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Never use WD-40 for electrical connections.

306K views 65 replies 41 participants last post by  countryboy843  
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
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I constantly read how well-intentioned folks tell others to use WD-40 to clean electrical connections and switches. I have been wrenching on cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc for over 40 years and so far the only good use I've found for WD-40 is to dry up a water-laden distributor cap. Give your WD-40 to a neighbor or person that you don't like so you won't be tempted to use it yourself.

Contact cleaner or in a pinch lacquer thinner or denatured alcohol should be the only thing you use to clean an electrical contact. WD-40 should never be used near anything that you want to remain free-moving for any length of time. Within a couple of months, WD-40 turns into a gummy substance that attracts all kinds of dust and dirt.

Yes, it will free up a switch, for a while. But be aware that so will light machine oil. Neither of which you want on your electrical contact, especially ones that move, like in a switch. So will soap and water, kerosene, gasoline, and on and on. The reality is that only contact cleaners should be used on contacts. Kinda what it was made for.

Now there are about a million people out there who will disagree with me and that's fine. We are each entitled to our own opinion. Just please don't tell some unsuspecting soul to use WD-40 on electrical contacts and switches. Keep using it yourself. You will as in a couple of months when it turns your switch into a dirt magnet you'll have to reapply. That's fine. But please don't suggest to others that they do the same.

Ok, my tirade is over... let the games begin...
 
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#52 ·
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red_bike wrote:
Well let me ask this, what should we use if we have something like the EMG button stuck? I just got a very small can of WD 40 to carry with me but now I will replace it, but with what?
this exact question could start a string of events to rival the latest tire or oil thread. I believe in using the right tool for the job. I don't use a hammer to screw a bolt in and I use contact cleaner to clean contacts. The only reason I use Radio Shack brand contact cleaner is it readily available and it works pretty good. There used to be marketed in the U.S. a contact cleaner called "Cramolin" which was the absolute best I've seen. Not available that I know of except for online and I'm not really sure that is the same stuff. I've also read that the Radio Shack cleaner is the old Cramolin formula. I don't think so but it is a very good cleaner and does the job. Now it is more expensive than WD-40 but a little goes a really long way. I bought this last can about 3 years ago. I have used it on every contact and switch I can find on 3 different barn finds and still have about 1/4 can left. Like I said with a good contact cleaner a very little goes a very long way.

If you decide to get some Radio Shack cleaner you will note 2 types:
1. Cleaner
2. Cleaner and lube

I have never tried the cleaner lube. I only use the Cleaner. They might also call it "tuner cleaner" but no one uses tuners anymore so I think it's just called Contact Cleaner. If you can't remember what I said the cleaner is cheaper and I am pretty cheap so maybe that will help you remember.
 
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#54 ·
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"I love WD-40" but I never use it. I have been servicing and repairing clocks for 40 years. I have honestly made thousands of dollars because of WD-40. The first thing an owner of a malfunctioning clock does is spray it with WD-40. Then after a week or so they bring it to me because if is now all gummed up and won't run at all and I have to chemically clean it.

The best thing I have found as a substitute to carry in the bike is a can of spray silicone. It goes on wet and dries completely with a light coating of silicone. No gunk or dust.
 
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#58 ·
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Tracker1954 wrote:
I heard that WD-40 and Windex both work good for arthritis.:?
Not unless mixed with Pledge!!:ROFL:
 
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#59 ·
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It breaks things loose. It is not a lubricant. It's made from fish oil (that may be why it's an excellent attractant on fishing lures). I don't use it on electrical stuff because it can be combustible when heated a bit. On the other hand I always have a can handy in the barn but I don't attempt to pound nails with it. Sometimes it is the right tool though.
 
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#63 ·
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wingsam41 wrote:
WD-40 cures measles.
O MY GOD wingsam, You got me rollin on the floor with that one. I never seen that one comin !!! Hit me like a slap in the face. But I`m ok I have cold compress on it soaked in WD40. LMAO
 
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#64 ·
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RoyP wrote:
wingsam41 wrote:
WD-40 cures measles.
O MY GOD wingsam, You got me rollin on the floor with that one. I never seen that one comin !!! Hit me like a slap in the face. But I`m ok I have cold compress on it soaked in WD40. LMAO
Never Know-it may make 'em slide right off. Then the fish can eat 'em.
 
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#65 ·
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i just looked through the post and i watched a military history show and WD-40 was desined to keep water out of the wire connectors on the jeeps and trucks that went into heavy water ,, it was also tried as a paint remover for the old lead paint on military trucks and thats when it was found to stop sqeaks and loosen some stuck rusted bolts and nuts . patend was sold to a private investor and it was watered down some and sold to the public
 
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#66 ·
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ohh and to clarify i dont use on electrics or would recommend doing so , this was done along time ago and the goverment doesnt care if they have to replace things because of something used like this ,,,, hey its only our tax money !!!!!!!
 
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