What Does WD-40 Really Stand For? The Simple Explanation That Still Blows Minds

If you’ve ever grabbed a can of WD-40 to silence a squeaky hinge, loosen a stuck bolt, or fix something in a hurry, you’re not alone. WD-40 is one of those household products that feels almost magical. Yet for decades, many people used it without ever knowing what its name actually means.

And when they finally find out?
Mind blown.

The Meaning Behind WD-40

WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, 40th Formula.

That’s it. No mystery code. No hidden marketing trick.

• WD = Water Displacement
• 40 = The 40th attempt

The product was developed in 1953 by chemist Norm Larsen and his team at the Rocket Chemical Company. Their goal wasn’t to create a household lubricant—it was to solve a very specific industrial problem.

Why “Water Displacement”?

The original purpose of WD-40 was to protect metal from rust and corrosion by driving away moisture. It was designed to coat metal surfaces and prevent water from sticking—especially important for aerospace components exposed to harsh environments.

In fact, WD-40 was first used to protect the outer skin of the Atlas missile, one of the earliest U.S. rockets.

Why the Number 40 Matters

The team didn’t get it right immediately.

They tried 39 different formulas, and none worked the way they wanted. On the 40th attempt, they finally achieved the perfect balance—one that displaced water effectively and left behind a protective film.

Instead of renaming it or making it sound flashier, they stuck with the honest name:
Water Displacement, 40th Formula.

And history was made.

How It Became a Household Legend

Workers reportedly took cans home for personal use, discovering it could:

• Stop squeaks
• Loosen rusted parts
• Clean grime
• Protect tools
• Displace moisture in electronics

Word spread quickly, and WD-40 transitioned from an industrial solution to a household staple found in garages, kitchens, and workshops around the world.

Today, the WD-40 Company lists hundreds of uses, many discovered by everyday people—not engineers.

Why the Name Still Surprises People

Most people assume WD-40 is just a brand name—something catchy and meaningless like many products on store shelves. The realization that it’s actually a literal description of a scientific experiment feels oddly satisfying… and slightly embarrassing.

Hence the common reaction:

“Wait… how did I not know this?”

A Product That Never Changed Its Identity

Despite its massive success, WD-40 has never changed its name or formula in any significant way. That same 40th formula is still at the heart of every blue-and-yellow can.

In a world full of rebrands and buzzwords, WD-40 remains refreshingly honest.

Final Thought

WD-40 isn’t just a lubricant—it’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest names have the most interesting stories. What started as a failed experiment repeated dozens of times became one of the most recognizable products in the world.

So if you just learned what WD-40 stands for today…
Don’t worry. You’re definitely not the last one. 😉