People Are Shocked

Behind its humble blue-and-yellow can, WD-40 is actually a testament to persistence.

The story begins in 1953 with Norm Larsen and the Rocket Chemical Company.

Their mission wasn’t household fixes—it was protecting missiles from rust during the Cold War.

They sought the perfect “Water Displacement” formula, but success didn’t come easily.

Attempts 1 through 39 all ended in failure.

On the 40th try, they finally got it right—a compound that repelled moisture and shielded metal.

That origin explains why it tackles rust, loosens bolts, silences hinges, and dissolves stubborn grime—it was built for far tougher challenges than a squeaky door.