UNUSUAL USES FOR WD-40 - For certain applications there's room for a product like WD-40, but most other times it's better to use a dedicated solvent first followed by a dedicated lubricant after - WD-40 is a low viscosity solvent with an added lubricant, and probably the item found in almost every tool box and workshop around the world. The story goes that development of a corrosion prevention solution took 40 tries to create a water displacing formula, the name water displacement 40 stuck. The ubiquitous and most recognized brand of solvent/lubricant brings with it a lot of myths, and ire, regarding its efficacy. This product is used in all kinds of ways, but there's something very important to consider before reaching for the blue can. WD-40 is primarily a petroleum-based volatile solvent that evaporates leaving behind a non-volatile lubricant Meaning that the solvent penetrates and does its job removing grime and then evaporates and leaves behind a thin film of oil. It's important to know just what WD-40 is, and what it isn't. For certain applications there's room for a product like WD-40, but most other times it's better to use a dedicated solvent first followed by a dedicated lubricant after. Just like a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner isn't the best at being a shampoo or conditioner, neither is WD-40.

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Unusual Uses for WD-40

For certain applications there's room for a product like WD-40, but most other times it's better to use a dedicated solvent first followed by a dedicated lubricant after

By mikeasaurus 

Instructables

WD-40 is a low viscosity solvent with an added lubricant, and probably the item found in almost every tool box and workshop around the world.

The story goes that development of a corrosion prevention solution took 40 tries to create a water displacing formula, the name water displacement 40 stuck.

The ubiquitous and most recognized brand of solvent/lubricant brings with it a lot of myths, and ire, regarding its efficacy.

This product is used in all kinds of ways, but there's something very important to consider before reaching for the blue can.
.
WD-40 is primarily a petroleum-based volatile solvent that evaporates leaving behind a non-volatile lubricant

Meaning that the solvent penetrates and does its job removing grime and then evaporates and leaves behind a thin film of oil.

It's important to know just what WD-40 is, and what it isn't.

For certain applications there's room for a product like WD-40, but most other times it's better to use a dedicated solvent first followed by a dedicated lubricant after.

Just like a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner isn't the best at being a shampoo or conditioner, neither is WD-40.

An important distinction with WD-40:

Not all WD-40 is the same. Though the cans below look similar, they are very different.

The MSDS for WD-40 shows that it's mostly a penetrating solvent with some oil once the solvent is gone.

There are other varieties of WD-40 on the market that do different things, specifically a version that is a lubricant that has no solvent (see can on the right in the picture below).

If you're looking for just a lubricant then standard WD-40 is not the right tool for the job, which is where some confusion and myths arise about this product.

In this Instructable we'll focus on the ubiquitous blue can of WD-40 (solvent with some oil aftermath) and explore actual unusual uses.

Whatever your feelings on this sometimes slippery substance, you're sure to find some unusual uses for WD-40 below.

Step 1: De-grease Your Hands

Since WD-40 is mostly a solvent, why not use it on more than just stuck nuts and bolts?

Applying a spray of solvent to your greasy hands can help cut into the grime and clean your hands before applying a soap lather.
.
Spray your hands over a trash bin or other contained area and then rub your hands together, working the solvent into your greasy hands with your fingers to remove any grease buildup.

After your hands have been degreased, head over to your wash basin and wash your hands with plenty of soap to remove the remaining lubricant the WD-40 left.

Step 2: Remove Stickers / Decals

Removing stickers is one of my least favorite tasks.

No matter how careful I am I always manage to rip the sticker, making removal so much more difficult. WD-40 to the rescue!

Blast your sticker with this slippery lubricant and let sit for about 5 minutes.

I find that saturating a paper towel and leaving that on top of the sticker works great at keeping the lubricant on the sticker and contained.

After a few minutes you should see a notable change in the sticker as it's absorbed the WD-40, and should peel right off.

Step 3: Crayon + Marker Removal

When regular cleaner just won't do, WD-40 steps in to make cleanup easier.

Wax crayons naturally repel moisture, but WD-40 can tackle this challenge.

Spray crayon marked area and let sit for a few minutes (saturating a square of paper towel to stick to vertical surfaces can help), then rub area with a lint free cloth to remove the crayon. (Thanks for the pictures, Troy)

After cleaning you may see some coloration from the crayon, if so repeat the process.

After the crayon has been removed, clean the wall with regular household cleaner to and a cloth remove the WD-40 residue.

As with all stain removal solutions, test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure you won't damage your walls.

Step 4: Remove Permanent Marker From Walls, and Other Non-porous Surfaces (Sometimes)

The solvent in WD-40 is strong enough to penetrate and remove permanent marker, but the surface that the marker is on make a huge difference.

If the marked surface has a glossy paint coating, like the walls in kitchens and washrooms, you're likely to get the marker off. Ditto with tile.

However, if your wall has a matte finish you probably won't get all the marker off using WD-40.

Soak a paper towel or rag with WD-40 and apply it directly onto the permanent marker on the wall.

Allow the solvent to make contact with the wall for about 30 seconds, then gently rub the area in small circular motions.

If you apply too much pressure right away you risk smearing the marker around the wall, so go slow and apply more pressure to the rubbing motion once most of the marker has been removed.

If you have a matte or porous finish then the image above is likely as good as the cleanup is going to get.

If you're determined to remove the marker using this method then apply more WD-40 and keep scrubbing.

Repeat the process of soaking a rag in WD-40 and applying it directly to the affected area, letting it sit for a few seconds before buffing and removing the marker.

I was able to remove the marker here on a semi-gloss wall with under 5-minutes of work.

Step 5: Keep Shovel Snow Free

Since WD-40 has lubricating properties, use it to keep things you want clean nice and slippery.

Spraying some WD-40 on your snow shovel face can clean the shovel face and prevent snow from sticking to whatever was scooped up previously, and the light oil finish after the solvent has evaporated keeps the shovel nice and slippery. (nice boots there, Jessy!)

Spray a light coating over the shovel face and wipe off to remove any substances that might be on the shovel.

Then apply a second light coat and let stand for about a minute to let the solvent evaporate. Then, you're ready to go!

Depending on how much shoveling you're doing you may need to reapply, so keep the spray can handy.

Step 6: Remove Stuck Ring

Injured knuckles can swell, so timely removal of rings on fingers becomes critical.

Since many banged knuckles come from a workshop, WD-40 is a handy remedy that can quickly slip a tight ring off a fat finger.

Spray your ring with a liberal dose of WD-40 and then work the ring around your finger, allowing the low viscosity oil to run in between your ring and skin.

The oil will lube up your finger and (hopefully) let your finger slip out from the constricting ring.

Step 7: Clean Stainless Steel Sinks

Though stainless steel is a robust material for the kitchen, it can get watermarks and fingerprint stains.

Blast your sink with WD-40 and scrub with a souring pad to remove the most stubborn stains.

Not only will it remove stains, the remaining oil from WD-40 also helps protect the surface from getting new marks in the future.

Since WD-40 is a petroleum-based product, make sure you clean anything it is used on in the kitchen thoroughly afterwards.

Step 8: De Rust Cast Iron Tools

Probably the most practical application for WD-40 outside of being a lubricant is it's use to clean cast iron.

Thoroughly coat the rusted area with WD-40 and let sit for about 5 minutes.

Use a 100-120 grit sandpaper to gently scrub in small circles over the entire affected area.

Use a rag to wipe off the loose rust and debris, then apply more WD-40 and repeat until all large portions of rust are removed.

For stubborn areas saturate again with WD-40 and use some 00 steel wool, rubbing in small circles over the entire area.

The steel wool is great for getting into the small crevices of the cast iron, and providing a protective oil sheen to the cast iron. (That's a good looking spindle sander, Troy).

Step 9: Lubricate Vinyl Records

This is probably the most contentious application for WD-40 on the Internet. Period. But, before you vinyl music purists put my head on a spike, hear me out!

There is some merit to using WD-40 on vinyl records.

Since WD-40 has solvents it's great for dissolving waxy grime from your records, and evaporates quickly leaving a thin oil behind to lubricate the record stylus.

However, it's those same solvents that give people pause when using WD-40 on a plastic like vinyl.

The reason to even consider using WD-40 in an application like this is the one-two punch of solvent (to remove grease) and lubricant (smooth vinyl).

I can only speak from my own personal experience, and I have yet to see any deleterious results.

However, if you're unsure you can always use two separate applications of a vinyl-safe cleaning solvent and then a lubricant.

Step 10: Bonus: Where NOT to Use WD-40

As a bonus, it's important to know where not to use WD-40.

In the intro I mentioned that WD-40 is a solvent first, with a light oil remaining after the solvent evaporates.

You'd be surprised how people use WD-40 primarily as a lubricant, which is only going to make things worse.

Though there's loads of good applications for WD-40, there's plenty of places that you shouldn't use it. Here's a few:

Electronics: This might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised at where electronics are hiding.

An often overlooked area could be the buttons on your smartphone or music player, all the way to something less obvious like the lens for your digital camera.

The solvents in WD-40 can break down some plastics, and the low viscosity of WD-40 makes sure the solution penetrates deep.

Solution: If possible open the device and clean by hand using very little silicone spray.

Bike chains, door hinges: The lubrication will work as intended for all these applications, but the residue left over can also attract dirt and dust thereby negating the oil benefits after the initial application.

Solution: Clean bike chain with an old toothbrush to remove debris. Use bike chain oil and wipe clean with a rag.

Door locks: If your door lock is stuck, the solvent in WD-40 might help is get loose, but there's not enough lubricant left over to help the tumblers move freely over the long term.

Solution: Use a graphite powder, designed to stay slippery and made especially for locks.

Rubik's Cube: WD-40 is not a lubricant, it's a solvent. Using WD-40 on some plastics can cause them to break down or melt.

Solution: Use a silicone spray.

Do you have your own unusual use for WD-40?I want to see it!

Happy making :)

Our Story

The seeds of Instructables germinated at the MIT Media Lab as the future founders of Squid Labs built places to share their projects, connect with others, and make an impact on the world. One of these early places was a blog Zeroprestige, which was an open source hardware experiment for kitesurfing. Here they documented their hand-sewn kites, plywood boards, and other general mayhem that happens when PhDs and high winds collide.

As a result of freely sharing our work, we met a ton of great people, received great opportunities, and were smacked in the face with the need for a web-based documentation system.

Instructables became that documentation system in 2005, as an in-house project of Squid Labs. When they weren't solving interesting problems like solar panels for driveways, efficiently harnessing human power, or strain sensing ropes, you could find them sharing Instructables from the workshop. From cooking to 3d printing, to making just about anything fly, Instructables became the recipient of countless hours of tinkering, soldering, stitching, frying, and fun, making just about anything.

Instructables was officially spun out of Squid Labs in the summer of 2006, and has gone on to grow from a modest hundreds of projects to over one hundred thousand. The community that now calls the site home, is an amazing mix of wonder from around the world. Every day we continue to be amazed by the imagination, curiosity, and simple awesomeness of everyone who shares their creations with us on Instructables.

https://www.instructables.com/id/Unusual-Uses-for-WD-40/

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WD-40

The Interesting History of WD-40

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MAJOR CLASSES OF ROADS - Trunk roads facilitate regional distribution of traffic (intercity movement). They may be national or provincial roads and the type of facilities found in this class are freeways, expressways, dual carriageways and single carriageway main roads, national, provincial and inter-regional roads. Primary distributors form the primary network for the urban area as a whole. All long-distance traffic movements to, from and within the city should be focused onto such roads. Characteristics are high volumes, restricted access and fairly high speeds. Continuity of route is important. District Distributors distribute traffic between the various residential, industrial and principal business districts of the town and form the link between the primary network and the roads within residential areas. Local distributors are "local" through-roads which distribute traffic within communities and link district distributors. Local bus services are routed along this class of road. Residential access roads give people direct access to buildings and land within environmental areas. Access for motor vehicles is not their only function. They are used by the inhabitants for other work, or leisure-time activities such as walking, jogging and playing, as well as for the provision and maintenance of services to houses.

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5 Major Classes of Roads

By: Haseeb Jamal 

Classes of Roads

Following are the major classes of Roads:

1.        Trunk Roads

2.        Primary Distributor Roads

3.        District Distributor Roads

4.        Local Distributor Roads

5.        Residential Access Roads

Classes of Roads

Trunk roads:

The main function of this class of roads is to facilitate regional distribution of traffic (intercity movement).

They may be national or provincial roads and the type of facilities found in this class are freeways, expressways, dual carriageways and single carriageway main roads, national, provincial and inter-regional roads.

Primary distributors:

This class of road forms the primary network for the urban area as a whole. 

All long distance traffic movements to, from and within the city should be focused onto such roads.

Characteristics are high volumes, restricted access and fairly high speeds. Continuity of route is important.

Examples of this class of roads are Urban freeways, urban expressways and major arterials.

District Distributors:

Class 3 roads distribute traffic between the various residential, industrial and principal business districts of the town and form the link between the primary network and the roads within residential areas.

Examples include Minor arterials and major collector roads.

Local Distributors:

Local distributors are "local" through-roads which distribute traffic within communities and link district distributors. Local bus services are routed along this class of road.

The local distributor should carry traffic from a housing module of more than 400 and up to about 1 500 dwelling units. For example Minor collectors and collector streets.

Residential Access Roads:

Residential access roads give people direct access to buildings and land within environmental areas.

Access for motor vehicles is not their only function. They are used by the inhabitants for other work, or leisure-time activities such as walking, jogging and playing, as well as for the provision and maintenance of services to houses.

Examples of this include Lightly trafficked roads and local streets.

Haseeb Jamal . I am a Civil Engineer, graduated from University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan in 2010. I also have a PG-Diploma in Disaster Management and MS in Urban Infrastructure Engineering (In Progress). My expertise include civil related softwares like AutoCAD, SAP2000, MS Project, Primavera, MS Office and GIS. My technical skills include project management, monitoring and evaluation, structural assessment, disaster risk management, Quantity survey, land survey, material testing, site management and technical writing. I am trained in writing project progress reports as well as proposals and concept papers. I have also received advanced training on surveying, proposal writing, Monitoring and Evaluation of projects as well as organizations.

I have worked as Project Engineer at National Research and Development Foundation, Peshawar and CENCON Associates. I also worked with Spectra Engineering Solutions as Senior Civil Engineer in monitoring of World Bank and UNDP funded projects all over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA. Currently, I am working as Deputy Manager Development at NayaTel, Peshawar.

https://www.aboutcivil.org/classes-of-roads

HOW TO PURIFY WATER USING THE SUN - Using only sunlight and PET plastic bottles, the SODIS (solar disinfection) method uses a combination of UV sunlight and increased temperature to kill pathogens in the water - Water is the very essence of life. Without water, we cannot live. Without water, we perish. But in many parts of the world, clean drinking water is becoming more and more difficult to find. And even in developed countries, there are situations where we might find our drinking water contaminated. There are many ways in which to purify water for drinking. Here is a little-known method that might come in handy someday. Water does not need to be boiled to be made safe for drinking. Most microbes and pathogens will be killed at 150°F (65°C) for just five minutes. Solar radiation can purify water and make it safe to drink. Solar energy from the sun can disinfect water from lakes and rivers. The UV rays from the sun can kill harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses, given enough exposure. If the sky is mostly sunny with only a few clouds, then 6 hours of sunlight will be enough. However, if the sky is more than 50% cloudy, then it will take 2 days to purify the water. The ambient air temperature is not a factor, it is the strength of the UV sunlight that is significant.

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How to Purify Water Using the Sun

Using only sunlight and PET plastic bottles, the SODIS (solar disinfection) method uses a combination of UV sunlight and increased temperature to kill pathogens in the water

by MERRY BEVIL

Water – fresh clean pure water – is the most precious commodity on earth.

Worth more than gold. Worth more than silver.

Water is the very essence of life.

Without water, we cannot live. Without water, we perish.

But in many parts of the world, clean drinking water is becoming more and more difficult to find. 

And even in developed countries, there are situations where we might find our drinking water contaminated.

There are many ways in which to purify water for drinking. Here is a little-known method that might come in handy someday.

Water does not need to be boiled to be made safe for drinking. Most microbes and pathogens will be killed at 150°F (65°C) for just five minutes.

Solar radiation can purify water and make it safe to drink. 

Solar energy from the sun can disinfect water from lakes and rivers. The UV rays from the sun can kill harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses, given enough exposure.

 ·     Bacteria

E coli

Cholera

Salmonella

Shigella

Campylobacter jejuni

Yersinia e=Enterocolitica

·       Parasites

Giardia

Crytosporidium

Entamoeba

worms

·       Viruses

Rotovirus

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following low-tech method of disinfecting water. 

Using only sunlight and PET plastic bottles, the SODIS (solar disinfection) method uses a combination of UV sunlight and increased temperature to kill pathogens in the water.

How To Purify Water Using The Sun

·      The water should be from a clean, well known water source, such as a lake or stream. Running water is best.

Avoid standing water; smelly water; water with an oily look; and water near latrines and sewers.

·      The water must not be chemically polluted. This method will kill bacteria, it will not remove chemicals.

·       If the water has visible contaminants, such as dirt, mud, or debris, filter the water by pouring it through several layers of cloth to catch as much sediment and debris as possible. 

Then any remaining sediment settle to the bottom and filter until the water is as clear as possible. The UV rays will not be able to penetrate through cloudy, dirty water.

·      Use clean, clear soda or water bottles no larger than 2 liters. The bottles need to be in good condition with no scratches or other visible signs of wear. 

It is best to use a “PET” (PolyEthylene Terephthalate) bottle. Look for the recycle code #1 on the bottom.

·      Colored plastic and glass bottles will block too much of the UV rays. Indeed, some glass will block the UV rays completely

·      Fill the bottles 2/3 full of water and shake for 20 - 30 seconds. This will saturate the water with oxygen, which will help to kill the germs.

Then finish filling the bottles to the brim with water. Lay them down in the sun. Do not stand them up. Laying them down allows the UV rays to penetrate to maximum depth.

·      Although not necessary if possible, lay the bottles on a reflective surface to optimize the UV exposure.

·      If the sky is mostly sunny with only a few clouds, then 6 hours of sunlight will be enough. However, if the sky is more than 50% cloudy, then it will take 2 days to purify the water. 

The ambient air temperature is not a factor, it is the strength of the UV sunlight that is significant. 

If there is a question about the proper length of time because of the sky conditions, it is best to err on the side of caution and allow the full 2 days of exposure.

·      While there is some concern that toxins may leach out of the plastic bottle during the process, the Swiss Federal Laboratories For Materials Testing and Research have examined this process and found that the levels of toxins from the bottles is far below the WHO guidelines.

For more information on how to purify water using the sun, please read Solar Water Disinfection  or Water Pasteurization from SCInet or Water Pasteurization in a Pinch.

A simple device known as a WAPI (WAter Pasteurization Indicator) can also be used to determine when the water has been heated long enough to be safe.

Welcome to Sunshine On My Shoulder (SOMS), a guide to solar cooking and outdoor kitchen.  There is more to outdoor cooking than just grilled burgers and dogs. With an outdoor kitchen consisting of 2 grills, 3 smokers, an assortment of deep fryers and Dutch Ovens, and a yard full of solar cookers, we can cook just about anything.

While Dutch Ovens have been around for centuries, solar cooking is a relatively new way to cook. Solar cooking is any method of cooking that uses the free energy that comes from the sun as the primary fuel source. In the summer of 2008, when I began solar cooking, there was very little information about solar cooking on the internet. There were a couple of commercial sites that sold solar ovens, and a few sites that focused on the science behind it. And although there were a few basic recipes on those sites, there was not much information to help a beginner get started.  And there were no sites that focused on the food.

https://www.sunshineonmyshoulder.com/how-to-purify-water-using-the-sun/