Who would have guessed that a product developed to prevent rust and displace water for the aerospace industry in 1953 would go on to be one of the most relied-upon products for outdoor enthusiasts? There aren’t many of us who don’t have a can of WD-40® Multi-Use Product—also known as the Original WD-40 Formula—in the boat, truck toolbox, garage or around the house.
Since its creation, the Original WD-40 Formula has been subject to innovation, with WD-40® Brand finding ways to better serve its end users. For example, gone are the days of losing the little red straw, with the introduction of the WD-40 Smart Straw® which has a permanently attached straw that sprays two ways—simply flip the straw up to spray in a stream and down for a fuller coverage spray. For tight, hard-to-reach spaces, try WD-40 EZ-REACH® which includes an attached 8-inch flexible straw that bends and keeps its shape to save you time. Both products are must-haves for fishing season and getting the Job Done Right®. In fact, a can of the Original WD-40 Formula, some duct tape, zip ties, and a set of tools are things to never leave the dock without.
So how might you use the Original WD-40 Formula this fishing season? While the possibilities are endless, here are a few of my favorite ways to put a can to use:
1.
To maintain your fishing reel. After rinsing with fresh water, use the Original WD-40 Formula to lubricate moving parts and drive out moisture.
2.
To lubricate boat motors and help protect metal parts. This is especially needed for motors used in corrosive salt water, and WD-40 EZ-REACH is perfect for those hard-to-reach areas.
3.
To restore the bilge pump and livewell pump—a must for any fisherman after pulling out the boat after winter.
4.
To lubricate tailgate latches and other moving truck components, especially ones that may be submerged when launching boats.
5.
To free rusty trailer parts on boat trailers. Anyone who has dealt with a stuck latch when all you want to do is go fishing knows this is a good thing.
6.
To lubricate and protect your winch from corroding.
7.
To keep the steering and throttle controls moving freely.
8.
To prevent boat chairs from squeaking.
9.
To keep the trolling motors in working order, and to lubricate the shaft and prop.
10
To free rust from needle-nose fishing pliers. A quick squirt of the Original WD-40 Formula can free up the pivot and keep the pliers working perfectly when you need them.
And while there isn’t much the Original WD-40 Formula can’t tackle, WD-40 Brand also created the WD-40 Specialist® line—a full line of lubricants, penetrants, cleaners, and degreasers, and rust-management solutions scientifically designed for the world’s toughest jobs. Three of these products are an ideal fit for fishing season.
WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease works amazingly well to lubricate the bearings in your boat trailer wheels. It seals out moisture and will withstand extremely high temperatures, making it great for long trips. While you have the WD-40 Specialist products out, spray a little WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner or WD-40 Specialist Electric Parts Cleaner carefully on your boat’s battery connectors to help stretch battery life out. If you’ve switched the boat batteries out to Lithium-Ion ones, battery corrosion isn’t an issue, but that still doesn’t stop a little old-fashioned rust from trying to get into the connectors, which can be extra draining on a battery.
Well, there you have it—10 ways to use the Original WD-40 Formula to improve your fishing season, with a few bonus uses from the WD-40 Specialist line. Are there more? Well like WD-40 Brand likes to say—There’s Always Another Use™️! We all have our own experiences using WD-40 Brand products. The list of uses grows much longer when we start adding in camping, hunting, off-roading, and many more outdoor activities, not to mention the countless uses around the house. What are some of your favorite uses?