Most people have a can of WD-40 somewhere. It’s usually sitting on a shelf in the garage or shoved in the back of a cabinet, half empty, with the red straw missing. It only comes out when something stops working the way it should.
I’ve kept WD-40 around for decades. Sometimes I forget about it for months, then I’ll use it three times in one day. That’s how it usually goes. You don’t think much about it until something sticks, squeaks, or refuses to move, and then you’re glad you didn’t throw the can out.
Many folks think WD-40 has one job. Maybe two. The truth is, it can solve a long list of everyday problems, especially if you’re the type who likes to fix things yourself instead of replacing them.
These are some of the ways I’ve used WD-40 over the years. Nothing fancy. Just things that worked when I needed them to.
Rusted Fasteners That Won’t Budge
Anyone who’s worked on an old truck, tractor, fence, or piece of equipment has dealt with fasteners that refuse to budge. The mistake most people make is trying too hard too fast.
Spray WD-40 on the rusted area and let it sit. Ten minutes is good, fifteen is better. If it’s really bad, spray it again and give it more time. Tapping the bolt lightly with a hammer helps the oil work its way into the threads.
This simple trick has saved me from snapping bolts and tearing up my knuckles more times than I can count.
Doors And Gates That Won’t Stop Squeaking
Squeaky hinges might seem like a small thing until you’ve lived with them for years.
Doors, gates, screen doors, bed frames, porch swings, and old chairs all start making noise over time. Luckily, WD-40 can fix that fast.
Here’s how to do it: spray the moving part, work it back and forth, then wipe off the excess so dust doesn’t stick.
This way you make sure the noise disappears, and you won’t be reminded of it every time you open a door at night.
Stuck Zippers And Sliding Parts
In time, dirt, corrosion, or a lack of lubrication can make the teeth of the zipper bind and refuse to move.
A quick fix for this problem is to put a small amount of WD-40 on a cotton swab and lightly run it along the zipper teeth. Work the zipper back and forth slowly, without forcing it. In many cases, it will begin sliding smoothly again almost immediately.
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This same approach works well for other stubborn sliding parts around the house or shop. Metal drawer slides, sliding doors, and old tracks can all suffer from grime and wear that restrict movement.
A light application of lubricant, followed by gentle movement to work it in, can restore and extend the life of these parts without the need for repairs or replacement.
Protecting Tools From Rusting
Tools rust when moisture gets to bare metal. This can happen fast in sheds, barns, and garages that aren’t climate-controlled. Before putting tools away for the season, wipe them down with a rag sprayed lightly with WD-40. Shovels, hoes, axes, saw blades, pruners, and even wrenches benefit from it.
It’s useful to know that you don’t need to soak them. A thin coat is enough to slow rust way down. Come spring and your tools will still be ready to work.
Of course, this little spray isn’t miraculous. To properly protect your gardening tools and other equipment, it’s important to store them in a climate-controlled space. That’s why we built a simple shed and want to share the idea with you. You only need pallets and a few other materials to make it. It’s designed to protect any kind of tool, and one of its biggest advantages is that it can be easily moved whenever you need.
Discover how to build this low-cost, easy project in the video below:
Cleaning Crayon, Marker, and Paint Marks
If you’ve ever had kids or grandkids around, you know that walls, floors, and furniture sometimes become art projects. WD-40 removes crayon marks, permanent marker, and light paint overspray from hard surfaces like concrete, metal, tile, and plastic.
Always test a small spot first, then wipe clean. From my experience, it works better than many store-bought cleaners.
Sticky Labels And Old Tape That Won’t Come Off
Price tags, tape, labels, duct tape residue, and old stickers can be harder to remove than the thing itself. WD-40 breaks down sticky glue without scraping or harsh chemicals. Spray a little, wait a minute, and wipe with a rag.
This matters when you’re serious about reusing jars or ammo boxes for long-term storage. Clean containers label better, stack better, and keep your stockpile organized, especially if you’re filling them with homemade preserved foods. The Amish have mastered this for generations.
So if you’re planning to add jars of jams, sauces, cooked beans, or other staples to your stockpile, don’t wing it. Learn how to do it the Amish way – and do it right every time:
Old Locks And Padlocks That Won’t Turn
Old locks and padlocks often stop turning because moisture, dirt, and rust build up inside the mechanism over time. This is common with outdoor locks, shed padlocks, gates, and storage units that are exposed to weather. The good news is that many of these locks aren’t broken at all, they’re just dry or clogged and need proper lubrication to work again.
Here’s how to fix a stuck lock step by step:
- Wipe dirt and debris from the outside of the lock and keyhole.
- Spray a small amount of WD-40 directly into the keyhole.
- Insert the key fully and gently move it in and out.
- Turn the key slowly back and forth without forcing it.
- Let the lubricant sit for a minute, then try again if needed.
Cleaning and Protecting Metal Surfaces
WD-40 works well for cleaning stainless steel sinks, metal countertops, toolboxes, and even gun safes. A light spray helps loosen fingerprints, grease, and built-up grime, while also breaking down light rust. After spraying, simply wipe the surface with a clean, dry rag to remove residue and bring back the shine.
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As you wipe, WD-40 leaves behind a thin protective layer that helps repel moisture. This makes it harder for water spots and corrosion to return, keeping metal surfaces cleaner and better protected over time.
Battery Terminals That Keep Corroding
Batteries that are left in devices too long or stored improperly often end up corroding, especially in environments with heat or temperature swings. Over time, batteries can leak small amounts of acid vapor, particularly as they age or discharge.
When this vapor reacts with moisture and the metal on battery terminals, it creates the chalky white or green buildup commonly seen on connections. This corrosion can lead to poor performance or complete power failure. In vehicles and equipment, it can also shorten battery life and strain electrical components.
After disconnecting the battery and cleaning the terminals with a proper brush or baking soda solution, a light coat of WD-40 can help slow the problem from coming back. Spray a small amount on the terminals and cable ends to create a protective barrier that repels moisture and helps block acid fumes from reaching the metal.
So, if you have corroded batteries sitting in a toolbox in the garage, there’s a simple trick to try. Clean the terminals with WD-40 first and then put them to work. Yes, you read that right!
What manufacturers don’t advertise is that many batteries still have usable power left. They just can’t deliver it efficiently because of poor contact or corrosion. Fix that, and you may get much more use out of them than you thought possible.
That’s why we created this quick and inexpensive homemade device that can keep batteries working nearly twice as long as you were led to believe:
Pushing Moisture Out Of Wet Equipment
WD-40 was originally created to push water away from metal surfaces. When tools, connectors, or small motors get wet, a light spray can help drive moisture out and reduce the chance of rust or electrical trouble.
It’s especially useful for:
- Ignition components.
- Electrical connections.
- Hand tools and small power tools.
After spraying, let everything dry completely before using it again. This simple step can save parts that might otherwise fail.
A Few Words of Common Sense
WD-40 is useful, but it’s not meant for everything. It’s not a replacement for proper grease in bearings, and it’s not meant to be sprayed on food surfaces.
Used correctly, though, it’s one of the most versatile products you can keep on hand. Most people already own a can. Fewer people take full advantage of it.
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Final Thoughts
There’s something satisfying about fixing problems with simple tools and a little know-how.
WD-40 fits that mindset perfectly. It helps you maintain what you own, stretch the life of your equipment, and avoid unnecessary trips to the store.
Keeping a few cans around the house, the garage, and the shed just makes sense. When something sticks, squeaks, rusts, or refuses to cooperate, you’ll already have what you need. And more often than not, that small can will save the day.
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