_® Multi-Use Product, which is primarily a lubricant, WD-40 Specialist_® Penetrant is formulated to penetrate rusted and seized parts, remove rust and loosen them.

Its effectiveness is accredited to its chemical formulation which contains both petroleum solvent and low vapor pressure (LVP) petroleum solvent. Solvents are substances used to weaken the adhesion of rust to metals or dissolve the rust.  The formulation also includes a petroleum-based oil and carbon dioxide. Below we will review each of these ingredients and their function in removing rust.

LVP Petroleum Solvent

The LVP petroleum solvent reduces the evaporation rate of the penetrant. Through this it allows the penetrant to remain in contact with the stuck part for longer. This increased contact time allows the penetrant to break down the bonds between the rust and metal more effectively and serve as a nut and bolt loosener.

Petroleum Solvent

The role of the petroleum solvent is to break down the bonds between the rust and the metal. It accomplishes this by infiltrating the rust layers and dissolving the oxidized particles. Through breaking down these bonds, stuck metal parts like bolts, nuts and hinges are freed.

Petroleum Base Oil

The petroleum base oil in WD-40 Specialist_® Penetrant serves as lubrication. After the bonds between the rust and metal have been broken, the base oil lubricates the parts allowing them to move freely.

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide serves as the propellant for the WD-40 Specialist_® Penetrant and is a pressurized gas within the container. Its function is to provide the force necessary for the chemical mixture to be sprayed onto rusted parts.

WD-40 Specialist_® Penetrant works through the scientific principle of capillary action. This is the phenomenon in which a liquid flows into a narrow space without the assistance of any external forces, penetrating even the smallest of crevices. This allows the solvents to break down the bonds between the metal and rust, and the oil to lubricate the interface between parts.

The penetration ability of a liquid is commonly tested through the Nail Climb Test. This test measures how well a liquid can climb or penetrate along a vertical surface, such as a nail. This test simulates the ability of a liquid to penetrate tight spaces and crevices. WD-40 Specialist_® Penetrant sports a Nail Climb Test result of 10 minutes for a 1.25 cm reach. Its competitors, on the other hand, take between 15 and 20 minutes to reach the same distance.

Want to know more about the fast-acting penetration of WD-40 Specialist_® Penetrant and how it removes rust?

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In industrial operations, stuck bolts and nuts as well as seized parts and fasteners are daily struggles. But no need to fret! WD-40 Specialist_® Penetrant is able to address these common problems.

Stuck Bolts and Nuts

Stuck bolts and nuts are one of many headaches faced by maintenance technicians every day. Commonly caused by over-tightening or rust, stuck bolts and nuts present a time-consuming and irritating challenge. WD-40 Specialist_® Penetrant is an excellent loosener and can assist with even the most stubborn of stuck bolts and nuts. Simply spray WD-40 Specialist_® Penetrant on the seized bolt or nut and let it work its magic for a couple of minutes. This period allows the product to penetrate the small crevices and break down any rust that is hindering movement. Now all you need is a wrench and the stuck bolt or nut will be free in no time.

Watch our “How To Remove Stuck Nuts And Bolts with WD-40 Specialist_® Penetrant” video for a more visual guide.

Rusty Hinges

Rusty hinges can lead to squeaking, stiffness and even the eventual breakdown of doors and gates. This type of malfunction of doors and gates is due to the increased friction and wear caused by rust build-up. To address rusty hinges, spray WD-40 Specialist_® Penetrant on the hinge with thorough coverage. Move the hinge back and forth to work the penetrant into the joints. And voila! In no time your squeaky problem will be a thing of the past. Be sure to regularly reapply this powerful rust preventative spray to the hinge to prevent future rust build-up and ensure longevity.

Seized Parts and Fasteners

WD-40 Specialist_® Penetrant can be used to free up various seized parts and fasteners. It is able to break down the bonds between metal and rust, freeing the part or fastener. At the same time the formulation serves as a rust preventative that prevents rust 10x longer than the competition.*

This penetrant can be used in most industries and is safe to use on metal, rubber and plastic parts. It is a valuable addition to the toolbox of any maintenance technician and its uses range from loosening machinery parts like stuck handles and switches to removing rusted exhaust manifold bolts.

Want to know how WD-40 Specialist_® Penetrant is able to loosen a rusted trailer hitch and ensure easier operation?

Find Out How

Compared to other products and methods, like heating parts with a torch or using mechanical force to break rusted components free, WD-40 Specialist_® Penetrant provides speed and ease-of-use. Its fast-acting formulation reduces effort, allowing you to complete tasks quickly. This is beneficial for numerous reasons including minimizing equipment downtime, reducing labor costs, and increasing overall productivity.

A second benefit of this penetrant is that it can protect parts and equipment from rust in the long run with regular application. By extension, it also lengthens the parts’ and equipment’s lifetime. Not only does this product deliver long-term results, it’s also fast acting and penetrates up to 2x faster than the competition.**

Looking for a long-term solution for rust? Grab a can of WD-40 Specialist_® Penetrant at a retailer near you.

Where To Buy

Application of this product is easy. To understand just how easy, we will use the removal of a stuck bolt or nut as an example to showcase the application technique. Please note that the technique shared applies to most rust cases.

Here’s how to get the most from WD-40 Specialist_® Penetrant:

1. As always, be sure to follow the listed safety precautions.
2. Move to a well-ventilated area to ensure safe application.
3. Clean the area to be treated, removing any loose rust and debris. This can be done through manual agitation by using a steel brush or wool.
4. Shake the can well before use. We recommend shaking it for at least 10 seconds before application.
5. Apply the penetrant generously to the stuck bolt or nut to ensure deep penetration. The best angle of spray is with the can upright, but it can also be used upside down or at a slight angle. Do not spray while holding the can horizontally, as this will cause propellant to escape and leave less in the can for future use.
6. Allow adequate time for the WD-40 Specialist Penetrant to work. We recommend a couple of minutes.
7. Use a ratchet or wrench to loosen the bolt or nut.
8. For heavily rusted bolts and nuts, repeat steps 5 and 6 as required.

For further information on how to properly spray your WD-40 aerosol product, click here.

Learn How

The container’s Smart Straw_® Sprays 2 Ways_® applicator allows you to apply it in a narrow stream or wide spray depending on the part that is stuck.

Remember to wipe off any excess product after treating parts to avoid attracting dirt or debris. For additional rust protection, WD-40 Specialist_® White Lithium Grease can be applied to metal-to-metal applications that require heavy-duty lubrication; this further provides a rust-inhibiting barrier for long-term protection against corrosion.

WD-40 Specialist_® Penetrant is the ultimate solution for stuck bolts, seized parts and rusted hinges. Grab a can today and ensure you never get “stuck” again!

 

*Test Lab: WD-40 Co. Technical Center (Pine Brook, NJ); ASTM B117; Test date: 02/2021.

**Test Lab: Fred Cuneo (3rd Party); Nail Climb Test; Test date: 03/2021.