[Kenwood] Using DeoxIT on TS830 band switch...

Fri, 2 Jan 2004 21:34:51 -0500

Roy,

I didn't make it clear but really that's the only thing I disagreed
with. No varnish. I also said sparingly. I would agree if you filled
a switch that is switching 110V you will have a problem. I wouldn't
use it on something that will be hot switched with lethal voltages
because it is flammable. I guess like anything your mileage may
vary. I've used it very successfully.

Mike

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of Roy Morgan
Sent: Friday, January 02, 2004 3:01 PM
To: Mike MacDonald; [email protected]
Subject: RE: [Kenwood] Using DeoxIT on TS830 band switch...

I wrote:
>...Developed by NASA to remove water from tiles in the launch building and
>apply a coat of (note this) VARNISH to keep dampness from going back into
>the tiles.

At 12:07 PM 1/2/04 -0500, Mike MacDonald wrote:
>I'd like to see documentation on that.

Mike,

I can't supply lots of detailed authoritative information, but it appears
that my idea that it had or has varnish in it is not true (except perhaps
as a trace ingredient.)  Likewise, I can find references to use of the
product on the Atlas rockets to prevent corrosion, but not references to
use on the tiles of the launch platforms   A web search finds me the
following:

The history of WD-40:
<http://www.wd40.com/PressRoom/pdfs/wd40_history_timeline.pdf>
To which site this quote is attributed:

"WD-40 literally stands for Water Displacement, 40th attempt. That's the
name straight out of the lab book used by the chemist who developed WD-40
back in 1953. The chemist, Norm Larsen, was attempting to concoct a formula
to prevent corrosion -- a task which is done by displacing water. Norm's
persistence paid off when he perfected the formula on his 40th try."

I did find a number of hits from such places as the Lotus Club of America
and bicycle racing discussion forums. They all seem to agree: WD-40 is
excellent at penetrating, cleaning, removing water oil and grease, but is
not a lubricant that lasts very long.

The MSDS for WD-40 on the manufacturers web site is at:
<http://www.wd40.com/Brands/pdfs/msds-wd40_aerosol.us.pdf>

This shows the contents to be:

(name)                                    (cas number)  (percent)
Aliphatic Petroleum Distillates  8052-41-3       45-50
Petroleum Base Oil                  64742-65-0    15-25
LVP Hydrocarbon Fluid             64742-47-8    12-18
Carbon Dioxide                        124-38-9         2-3

According to other information I have:

Aliphatic Petroleum Distillates  8052-41-3 is Stoddards Solvent, a kind of
refined kerosene
Petroleum Base Oil                 64742-65-0 is mineral oil with the was
removed.
LVP Hydrocarbon Fluid            64742-47-8  is apparently included to
prevent oxidation.
The carbon dioxide is the propellant now used.

So it would appear that WD-40 is refined kerosene with some mineral oil in
it.

>I've used it for yrs on pots. Once done, never done again and they become
>silky
>smooth.

I am glad you have had long term success with it.

>Over the years the implied purpose of WD-40 has
>changed for marketing purposes.

I agree.  From the makers web site, timeline page:

"1953 - On the 40th try, scientists at Rocket
Chemical Company in San Diego perfect Water
Displacement formula.  Hence, the name.

1959 - WD-40 is used on NASA's Atlas missile to
displace moisture and prevent rust corrosion."

 From the same web site, the current claimed functions are:

"WD-40 fulfills five basic functions:

    1. CLEANS:  WD-40 gets under dirt, grime and grease to clean. It also
dissolves adhesives, allowing easy removal of labels, tape and excess
bonding material.
    2. DISPLACES MOISTURE:  Because WD-40 displaces moisture, it quickly
dries out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuits.
    3. PENETRATES:  WD-40 loosens rust-to-metal bonds and frees stuck,
frozen or rusted metal parts.
    4. LUBRICATES:  WD-40's lubricating ingredients are widely dispersed
and tenaciously held to all moving parts.
    5. PROTECTS:  WD-40 protects metal surfaces with corrosion-resistant
ingredients to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements.  ... "

>An old time TV repairman who is no longer with us told me originally it
>was developed
>for TV techs.

I found nothing on the manufacturer's web site that supports that idea.

I do find that the company acquired the makes of Lava Soap (and a modest
number of other companies):
"Lava, the original heavy-duty hand cleaner, is available in a bar, liquid
and towel.
No matter how dirty you get, the job's not done until your hands are clean."

Roy

- Roy Morgan, K1LKY since 1959 - Keep 'em Glowing!
7130 Panorama Drive, Derwood MD 20855
Home: 301-330-8828 Work: Voice: 301-975-3254,  Fax: 301-948-6213
[email protected] --

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