If you manage or maintain industrial equipment, you’ve likely experienced the frustration of a
machine that “just broke down” for no apparent reason. In the real world, however, equipment
failures are rarely random – they frequently result from a breakdown in routine maintenance or loss
of protective measures over time. This white paper explores how recurring equipment failures (the
“failure cycle”) can be prevented by adopting a proactive maintenance approach we call “Prep,
Clean, Lube, Protect.” Each step targets a specific failure cause: preparing parts properly (for
example, using effective penetrants to free stuck components), thorough cleaning to remove
contaminants, applying the right lubricants to reduce wear, and protecting surfaces from corrosion
and other damage.
Read the full white paper here.
"}],"tags":["wd-40","wd40","wd-40 specialist","wd40 specialist","degreaser","wd-40 specialist degreaser","maintenance","manufacturing","degreaser spray","lubrication","spray lubricant","wd-40 white lithium grease","white lithium grease","penetrant","gel lube","food grade lubricant and penetrant"],"filterKeywords":["Industrial"],"createdAt":"2026-03-27T10:25:06-07:00","relatedArticles":[{"id":"bCRta8tAS4i182874uMyBw","slug":"wd-40-specialist-r-streamlined-preventative-maintenance-drives-significant-estima","title":"WD-40 Specialist® | Streamlined Preventative Maintenance Drives Significant Estimated Cost Savings","subtitle":"A leading U.S. automotive manufacturer implemented WD-40 Specialist® products across its molding, shearing, and assembly operations to reduce downtime, streamline maintenance routines, and standardize its preventative maintenance practices. ","teaser":"A leading U.S. automotive manufacturer implemented WD-40 Specialist® products across its molding, shearing, and assembly operations to reduce downtime, streamline maintenance routines, and standardize its preventative maintenance practices.","heroImage":{"id":"FSFBdIyZSjCjG2L0KokdGw","title":null,"alt":null,"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/10845/1769190707-web_size-30028-degreaser-15oz-straw-up-spray-1.jpg"},"category":{"id":"1128462","slug":"blog-post","name":"Blog Post","blog":true},"createdAt":"2026-01-20T13:09:04-07:00","dateOfArticle":"2025-11-19T01:00:00-07:00"},{"id":"EpBQL070ShOdpw7FQ6xb9w","slug":"wd-40-specialist-r-gel-lube-estimated-to-save-poultry-egg-farm-over-20-000-annual","title":"WD-40 Specialist® Gel Lube Estimated to Save Poultry Egg Farm Over $20,000 Annually","subtitle":"A large poultry egg farm, located in Southern California, operates one of the region’s largest egg-laying facilities—housing more than 2 million hens across 14 barns and producing over 100 million eggs annually. 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Over 1,000 conveyor chains move manure and eggs through a heavy particulate environment.","heroImage":{"id":"FyGLnwDyRYGhDYUJU1cqqA","title":null,"alt":null,"url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/10845/1769190276-web_size-nlp_mro_product_hero_024.jpeg"},"category":{"id":"1128462","slug":"blog-post","name":"Blog Post","blog":true},"createdAt":"2026-01-20T12:54:53-07:00","dateOfArticle":"2025-10-01T00:00:00-07:00"}],"relatedProducts":[{"id":"1110007","whereToBuy":"https://where-to-buy.co/widgets/core/shoppable/index.html?pid=12046011&model=30000","whereToBuyBniss":"https://where-to-buy.co/widgets/core/BNI-SS/index.html?pid=12046011&campaignId=U3o3rBduUImHfuE75MouPuV24IE7xBPB","showOnIndex":true,"showSizeOnIndex":false,"slug":"penetrating-oil","displayName":"WD-40 Specialist® Penetrant","bazaarVoiceId":"wd-40-specialist-rust-release-penetrant","subtitle":"11 oz.","teaser":"WD-40 Specialist Penetrant contains a proprietary blend of ingredients that work fast to free rusted bolts and other stuck parts. 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The capillary action penetrates into tight crevices, threads, and seams to break the bonds that hold stuck parts together. It helps prevent rust and corrosion from re-forming and leaves behind a lubricating layer. The professional-grade formula is low odor, working effectively without harsh, lingering scents.
\nUse Penetrant on nuts, bolts, pipe threads and rusted things that are stuck and won't move! It is safe to use on most common application surfaces, including most metals, plastics, and rubbers when used as directed. If unsure, test on a small area first.
\nThe permanently attached Smart Straw® Sprays 2 Ways® delivery system allows for pinpoint application or a wider spray, giving you different options to fit the job.
"},{"body":"1Test Lab: WD-40 Co. Technical Center (Pine Brook, NJ); Penetration speed measured using nail climb (time to reach 1.75cm); Test dates: 03/2023; 07/2024
"}],"images":[{"alt":"Can of WD-40 Specialist Penetrant","url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/10845/1661735012-30000-penetrant-11oz-front-1-min.png","id":"2196011"},{"alt":"Back of WD-40 Specialist Penetrant Can","url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/10845/1594939518-30000-penetrant-11oz-back.png","id":"2196012"},{"alt":"Hand spraying WD-40 onto bolts on a vehicle brake assembly to loosen them after winter storage; overlay text reads “Loosen bolts after winter storage,” with a spring icon.","url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/10845/1773340954-25-wd40-seasonal-batch-1-penetrant.jpg","id":"AtY-5vO-T2W_rg_gtIZqag"},{"alt":"WD-40 Specialist® line of products","url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/10845/1740202886-web_size-23-wd40-0449-carousel-images_specialist-penetrant-smart-straw_v04.jpg","id":"QJaMdCcjRP2RRlsobW9r1A"}]},{"id":"1110089","whereToBuy":"https://where-to-buy.co/widgets/core/shoppable/index.html?pid=12046011&model=30028","whereToBuyBniss":"","showOnIndex":true,"showSizeOnIndex":false,"slug":"industrial_strength_degreaser","displayName":"WD-40 Specialist® Degreaser","bazaarVoiceId":"wd-40-specialist-industrial-strength-degreaser","subtitle":"15 oz.","teaser":"WD-40 Specialist Degreaser is a powerful, fast-acting formula designed to quickly clean tools, machinery, engines, and equipment, restoring their appearance and ensuring smooth operation.","upc":"0 79567 30028 1","skus":["300280"],"amazonUrl":"","featuredImageLeftAligned":{"id":"2196119","title":"WD-40 Specialist® Degreaser","alt":"Can of WD-40 Specialist® Degreaser","url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/10845/1594942516-30028-degreaser-15oz-front.png"},"featuredImageRightAligned":{"id":"2196121","title":"WD-40 Specialist® Degreaser","alt":"Can of WD-40 Specialist® Degreaser","url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/10845/1594942537-30028-degreaser-15oz-front.png"},"listImage":{"id":"28765702","title":null,"alt":"Can of WD-40 Specialist Industial Degreaser","url":"https://www.datocms-assets.com/10845/1635441057-degreaser.png"},"sampleImage":null,"productUses":[{"id":"862953","name":"Work","slug":"work"},{"id":"872475","name":"Industrial","slug":"industrial"}],"productCategory":{"id":"872458","name":"WD-40® Specialist®","slug":"specialist"},"productFunctions":[{"id":"862959","name":"Clean & Degrease","slug":"clean-degrease","order":2},{"id":"862961","name":"Remove","slug":"removes","order":9},{"id":"68759579","name":"Specialist Products","slug":"specialist-products","order":7}],"useLocations":[{"id":"1134537","name":"At the Marina","slug":"at-the-marina"},{"id":"1134569","name":"At the Race Track","slug":"at-the-race-track"},{"id":"1134536","name":"In the Factory","slug":"in-the-factory"},{"id":"1134499","name":"In the Garage","slug":"in-the-garage"},{"id":"1134575","name":"In the Shop","slug":"in-the-shop"},{"id":"1134510","name":"In the Yard","slug":"in-the-yard"},{"id":"1134523","name":"On the Farm","slug":"on-the-farm"},{"id":"1134562","name":"On the Job Site","slug":"on-the-job-site"}],"videos":[],"content":[{"body":"WD-40 Specialist Degreaser is a powerful, fast-acting formula designed to quickly clean tools, machinery, engines, and equipment, restoring their appearance and ensuring smooth operation. Featuring a proprietary industrial-strength solvent, it effectively breaks down grease while remaining safe for use on multiple surfaces, unlike other harsh degreasers.
\nWD-40 Specialist Degreaser is ideal for use on automotive and truck engines, tire rims, tractors, forklifts, gears and chains, industrial machinery, farm equipment, power equipment, and other metal tools. It is safe to use on most common application surfaces, including most metals, plastics, and glass, when used as directed. If unsure, test on a small area first.
\nThe permanently attached Smart Straw® Sprays 2 Ways® delivery system allows for pinpoint application or a wider spray, giving you different options to fit the job.
"},{"body":"Rust is a perpetual problem for many metals, especially those exposed to moisture and air. It can weaken metal materials and make them unsightly. Rust also affects the performance of tools and equipment, and can eventually lead to their failure. Fortunately, there are a good number of solutions available to deal with rust, including prevention, removal, and restoration, and the WD-40® Brand is here to help make it happen.
\nWhat is rust, anyway?
\nThe electrochemical reaction that occurs when iron or steel interacts with oxygen and water leads to the production of iron oxide -- or rust. This reddish-brown compound forms on the surfaces of metals and happens naturally in the environment, although it can be accelerated by exposure to salt water or other corrosive substances. Some metals, such as stainless steel and aluminum, are resistant to corrosion and do not readily form rust. Many common hand tools used by professionals, DIYers, and people at home are subject to rust, so preventing or removing it is a priority in order to avoid unnecessary replacement.
\nWhy use metals that rust?
\nAlthough stainless steel is a popular choice for many tools, there are several reasons why some are not made from this material:
\nUltimately, the choice of material depends on the specific requirements and characteristics of the tool and its intended use. Rust prevention is not hard to achieve with good maintenance practices, and human ingenuity provides solutions to keep tools in good shape even in the most extreme conditions.
\nHow is rust harmful?
\nRusty tools can cause several issues, including:
\nWD-40 Brand Products that Protect:
\nWD-40 Brand Products that Remove Rust:
\nWhat to do for your tools:
\nWhether hand tools are part of your everyday life or an every now-and-then means to an end, taking care of tools and equipment is a sound practice carry forward. Prevention is your first line of defense, and the best solution to rusty tools is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Store tools in a dry and cool place, wipe them clean after use, and apply a coat of oil or rust inhibitor such as WD-40 Multi-Use Product. If rust has already developed on your tools, remove it using the Original WD-40 Formula with a wire brush or sandpaper, or turn to WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak for tougher jobs. Once the rust has been removed, apply a lubricant layer to prevent future rust and keep the tool working smoothly. If all else fails and the tool is beyond repair, consider replacement as a last option.
\n\n
Pro Tip: If you invest in higher-quality tools you may save yourself from future purchases, especially once you’ve built in those good maintenance habits. Store your tools in an appropriate place and lightly coat them using the area spray feature on WD-40 Smart Straw®.
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\nWD-40 Specialist Dry Lube provides superior lubrication and long-lasting corrosion protection with no sticky residue. Best used where cleanliness and maximum performance are required as it dries quickly, leaving behind a lubricating film that resists dirt and dust buildup.
\nDry Lube is ideal for use on blades and bits, door and window tracks, slides, rollers, hinges, conveyor belts, and power tools. It is safe to use on most common application surfaces, including most metals, plastics, and rubbers, when used as directed. If unsure, test on a small area first.
\nThe permanently attached Smart Straw® Sprays 2 Ways® delivery system allows for pinpoint application or a wider spray, giving you different options to fit the job.
\nWD-40 Multi-Use Product protects metal from rust and corrosion, penetrates stuck parts, displaces moisture and lubricates almost anything. WD-40 EZ-REACH features an attached 8-inch flexible straw that bends and keeps its shape to get into hard-to-reach places.
"},{"body":"WD-40 Multi-Use Product protects metal from rust and corrosion, penetrates stuck parts, displaces moisture and lubricates almost anything. WD-40 Multi-Use Product Industrial Size is perfect for big jobs that require a large amount of WD-40 Multi-Use Product in one place.
\n