What is WD-40 and What is it Made Of?
What is WD-40?
The crisp scent of gunpowder, the smooth action of the slide, and the satisfying thud of the trigger – owning and handling firearms can be a rewarding experience. But this enjoyment comes with a serious responsibility: proper gun maintenance. Neglecting your firearm is not only dangerous but can also significantly reduce its lifespan and accuracy. The question is, what’s the best way to keep your firearm in top condition? The debate often arises about whether a readily available product, WD-40, can be used for gun cleaning.
WD-40, with its distinctive blue and yellow can, is a familiar sight in garages, workshops, and toolboxes worldwide. Known for its versatility, WD-40 is marketed as a multi-use product capable of displacing moisture, lubricating moving parts, and protecting surfaces from corrosion. But does this household helper have a place in the world of gun maintenance? The answer, like many things related to firearms, is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. This article will explore whether you can clean a gun with WD40, examining its pros and cons, and providing a comprehensive guide to effective gun care.
The Composition of WD-40
Understanding WD-40’s composition is crucial to understanding its limitations. Its name stands for Water Displacement, 40th formula. This indicates that it was the 40th attempt to create a formula that would prevent corrosion. The primary goal of WD-40 is to displace water and act as a temporary lubricant. Its key components include a petroleum-based oil and various solvents.
The solvents are what help WD-40 penetrate and dissolve grime and rust. The oil then leaves a thin film on surfaces, providing a barrier against moisture. It’s designed to be a quick fix and a temporary solution.
The Good Side: When WD-40 Might Be Helpful on Your Gun
There are a few situations where WD-40 *might* have a place in your gun cleaning arsenal. However, it’s important to understand that these are exceptional cases rather than routine practices.
Displacing Moisture
One area where WD-40 can be helpful is in displacing moisture. If your gun has been exposed to rain or humidity, spraying it with WD-40 can help remove any trapped water and prevent rust from forming, particularly on external surfaces. This is a useful tool for a quick clean in the field.
Loosening Stuck Parts
WD-40 can also be used to help loosen up stuck parts. The solvents in the formula can penetrate and help dissolve built-up grime and gunk, making it easier to disassemble and reassemble your firearm. This can be especially useful if you’ve noticed some rust or corrosion buildup in hard-to-reach areas.
Temporary Solution
Moreover, sometimes you might find yourself in a situation where you don’t have access to your regular gun cleaning supplies. Perhaps you’re out in the field, or at a range. In such a case, using WD-40 might be better than nothing. But again, this should be seen as a temporary solution, a quick fix until you can give your firearm a proper cleaning with the right products.
The Bad Side: Why WD-40 Isn’t Ideal for Regular Gun Cleaning
While WD-40 has its niche, it falls short as a complete and effective gun cleaner for several reasons.
Not a True Cleaner
The main problem is that WD-40 isn’t a true cleaner in the way that specialized gun solvents are. It doesn’t have the powerful cleaning agents needed to dissolve and remove burnt powder, carbon buildup, lead deposits, and other stubborn residue that accumulates after firing. Cleaning these deposits is essential for maintaining accuracy, preventing malfunctions, and prolonging the life of your firearm.
Leaves Residue
Another significant issue is the residue it leaves behind. WD-40’s petroleum-based oil tends to attract dirt, dust, and debris. This can create a sticky buildup over time, which can hamper the smooth operation of the moving parts in your gun. This gunk can also contribute to malfunctions and lead to increased wear and tear.
Possible Damage
Furthermore, WD-40 might negatively impact certain gun components. While it’s often safe on steel, WD-40 can sometimes soften or swell wood stocks, dissolve some adhesives, and potentially damage polymer parts, especially if used repeatedly or excessively. It is also not recommended on rubber or plastic components.
Flammability Considerations
Finally, WD-40 is flammable. When handling firearms, safety is paramount. While the risk is generally low, the potential for a fire hazard when using WD-40 near open flames or high heat sources should always be considered.
The Right Way: The Process of Cleaning Your Gun
The best approach to gun cleaning involves a systematic process, the correct tools, and the right products. Regular cleaning and maintenance are critical for safe and reliable operation.
Safety First
Before you start, always ensure your firearm is unloaded and that the chamber is empty. Remove the magazine and visually inspect the chamber and bore to confirm there are no rounds present. Safety is paramount.
Essential Tools and Supplies
You will need a few essential tools and supplies. These include:
- A quality gun cleaning solvent
- A bore brush and/or cleaning rod with appropriate attachments
- Cleaning patches or a bore snake
- Gun oil or lubricant
- A cleaning rod guide (for some firearms)
- A gun cleaning mat
- A rag or cleaning cloth
Step-by-Step Guide
Once you have your supplies ready, follow these general steps:
- Disassembly: Disassemble your firearm as recommended by the manufacturer. Not all firearms disassemble in the same way; therefore, carefully consult the owner’s manual or any other specific guidance.
- Bore Cleaning: Run a patch soaked with solvent through the barrel using the bore brush or bore snake. This will loosen up any deposits of residue.
- Scrub the Barrel: Use a bore brush that is compatible with your firearm’s caliber to scrub the interior of the barrel. Ensure the brush is inserted and pulled out of the barrel in one direction.
- Clean the Bore: Wipe the interior of the barrel with clean, dry patches until the patches come out clean.
- Cleaning Other Parts: Use a solvent and a brush or cloth to clean the rest of the firearm’s components, such as the slide, frame, and internal mechanisms. Pay special attention to areas where carbon buildup tends to accumulate.
- Lubricate: Apply a small amount of gun oil or lubricant to the moving parts of your firearm, like the slide rails, trigger mechanism, and other areas specified in the owner’s manual. This will ensure smooth operation and prevent wear.
- Reassembly: Reassemble your firearm, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Function Check: After reassembly, perform a function check to ensure the firearm operates correctly. This includes checking the trigger, safety, and slide (if applicable).
- External Cleaning: After finishing, you should give the external surfaces a final wipe-down with a clean cloth to remove any leftover residue.
Alternative Gun Cleaning Products: The Right Choices
The market offers a wide range of specialized gun cleaning products designed to provide superior cleaning and protection. These products are formulated specifically for the unique challenges of gun care and are a better choice than WD-40.
Recommended Products
Here are some examples of commonly used and highly recommended gun cleaning products:
- Bore Solvents: These are designed to dissolve carbon, copper, and other fouling materials that build up in the barrel.
- Gun Oil: A good-quality gun oil lubricates moving parts, prevents corrosion, and protects against rust.
- Gun Grease: Grease is a thick lubricant best used on high-wear areas.
- Copper Removers: Some types of ammunition use jackets made of copper. Copper removers will help dissolve copper fouling in the barrel.
- Cleaning Patches and Brushes: These are essential for removing solvents and debris from the barrel and other parts of the firearm.
Choosing high-quality gun cleaning products will go a long way toward ensuring your firearm functions safely and accurately.
Conclusion
So, can you clean a gun with WD-40? The answer is technically yes, but it isn’t the best choice for regular, comprehensive gun cleaning. While it can offer some benefits in specific circumstances, particularly for moisture displacement or quick, temporary cleaning, WD-40 lacks the power and specialized properties of dedicated gun cleaning products. The residue it leaves behind can attract debris, potentially causing malfunctions, and it may cause damage to certain parts of your firearm.
Ultimately, the best way to maintain your firearm is to use purpose-built gun cleaning solvents, oils, and other tools, and follow the recommended cleaning procedures outlined in the owner’s manual. Properly cleaning and lubricating your firearm is an essential part of responsible gun ownership, ensuring your firearm functions reliably, safely, and accurately for years to come. Investing in the right supplies and taking the time to clean your gun properly is an investment in both its longevity and your safety.
