WD-40 Specialist Corrosion Inhibitor Spray

Curated from 69 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 20, 2025

WD-40 Specialist Corrosion Inhibitor Spray

Brand: WD-40 Specialist
Price: $15
Snoop Score:
6.7
Sentiment
5.8
Popularity
4.7
Technical
7.6

Snoop's Take

The WD-40 Specialist Corrosion Inhibitor is a powerful anti-rust spray designed to protect metal parts from rust and corrosion by forming a barrier against air and moisture. This long-lasting formula provides protection for up to two years indoors and one year outdoors, making it ideal for both preventive maintenance and use in corrosive environments. Consumers have praised this product for its effectiveness, with one user stating, "This is one of the best performing rust inhibitors you can buy, and far exceeds the likes of Boeshield and CRC since this works outside in exposed environments." While many users appreciate its rust prevention capabilities, some have expressed concerns about its lubrication properties, noting comments like "WD40 is not a lubricant" and "There’s always a better product for any job." Overall, the product is recommended for its intended purpose of corrosion protection, despite mixed reviews on its lubrication effectiveness. Given the strong positive feedback on its rust inhibition and long-lasting protection, the WD-40 Specialist Corrosion Inhibitor is recommended for those seeking reliable corrosion prevention solutions in a variety of environments.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Corrosion & Rust Inhibitors

This is one of the best performing rust inhibitors you can buy, and far exceeds the likes of Boeshield and CRC since this works outside in exposed environments.

Positive Feedback

My experience has been fluid film is the best rust inhibitor, but it stinks.

Negative Feedback
Product
6.7
WD-40 Specialist Corrosion Inhibitor Spray
Preventative Maintenance
8 / 10
Marine Applications
8 / 10
Automotive Protection
8 / 10
Industrial Use
8 / 10
See how this compares to all Corrosion & Rust Inhibitors

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Best performing rust inhibitor
This is one of the best performing rust inhibitors you can buy, and far exceeds the likes of Boeshield and CRC since this works outside in exposed environments.
Effective for corrosion prevention
Works well
Effective for protecting tools from rust
How do I protect my tools over winter?
Plus your tools won't be seized up.
Long-lasting protection against corrosion
I live in upstate NY and have been storing my tools in an uninsulated shed for 8+ winters with no issues with rust or corrosion.
Helps to unstick parts
Yep. WD-40 will help get it unstuck.
Effective for inhibiting rust and freeing rusted parts
WD40 is a great product with a lot of uses, especially inhibiting rust and helping to free moving metal parts that are rusted in place.
Effective for preventing rust after washing
I decided to spray some wd40 to all the screws and joints to prevent rust.
WD isn't really much for lubricating, but it is perfect for preventing rust after a wash or wet run.
Useful for treating dry joints and exposed metal
I do like to run on beaches though; when I’m not going to beaches I’m less fussy.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Fluid film has a bad smell
My experience has been fluid film is the best rust inhibitor, but it stinks.
CRC 3-36 performed better in tests
CRC 3-36 performed better.
Product may not be effective on non-structural rust
WD40's specialist corrosion inhibitor won't hurt, it really won't help either.
Not a good penetrant compared to others
There’s alway a better product for any job.
WD-40 appears to be ineffective for tool rust prevention
Also seems like WD40 is as good as useless.
WD-40 is ineffective as a rust dissolver
ELI5: how does WD40 dissolve rust on tools and metal?
It doesn’t. WD-40 is a very light oil/solvent, so it just creates a slippery layer that allows loose corrosion to wipe off onto a rag.
It doesn't dissolve rust. It is a light oil with some solvents that can act as a penetrating oil.
Wake up, people. WD-40 is awful.
Poor lubricant performance compared to other products
Contrary to the advertising, WD40 makes a really poor lubricant.
WD-40 is not a long-term lubricant
I'm looking at the label and it seems like you'd use it anywhere you'd use wd40/greases.
WD40 is not a lubricant.
if it's a lubricant and doesn't last long, it's not a lubricant.
WD-40 is effective for cleaning and derusting, not lubrication
WD40 isn't a lubricant. It's good for cleaning and derusting things.
WD-40 is not optimal for frequent lubrication
I wouldn’t use it daily if I have the means not to, like I wouldn’t use regular WD40 for lubrication unless I had to is my point.

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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Preference for rust preventative made for injection molds
I like using rust preventative made for injection molds.
Discussion on the effectiveness of various lubricants
wd40 "specialist" did a fantastic job but I'm not using anything called wd40 on my gun.
I'm poor.
Cool find, Hoppes 9 and 5w30 has been treating me right for a while.
If it's good enough for my Toyota, it's good for my Kalash.

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion on undercarriage treatments
Is there a safe coating I can spray under my vehicle and is it even necessary?
DO NOT GET A RUBBERIZED PAINT LIKE UNDERCOATING. It will trap moisture under it and rot your frame underneath.
any oil/fluid based undercoating is great.
If you go to a name brand place like Krown, they usually have a lifetime warranty on any rusty parts.
Discussion on alternative penetrating oils
I would tip the machine over so the side in picture 2 is upright and fill the indention with a true penetrating oil.
Discussion on various rust prevention methods
I've heard mineral oil is a good, cheap solution but I need 'food grade' oil.
The main idea is that its both a lubricant and a degreaser.
why not 3 in 1 oil?
Discussion on silicone-based lubricants for locks
Is WD-40 Specialist silicone-based lubricant safe for locks?
I have this can of silicone-based WD-40 so I'm wondering if this will work to lubricate a problem lock.
I personally use 3-in-one Lock Dry Lube, mostly PTFE, 1-5% mineral oil, and the dispersant that dries up.
I think this is just silicone lube that WD40 have stuck their brand on.
Discussion about alternative oils for rust prevention
Different types of oil for preventing rust.
So I have seen a lot of posts asking about tool rust, so I took four hand plane all from the same c
Does anyone even use Johnson paste wax anymore? It’s my go to on all my bare iron surfaces.
I use camellia oil and tub bees wax on the sole for increased sliptvity and (knock on wood) haven’t had any rust issues ever.
Discussion on alternative rust dissolving methods
However there ARE products that can 'dissolve rust' using acids to pickle the surface.
Might be fun to try on an old junk workpiece though just for giggles.
Discussion on alternative screw materials for rust prevention
I would swap the screws for stainless steel ones to stop them rusting.
Discussion on alternative lubricants and their applications
WD40 is good for removing water and preventing rust temporarily.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion on cleaning techniques for rust
I'd wrap some scotch brite around a stick and clean it a bit but that's not too bad.
General reminder about subreddit rules
Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice!
Confusion over different WD-40 product types (silicone and lithium)
So read the bottle, not just the brand, before picking up a can of 'WD-40' people.
Comparison of silicone spray and lithium grease with WD-40
wd40 is certainly a lubricant that gets me through the session!

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Surface rust can offer some protection if kept dry
The thin layer of rust also offers some protection.
Historical note about WD-40's invention for missile protection
WD-40 was invented in San Diego in 1953 as a rust-prevention solvent for Atlas missile outer skins.

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