[Kenwood] Using DeoxIT on TS830 band switch...

Fri, 2 Jan 2004 10:24:52 -1000

I see nothing on the WD40 website where they say it can be used on
electrical equipment, other than helping to eliminate moisture-induced short
circuits. The MSDS does say it's flammable, so avoid sparking, etc. It's a
handy product for around the home but there is better stuff for use on
electrical equipment. The R390 and boatanchor groups have discussed this
product for years now and would use it only for removing old gummed labels
or adhesive residue.
pete KH6GRT
-----Original Message-----
From: Roy Morgan [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Friday, January 02, 2004 10:01 AM
To: Mike MacDonald; [email protected]
Subject: RE: [Kenwood] Using DeoxIT on TS830 band switch...
I wrote:
>...Developed by NASA to remove water from tiles in the launch building and 
>apply a coat of (note this) VARNISH to keep dampness from going back into 
>the tiles.

At 12:07 PM 1/2/04 -0500, Mike MacDonald wrote:
>I'd like to see documentation on that.

Mike,
I can't supply lots of detailed authoritative information, but it appears 
that my idea that it had or has varnish in it is not true (except perhaps 
as a trace ingredient.) Likewise, I can find references to use of the 
product on the Atlas rockets to prevent corrosion, but not references to 
use on the tiles of the launch platforms A web search finds me the
following:
The history of WD-40:
<http://www.wd40.com/PressRoom/pdfs/wd40_history_timeline.pdf>
To which site this quote is attributed:
"WD-40 literally stands for Water Displacement, 40th attempt. That's the 
name straight out of the lab book used by the chemist who developed WD-40 
back in 1953. The chemist, Norm Larsen, was attempting to concoct a formula 
to prevent corrosion -- a task which is done by displacing water. Norm's 
persistence paid off when he perfected the formula on his 40th try."
I did find a number of hits from such places as the Lotus Club of America 
and bicycle racing discussion forums. They all seem to agree: WD-40 is 
excellent at penetrating, cleaning, removing water oil and grease, but is 
not a lubricant that lasts very long.
The MSDS for WD-40 on the manufacturers web site is at:
<http://www.wd40.com/Brands/pdfs/msds-wd40_aerosol.us.pdf>
This shows the contents to be:
(name) (cas number) (percent)
Aliphatic Petroleum Distillates 8052-41-3 45-50
Petroleum Base Oil 64742-65-0 15-25
LVP Hydrocarbon Fluid 64742-47-8 12-18
Carbon Dioxide 124-38-9 2-3
According to other information I have:
Aliphatic Petroleum Distillates 8052-41-3 is Stoddards Solvent, a kind of 
refined kerosene
Petroleum Base Oil 64742-65-0 is mineral oil with the was 
removed.
LVP Hydrocarbon Fluid 64742-47-8 is apparently included to 
prevent oxidation.
The carbon dioxide is the propellant now used.
So it would appear that WD-40 is refined kerosene with some mineral oil in
it.
>I've used it for yrs on pots. Once done, never done again and they become 
>silky
>smooth.

I am glad you have had long term success with it.
>Over the years the implied purpose of WD-40 has
>changed for marketing purposes.

I agree. From the makers web site, timeline page:
"1953 - On the 40th try, scientists at Rocket
Chemical Company in San Diego perfect Water
Displacement formula. Hence, the name.
1959 - WD-40 is used on NASA's Atlas missile to
displace moisture and prevent rust corrosion."
 From the same web site, the current claimed functions are:
"WD-40 fulfills five basic functions:
 1. CLEANS: WD-40 gets under dirt, grime and grease to clean. It also 
dissolves adhesives, allowing easy removal of labels, tape and excess 
bonding material.
 2. DISPLACES MOISTURE: Because WD-40 displaces moisture, it quickly 
dries out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuits.
 3. PENETRATES: WD-40 loosens rust-to-metal bonds and frees stuck, 
frozen or rusted metal parts.
 4. LUBRICATES: WD-40's lubricating ingredients are widely dispersed 
and tenaciously held to all moving parts.
 5. PROTECTS: WD-40 protects metal surfaces with corrosion-resistant 
ingredients to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements. ... "
>An old time TV repairman who is no longer with us told me originally it 
>was developed
>for TV techs.

I found nothing on the manufacturer's web site that supports that idea.
I do find that the company acquired the makes of Lava Soap (and a modest 
number of other companies):
"Lava, the original heavy-duty hand cleaner, is available in a bar, liquid 
and towel.
No matter how dirty you get, the job's not done until your hands are clean."
Roy
- Roy Morgan, K1LKY since 1959 - Keep 'em Glowing!
7130 Panorama Drive, Derwood MD 20855
Home: 301-330-8828 Work: Voice: 301-975-3254, Fax: 301-948-6213
[email protected] --