You likely already know, but just in case (and for any readers who don’t know).
WD40 is a water displacement compound and so acts as a degreaser and rust softener. It strips the oil and crap off a part, letting it move. It also strips the protective coating off as well. It will rust rapidly without this.
If you use WD40 you need to follow up with replacement oil, or other protection and lubricant. Without it, it will seize up again quite quickly.
I thought about adding a comment, but eventually got lazy. But you’re right - I also always make a point of reminding people WD40 is not a good lubricant, so I should have added that, PSA and all.
So, for the record: in this case, I followed it up with an all-weather synthetic chain oil since the stuff I have on hand does have excellent corrosion protection and does in fact lube the bearings in my particular latch mechanism, while lasting.
I’ve seen too many bicycles destroyed by this over the years. People clean them off in the autumn , then wonder why the gears are rusted to hell in the spring.
I’ve some relatives who always did this to things, then complained about it. It made me a little… reactive to it.
You likely already know, but just in case (and for any readers who don’t know).
WD40 is a water displacement compound and so acts as a degreaser and rust softener. It strips the oil and crap off a part, letting it move. It also strips the protective coating off as well. It will rust rapidly without this.
If you use WD40 you need to follow up with replacement oil, or other protection and lubricant. Without it, it will seize up again quite quickly.
I thought about adding a comment, but eventually got lazy. But you’re right - I also always make a point of reminding people WD40 is not a good lubricant, so I should have added that, PSA and all.
So, for the record: in this case, I followed it up with an all-weather synthetic chain oil since the stuff I have on hand does have excellent corrosion protection and does in fact lube the bearings in my particular latch mechanism, while lasting.
Thanks for bringing that up.
I’ve seen too many bicycles destroyed by this over the years. People clean them off in the autumn , then wonder why the gears are rusted to hell in the spring.
I’ve some relatives who always did this to things, then complained about it. It made me a little… reactive to it.