Everyone knows or should know of WD-40, mainly because it’s great for squeaks and bikes, and commonly known applications, but there are many, many more. There’s 1001 uses that WD40 gets used for other than lubricating spray. Personally, have used it mainly for tools and keeping my bike and equipment running smoothly, but there are all kinds of uses and they keep coming. The latest use I have found was removing Flex Seal from a metal gear.

I wanted to dampen a metal on metal gear sound and thought that Flex Seal could do the trick, it worked for the most part. I applied it a bit liberally and needed to take it back off. When using Flex Seal products, applying is easy, removal of it, not so much. I researched ways to take it off and there are some serious chemicals that people were suggesting, so I tried rag and various things around the house to no avail. The extra rubber on the gear was creating friction and thought maybe I could just lubricate the rubber just to see if that would smooth things along. As it the gears turned, I noticed there was some black substance on the wood and quickly realized that the rubber was coming off. I pulled off the gear and applied a fair amount where I wanted to remove and sure enough, using a dry cloth, I was able to wipe it clean. CLEAN! Just let it sit for just a couple minutes and it comes right off, I was surprised and very happy.

After that, I knew I needed to do a quick quip about it because Flex Seal is some hardy rubber. I have read a couple times where it ruined the project because it got out of hand. There was a guy who thought he ruined a $1500 raft because when he folded up the raft for the season, the Flex Seal got all over it and he couldn't get it off. I have looked for that forum again so I can post what I found, because I know WD-40 would take it right off with ease.

I looked up the top uses for WD-40 and stuff you shouldn't use it for. Since WD-40 collects dust, there are some uses that I use it for that it doesn't suggest it be used for, like door hinges and a bike chain for example; however, in a pinch, it can't be beat t.

Use WD-40 To:

1. Lube a shovel. Spray WD-40 on a shovel, spading fork, hoe or garden trowel. The soil slides right off—especially helpful when digging in clay.

2. Clean tile. The spray removes spilled mascara, nail polish, paint and scuff marks from tile floors, and helps you wipe away grime from the grout lines. Clean up with soapy water.

3. Scrub stains from stainless steel sinks.

4. Unstick gum. A squirt makes it easier to pull gum out of carpet and even hair. It's better than cutting out the gum and leaving patchy carpet or a bad haircut.

5. Soften leather. Oil can help break in a stiff leather tool belt.

6. Free stuck LEGOs. Your kids will thank you.

7. Erase crayon. When crayon ends up on toys, flooring, furniture, painted walls, wallpaper, windows, doors, and television screens. Spray on WD-40 and wipe it off.

8. Prevent flowerpots from sticking when stacked together.

9. Get rid of rust. Spray and rub away rust from circular saw and hacksaw blades. It can also clean blades of tar and other gunk.

10. Remove goo. Unstick gooey residue from price tags, duct tape, and stickers.

The lesson here, don't be caught without some WD-40 in the house. There are too many reasons to list on this blog bit, and the list is always growing.