WD-40’s name isn’t a marketing trick—it’s a record of persistence. Created in 1953 to protect missile parts from corrosion, the formula only worked on the 40th attempt. “WD” simply means Water Displacement, and the number marks the successful try.
What began as a military solution quickly became a household essential for loosening rust, stopping squeaks, and fixing everyday problems. Its story is a simple reminder that repeated failure can still lead to something incredibly useful.