WD-40 Specialist Penetrant Assisted Me in Reviving Some Rusty Tools

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      The original WD-40® Product is a multifunctional solution that guards metal against rust and corrosion, eliminates moisture, and lubricates nearly everything. However, for tough rust removal and freeing stuck bolts, consider using WD-40 Specialist® Penetrant before reaching for a blowtorch. It works wonders on automotive bolts and, as I recently discovered, on metal tools, rollers, and hinges that are heavily rusted.

      Penetrating fluid is an essential tool for any car maintenance involving rust. It’s my top choice among the WD-40® Brand products. Andrew P. Collins

      In the past few weeks, I’ve assisted my father-in-law in clearing out the small shop he has utilized since the 1980s. It's a slow and meticulous process. The upside is that he’s allowing me to keep some of the tools and treasures we've found. Naturally, most items are rusted and require considerable effort to restore.

      This old Ryobi chop saw was a standout, and it was just a bit of effort along with some WD-40 Specialist Penetrant that brought it back to usefulness.

      I dislike the thought of discarding items that can be revived with a thorough cleaning, and that’s true for many discoveries in a garage cleanout. After clearing the saw of hay and dirt by hand, the WD-40 Specialist Penetrant loosened the critical adjustment screws and bolts that had been seized by rust. The guiding plates on this tool are secured by hex-head bolts, which need to be tightened and loosened easily to cut various sizes of items. I didn’t have any axles, pipes, or hoses to work with as I often do in automotive tasks, but the EZ-REACH® straw was useful for directing the penetrant precisely where needed without wasting product.

      There are several rust penetrating solutions available, but WD-40 Specialist Penetrant outperforms the others. It penetrates 50% faster than competitive products, minimizing downtime and facilitating a quicker return to use*. Efficiency and speed are what matter most.

      However, allowing the penetrant to soak for a longer time can enhance its effectiveness. If you’re dealing with a truck that has endured multiple Michigan winters outside, treating your bolts with penetrant a few days in advance may be advantageous.

      Fortunately, most of my saw's adjustment bolts began moving within just minutes of applying the penetrant. One bolt needed a few extra applications, but soon the entire mechanism was functioning smoothly again.

      While this old Ryobi chop saw may not be a family heirloom, getting it operational again was certainly worth the few minutes and sprays of penetrant.

      The WD-40 Specialist Penetrant also helped me restore something else and revealed a tool feature I had never noticed before.

      The bottom of this old toolbox has four small circular feet, all covered in a layer of rust. I initially planned to sand it down and repaint, but first I wanted to apply targeted sprays of penetrant using the EZ-REACH flexible straw to loosen the rust and make the hinge operate smoothly.

      After letting the WD-40 Specialist Penetrant sit on the feet for a few seconds, I discovered they were actually rollers! This toolbox rests on small metal balls, making it easy to slide around a table when fully loaded. I’ve encountered caster wheels, but this method of mobility was a new concept for me.

      The takeaway is this—if you find something rusty in your garage, barn, or workshop, give it a good spray of WD-40 Specialist Penetrant and restore it to its former glory!

      Andrew P. Collins

      *Test Lab: WD-40 Co. Technical Center (Pine Brook, NJ); Penetration speed measured using nail climb (time to reach 1.75cm); Test dates: 03/2023; 07/2024.