Don't use WD-40 on guns

[Colorado Osprey]

I was reading a post that people are using WD-40 on their guns as a lubricant.

Although it contains Heavy Naptha and Mineral Spirits which will act as a cleaner and lubricant, it will varnish over time and can cause varnish build up if stored with a coating of WD-40.

WD-40 has been out a long time and many guns have been "glued" together by using WD-40.
For example; Smith and Wesson revolvers using WD-40 to lube and clean will glue the trigger side plate so much so that only a dip in an ultra-sonic tank will be the only way you can remove the plate without bending or distorting it.

There are better products out there.
I know there will be many that says they have used it for years and they have no problems. Again the main problem with WD-40 is using it and then storing the guns. Regular use and cleaning will eliminate most WD-40 issues, but if you can't clean or have to store a gun unexpectedly it can cause problems.

[StagLefty]

Huge dirt attractant. I found that out by using it on lock hardware.
Good info to put out. [Beer]

[nickaballison]

I use Breakfree CLP. Seems kind of similar but not exactly the same. Anyone ever have any issues with Breakfree CLP?

[JohnnyEgo]

That "WD" part stands for "water displacement", for which it does an excellent job. When I used to kayak with a handgun in Florida, I would often spray it down with WD-40 if it got wet. Then into the trunk to get a detail cleaning at home.

Breakfree CLP is considerably different than WD-40, although the technical specs state that it is for 'short term preservation'. Since it is designed to remove assorted firearm residue, it does not varnish like WD-40.

Use each for their appropriate task, and you will be fine.

[ray1970]

I once picked up a used S&W revolver that spent many years in a desk drawer. Apparently the owner must have sprayed WD40 in the action before putting it in the drawer. By the time I got it you could hardly pull the trigger. It felt like it had bubble gum or pancake syrup in it. It must have had a 20 pound trigger pull. After a complete disassembly and a thorough cleaning of all the parts to remove the yellowish waxy varnish from everything it had one of the nicest revolver triggers I have felt.

Some of you will swear WD40 is great for guns but I'll stick to dedicated firearm cleaners and lubricants.

[Beer]

[sneakerd]

I've been using WD40 HEAVILY on ALL of my guns for over 30 years. I use it as a spray cleaner and flushing agent when cleaning my guns. Never any problem whatsoever, but then I don't just soak it in WD and then put it away for 20 years either.

[Great-Kazoo]

If it was a least resort, i'd grab some used motor oil before i even considered wd40.

[sneakerd]

As I said, I've never-ever had any sort of issue. I love the stuff and use it on valuable collector guns as well as my daily carry guns and regular shooters. I personally don't believe all of the specialty gun oils and such are worth the additional cost. WD40 is comparatively inexpensive, effective and doesn't stink up the place.

[dwalker460]

WD40 is more of a solvent than anything else, so I can see using it to dissolve schmut while cleaning a gun, but then I would use an actual oil or protectant.

[BPTactical]

The only time I would ever advocate WD-40 is hunting use. Get your meatmaker dunked in a stream or such and a small aerosol can of the stuff can save your bacon.
It will drive out water and tide you over until a proper cleaning can be performed.

It will gunk up a firearm eventually, the carrier oils dry and it does become a sludge.
I had to let 2 old "Uncle Fred left me" pistols soak in Berrymans carb cleaner overnight to degunk them.

[spleify]

I use synthetic motor oil. I can buy a whole quart of it for $4 or $5 and it lasts for ever!

[Great-Kazoo]

I use synthetic motor oil. I can buy a whole quart of it for $4 or $5 and it lasts for ever!


^^^This^^^
It looks "tactical" when i put it in to the small empty sig arms oil bottle i have.

[Zombie Steve]

I've been using WD40 HEAVILY on ALL of my guns for over 30 years. I use it as a spray cleaner and flushing agent when cleaning my guns. Never any problem whatsoever, but then I don't just soak it in WD and then put it away for 20 years either.

Same. I clean with it, wipe it off and lube with motor oil or grease.


I think the worst gunked up gun I ever saw was the result of 3 in 1 oil and 50+ years of storage.

[jess357]

I think the problem is that the WD-40 can says that you can use it on firearms. Some false advertising is involved.

[ezgoinrob]

I think the problem is that the WD-40 can says that you can use it on firearms. Some false advertising is involved.

Cans are just like the internet... they cant put anything on them that isnt true [Awesom]

Ez

[rondog]

Does anybody have any comments, pro or con, about Tri-Flow? I haven't tried it on any guns yet, but this is the slickest, slipperiest lubricant I've ever ran across. I've used it on a lot of things, but not guns yet. Wanted to hear some opinions first.

I use Weapon Shield on my guns, but Tri-Flow is so slippery I find it hard to resist trying it. Stuff is hard to find too.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/tools/Tri-Flow.jpg

[SideShow Bob]

Does anybody have any comments, pro or con, about Tri-Flow? I haven't tried it on any guns yet, but this is the slickest, slipperiest lubricant I've ever ran across. I've used it on a lot of things, but not guns yet. Wanted to hear some opinions first.
I use Weapon Shield on my guns, but Tri-Flow is so slippery I find it hard to resist trying it. Stuff is hard to find too.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b150/rinselman/tools/Tri-Flow.jpg

I used to use this years ago when it had that funny name, "Trifilon" or something similar, but as my firearms knowledge increased, the products I use have changed. I still use it while cleaning but all parts are wiped dry and other lubricants applied.