Sick of trying to spray the tiniest amount of WD40 and getting it everywhere? - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Ti Pwun · 10th Sep 2014, 6:28 am

I know I was. So here is a little attachment that can be used when needed and removed from the can when it isn't. Also works well on sprayable white lithium grease.

To use, place a finger over the end of the pipette and press the button on the can. The air inside will prevent the liquid from going all over your finger and it will collect in the bulb end of the pipette. See photo.

Then, the can is positioned to where the fluid runs down into the open end of the pipette (it will not leak out) and by squeezing the bulb, even one tiny drop can be dispensed where you need it. Right on a tuning cap bearing is one such tricky place to reach. This can be done one-handed by holding the top of the can in your palm and squeezing the bulb between thumb and forefinger.

Works very well:

Edit: the white tube inserted into the pipette is a cotton bud with the ends snipped off, as per Geoff 555's 'Aerosol Tubes' suggestion.

Note also that the bulb rests nicely on the rim of the can and the red tube is secured into a hole in the pipette with epoxy glue.

Bazz4CQJ · 10th Sep 2014, 8:06 am

A long time ago, I had a can of WD40 lose its pressure when still pretty full, and the 'Yorkshire Gene' kicked in big time; some value had to be obtained, so I carefully punctured the can and drained the two layers in to a clean jam jar. I now use that with pipittes and even occasionally a syringe. Alternatively, I just dip one of the smaller jewellers screw drivers in to it and let that drain on to the point needing lube. Keep it topped up by emptying the dregs out of good cans in to it. And of course, WD40 is better than Plus Gas....for all purposes....

... but do keep it off your skin!

Ti Pwun · 10th Sep 2014, 2:51 pm

I don't think I could have thrown away that can either.

dseymo1 · 10th Sep 2014, 7:29 pm

WD40 is, of course, available 'loose', in non-aerosol containers, if alternative application methods are preferred.

Ti Pwun · 10th Sep 2014, 11:46 pm

It is, but I already had the aerosol WD40 and I got the pipettes free when I bought a bottle of flux so I used what I had.

Tim · 11th Sep 2014, 12:36 pm

Or spray some onto a screwdriver, and use that as a dropper.

avocollector · 10th Oct 2014, 2:15 pm

I've seen a youtube video about a low pressure can of crc. They show the user pulling off the spray head (so just the stem sticks up) then using compressed air head (tyre valve filler?) held over the stem to blow air back into the can. Presume if it was fairly low pressure (say up to 40PSI) it should work - anyone tried it?

Station X · 10th Oct 2014, 3:48 pm

Tired it years ago when aerosols were first introduced. Used a bicycle pump. It doesn't work very well because, I assume, there's less energy in compressed air than in an equal volume of propellant at the same pressure.

OscarFoxtrot · 10th Oct 2014, 7:14 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bazz4CQJ

. And of course, WD40 is better than Plus Gas....for all purposes....

... but do keep it off your skin!

WD40 is a very effective hand cleaner when followed by hot soapy water.

Bazz4CQJ · 10th Oct 2014, 9:49 pm

Nooo

! Please don't use it; even if it works it is the wrong way to go. I think the trick to cleaning hands is to use a barrier cream before starting work. I've tried quite a few and my current favourite is Rozalex "Wet-Guard". At one time, they offered free samples, and the samples were quite large.

B

10th Sep 2014, 6:28 am	#1
Ti Pwun Heptode Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 888	Sick of trying to spray the tiniest amount of WD40 and getting it everywhere? I know I was. So here is a little attachment that can be used when needed and removed from the can when it isn't. Also works well on sprayable white lithium grease. To use, place a finger over the end of the pipette and press the button on the can. The air inside will prevent the liquid from going all over your finger and it will collect in the bulb end of the pipette. See photo. Then, the can is positioned to where the fluid runs down into the open end of the pipette (it will not leak out) and by squeezing the bulb, even one tiny drop can be dispensed where you need it. Right on a tuning cap bearing is one such tricky place to reach. This can be done one-handed by holding the top of the can in your palm and squeezing the bulb between thumb and forefinger. Works very well: Edit: the white tube inserted into the pipette is a cotton bud with the ends snipped off, as per Geoff 555's 'Aerosol Tubes' suggestion. Note also that the bulb rests nicely on the rim of the can and the red tube is secured into a hole in the pipette with epoxy glue. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Ti Pwun; 10th Sep 2014 at 6:42 am.

10th Sep 2014, 8:06 am	#2
Bazz4CQJ Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Oxfordshire, UK. Posts: 4,935	Re: Sick of trying to spray the tiniest amount of WD40 and getting it everywhere? A long time ago, I had a can of WD40 lose its pressure when still pretty full, and the 'Yorkshire Gene' kicked in big time; some value had to be obtained, so I carefully punctured the can and drained the two layers in to a clean jam jar. I now use that with pipittes and even occasionally a syringe. Alternatively, I just dip one of the smaller jewellers screw drivers in to it and let that drain on to the point needing lube. Keep it topped up by emptying the dregs out of good cans in to it. And of course, WD40 is better than Plus Gas....for all purposes.... ... but do keep it off your skin! __________________ Saturn V had 6 million pounds of fuel. It would take thirty thousand strong men to lift it an inch.

10th Sep 2014, 2:51 pm	#3
Ti Pwun Heptode Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 888	Re: Sick of trying to spray the tiniest amount of WD40 and getting it everywhere? I don't think I could have thrown away that can either.

10th Sep 2014, 7:29 pm	#4
dseymo1 Retired Dormant Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Shropshire, UK. Posts: 3,051	Re: Sick of trying to spray the tiniest amount of WD40 and getting it everywhere? WD40 is, of course, available 'loose', in non-aerosol containers, if alternative application methods are preferred.

10th Sep 2014, 11:46 pm	#5
Ti Pwun Heptode Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK. Posts: 888	Re: Sick of trying to spray the tiniest amount of WD40 and getting it everywhere? It is, but I already had the aerosol WD40 and I got the pipettes free when I bought a bottle of flux so I used what I had.

11th Sep 2014, 12:36 pm	#6
Tim Dekatron Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, UK. Posts: 3,310	Re: Sick of trying to spray the tiniest amount of WD40 and getting it everywhere? Or spray some onto a screwdriver, and use that as a dropper. __________________ "Nothing is as dangerous as being too modern;one is apt to grow old fashioned quite suddenly."

10th Oct 2014, 2:15 pm	#7
avocollector Heptode Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Wellington, New Zealand. Posts: 653	Re: Sick of trying to spray the tiniest amount of WD40 and getting it everywhere? I've seen a youtube video about a low pressure can of crc. They show the user pulling off the spray head (so just the stem sticks up) then using compressed air head (tyre valve filler?) held over the stem to blow air back into the can. Presume if it was fairly low pressure (say up to 40PSI) it should work - anyone tried it?

10th Oct 2014, 3:48 pm	#8
Station X Moderator Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4, UK. Posts: 21,289	Re: Sick of trying to spray the tiniest amount of WD40 and getting it everywhere? Tired it years ago when aerosols were first introduced. Used a bicycle pump. It doesn't work very well because, I assume, there's less energy in compressed air than in an equal volume of propellant at the same pressure. __________________ Graham. Forum Moderator Reach for your meter before you reach for your soldering iron.

10th Oct 2014, 9:49 pm	#10
Bazz4CQJ Dekatron Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Oxfordshire, UK. Posts: 4,935	Re: Sick of trying to spray the tiniest amount of WD40 and getting it everywhere? Nooo ! Please don't use it; even if it works it is the wrong way to go. I think the trick to cleaning hands is to use a barrier cream before starting work. I've tried quite a few and my current favourite is Rozalex "Wet-Guard". At one time, they offered free samples, and the samples were quite large. B __________________ Saturn V had 6 million pounds of fuel. It would take thirty thousand strong men to lift it an inch.