Clean
Lubricate
Protect
Below, I will discuss how WD-40 performs in each of those roles.
Cleaner
Since WD-40 is primarily a solvent it seems to make sense that it would be ideal for cleaning guns. However, cleaning your guns with WD40 is NOT advisable.
Solvents, such as WD40, don’t remove any gunk or slime.
Solvents dissolve gunk, which then moves the dissolved goo to another area of your gun that you cannot see.
Using an aerosol solvent simply “shoots” all the gunk into tiny crevices in your firearm, making them even harder to clean and can lead to “gumming” up.
Lubricant
WD-40 is a solvent and NOT a lubricant. Because it evaporates so quickly WD-40 does not function well as a lubricant in guns. Between the time you spray it on the chamber or slide and the time you load your rounds and start firing, it would almost certainly be evaporated, leaving your gun bone dry.
MYTH: WD-40 is a lubricant.
FACT: “WD” stand for “Water Displacement” and is primarily a solvent.
Protectant
As stated above, WD-40 evaporates so quickly, that it won’t protect your gun for very long. Before storing your firearms in a gun safe for long periods, an actual oil should be used (oil doesn’t evaporate and will protect your firearm from rusts).
WD-40 is mostly comprised of mineral spirits. Once these mineral spirits evaporate, your gun will be left with unprotected metal and your firearm will start to rust.
WD40 & exceptions
There are only two situations where WD-40 can/should be used:
In an emergency
Such as dropping your gun in a lake or puddle.
When disassembling your gun
It’s okay to use WD-40 for a deep cleaning when you disassemble your firearm. Especially if your gun contains moisture. “WD” will displace the water and keep it from rusting so long as you thoroughly clean after using WD40 and apply oil before storing your firearm.
I'm a firearms maintenance enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in keeping guns clean, lubricated, and protected. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience in firearm maintenance, coupled with a keen interest in understanding the science behind cleaning agents and lubricants.
Now, let's delve into the information related to the concepts discussed in the article about WD-40 and its role in cleaning, lubricating, and protecting guns.
1. Cleaner: The article points out that WD-40 is primarily a solvent, and while it may seem logical to use it as a cleaner for guns, it's not advisable. Solvents like WD-40 dissolve gunk but don't remove it. Instead, they move the dissolved residue to unseen areas of the firearm, making it harder to clean. The aerosol nature of the solvent can also push the gunk into tiny crevices, potentially causing issues.
2. Lubricant: Contrary to a common myth, WD-40 is not a lubricant. Its quick evaporation makes it unsuitable for providing long-lasting lubrication in guns. The article emphasizes that, between application and actual firearm use, WD-40 would likely evaporate, leaving the gun without proper lubrication.
3. Protectant: WD-40's rapid evaporation poses challenges in terms of providing long-term protection for firearms. The article suggests that before storing guns for extended periods, it's better to use an actual oil that doesn't evaporate. WD-40, being mainly comprised of mineral spirits, can leave the gun unprotected once these spirits evaporate, leading to potential rusting issues.
WD-40 & Exceptions: The article identifies two specific scenarios where WD-40 can be used: a. In an Emergency: Such as dropping a gun in water. WD-40 can displace water and prevent immediate rusting. However, thorough cleaning and oil application are recommended afterward. b. When Disassembling: It's acceptable to use WD-40 for deep cleaning during firearm disassembly, particularly if there's moisture present. Again, the key is to clean thoroughly and apply oil before storing the gun.
In summary, while WD-40 has specific use cases in firearms maintenance, it's crucial to understand its limitations and use it judiciously, especially considering its role as a solvent rather than a dedicated cleaner, lubricant, or long-term protectant for guns.
