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Tool Talk => General Tool Discussion => Topic started by: gil2979 on October 09, 2018, 07:32:34 AM

Title: WD-40 will corrode the washers on leatherman tools?
Post by: gil2979 on October 09, 2018, 07:32:34 AM: Since English is not my native language I may be wrong, but washers are the little discs that separate the tools from each other / the frame?

Anyway, although they recommended using it this page:
https://www.leatherman.com/blog/everyday/how-to-maintain-and-extend-the-life-of-your-leatherman

But on this page: https://www.leatherman.com/CustomerService-Maintenance.html

they say "Do NOT use WD-40® as this will corrode the washers on our tools.".

Can it really damage my tools?
Also, I may have a gun oil, although I'm not sure of its kind, it will be fine to use on my tools as a lubricant?
Title: Re: WD-40 will corrode the washers on leatherman tools?
Post by: Don Pablo on October 09, 2018, 09:02:40 AM: WD-40 is not a lubricant, it’s for displacing water. ;)
I don’t know if it corrodes the washers.

Many of us use plain food safe mineral oil, and that works great. :tu:

Gun oil will probably work, I’ve never used it to know for sure though.
Title: Re: WD-40 will corrode the washers on leatherman tools?
Post by: SteveC on October 09, 2018, 02:28:42 PM: Gun oil will work although maybe not food safe where as plain mineral oil is .
Title: Re: WD-40 will corrode the washers on leatherman tools?
Post by: Smashie on October 09, 2018, 09:07:15 PM: I can't see how as LM still/used to recommend WD for their tools.

Plus I've used wd on my 99 wave since I got it (in 1999), nothing wrong with the washers at all
Title: Re: WD-40 will corrode the washers on leatherman tools?
Post by: Nix on October 09, 2018, 09:20:44 PM: Quote from: Smashie on October 09, 2018, 09:07:15 PM
I can't see how as LM still/used to recommend WD for their tools.

I agree.... :think:

But, I'd still use a food-safe oil like mineral oil or a very light dressing with Ballistol.
Title: Re: WD-40 will corrode the washers on leatherman tools?
Post by: AimlessWanderer on October 09, 2018, 09:21:59 PM: What makes Leatherman prove to corrosion/rust, is not WD40, but the metal grades they use, and the surface texture of components. That said, there are better lubricants, and mineral oil would be my recommendation.
Title: Re: WD-40 will corrode the washers on leatherman tools?
Post by: cody6268 on October 09, 2018, 09:33:15 PM: The bead blasting LM uses on a lot of models makes it really prone to rust. Cleaned an ST300, and not an hour later, rust spots everywhere.

WD40 I only use when breaking a well used, really stiff knife loose. For lube, either 3-in-1 or gun oil.
Title: Re: WD-40 will corrode the washers on leatherman tools?
Post by: hiraethus on October 09, 2018, 10:47:05 PM: WD-40 is mostly made of solvents. It's not a very good lubricant.
Title: Re: WD-40 will corrode the washers on leatherman tools?
Post by: Smashie on October 09, 2018, 11:30:46 PM: Ok conflicting information http://wiki.multitool.org/tiki-browse_gallery.php?galleryId=19&offset=0 PST manual says use WD, website says don't
Title: Re: WD-40 will corrode the washers on leatherman tools?
Post by: Dean51 on October 10, 2018, 12:34:18 AM: Quote from: Don Pablo on October 09, 2018, 09:02:40 AM
WD-40 is not a lubricant, it’s for displacing water. ;)
I don’t know if it corrodes the washers.

Many of us use plain food safe mineral oil, and that works great. :tu:

Gun oil will probably work, I’ve never used it to know for sure though.
:iagree:
I don't think WD-40 will corrode the washers but it might gum up over time.
I'll stick with 3 in 1 or something like it.
Title: Re: WD-40 will corrode the washers on leatherman tools?
Post by: gil2979 on October 11, 2018, 03:59:01 PM: Thanks for all the answers!