WD-40 is a household name that many of us use regularly, but few know what the name actually stands for. We rely on it to fix everything from squeaky hinges to rusted bolts, but have you ever wondered how it got its name? I had used it for years without knowing, until one day while struggling with a rusty garden hose nozzle, I realized I didn’t even know what “WD-40” meant.

The answer is surprisingly simple and dates back to 1953. Chemist Norm Larsen worked at the Rocket Chemical Company, which was tasked with developing a formula to prevent missile parts from corroding. After 39 failed attempts, the team succeeded with their 40th formula. “WD” stands for “Water Displacement,” and the “40” refers to the fact that it was the 40th try that worked.

There was no marketing gimmick behind the name, just a determined effort to create something that worked. Despite its widespread use, many people still don’t know the product’s origins. In 2015, journalist David Muir asked Twitter users what WD-40 stood for, and many were surprised to learn the truth. Once the formula was perfected, it wasn’t just used for missiles.

People quickly discovered it was great for everyday tasks like loosening rusted bolts, cleaning sticky messes, and even fixing squeaky doors. Today, the WD-40 Company is a household name, and the product has become synonymous with reliability and versatility. It’s a reminder that persistence and innovation can lead to unexpected success.