Tallguy67ca t1_iu4tj9t wrote on October 28, 2022 at 3:38 PM

Reply to comment by mhey10 in How can I remove a headless screw from a shower valve? by foootrest

WD40 is a lubricant not a penetrating oil.

asad137 t1_iu58duo wrote on October 28, 2022 at 5:16 PM

It's both. It's not particularly great at either, though. There are better penetrating oils and better lubricants.

Also it's kind of amusing to see "WD-40 is a lubricant", since in lots of discussions regarding WD-40 people make the (also erroneous) claim that WD-40 is a solvent, not a lubricant.

WD-40 is a mixture of solvents and lubricants. The solvents thin the oils and help it penetrate, and when the solvents evaporate what's left is the oils.

Tallguy67ca t1_iu59654 wrote on October 28, 2022 at 5:21 PM

You make some very valid points.

The_Mech t1_iu4urzz wrote on October 28, 2022 at 3:46 PM

WD40 makes a penetrant version.

OutlyingPlasma t1_iu50s6e wrote on October 28, 2022 at 4:26 PM

And it's the best one because of the handy sprayer it comes in. No more losing the straw.