WD40 Silicone spray

loafer

loafer

Proactive member
Joined
Apr 29, 2025
Messages
204
Reaction score
613
Location
West Mids
Hi,

While obviously the normal WD40 is a no no on guns, what are the thoughts in using the silicone spray version by WD40? Should be better for metal on metal and maybe even metal on o rings etc?

Or am i missing something obvious and terrible.
 
Generally spraying silicone oils onto metal to metal contact areas is not great as it has no lubricating properties in that application. For metal to rubber it is OK, but I would be cautious about where else it would end up.
 
I use the 3in1 version a lot at my work, it dries really quickly and seems to still work well for preventing corrosion, also on metal-plastic or metal-metal contact areas. I use it mostly to clean down tools before storage. https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/lubricants/4638429

I have never used it on guns though, given the scale of the investment I will always go for gun specific products to be safe.
 
Lee71 said:
No don't use it on metal use something like Ballistol or GT85.
Click to expand...
I have been told not to use WD40 on guns, but GT85 is ok. When I look at the cans, the constituents look exactly the same, so what's the difference? Genuine question. I use gun oil on guns anyway, but I'm still interested in why GT85 but not WD40.
 
Brooksy said:
Don't use it on O rings or let it creep onto them. Ordinary silicone liquids cause them to swell, harden and fail. That's why they sell O ring grease instead of simple silicone lubricant.
Click to expand...
Sub 12 air gunner always uses silicon grease on all all o rings as do I 👍
 
crissdee said:
I have been told not to use WD40 on guns, but GT85 is ok. When I look at the cans, the constituents look exactly the same, so what's the difference? Genuine question. I use gun oil on guns anyway, but I'm still interested in why GT85 but not WD40.
Click to expand...
GT85 is an actual lubricant. WD40 as its name suggests is a Water Dispersant.
 
Gt8 was often recommend as it had PTFE in it but it no longer has PTFE in it .

WD40 own GT85.

From the GT85 Facebook page .

What’s the best kept secrets to GT85?

1. Water displacing agents – engineered to displace moisture and stop corrosion in its tracks.

2. Powerful solvents – break down grease, grime and built-up muck fast. No scrubbing needed.

3. Low-viscosity formula – penetrates deep into tight spots to free up seized parts.

4. Lubing compounds – reduces friction, silence squeaks and keep things moving better for longer.

5. Anti-corrosion protection – adds a layer that helps prevent rust from coming back.

6. Safe on all metals and factory finishes – no harsh reactions, just clean results.

7. Added lavender – so it smells decent while it’s doing all the above.

It's smart chemistry built for tough jobs.


Pretty much the same as WD40 though it may last a little longer as to it lasting protection as WD40 does not stay around as long on bare metal and the floral smell.


As for it being a lubricant . WD40 claim it is though I personally think it's a short term fix as it does not stay as a lubricant long .


A QUESTION OF LUBRICATION​

Myth: WD-40 Multi-Use Product is not really a lubricant.

Fact: While the “W-D” in WD-40 stands for Water Displacement, WD-40 Multi-Use Product is a unique, special blend of lubricants. The product’s formulation also contains anti-corrosion agents and ingredients for penetration, water displacement and soil removal.
 
Last edited:
crissdee said:
I have been told not to use WD40 on guns, but GT85 is ok. When I look at the cans, the constituents look exactly the same, so what's the difference? Genuine question. I use gun oil on guns anyway, but I'm still interested in why GT85 but not WD40.
Click to expand...
Think it's already been answered better than I could 👍 I've used it for years and never a problem.
 
All very helpful.

I do wonder whether air gun makers could be more precise and specific as to how best to keep their product lubed for longevity.

It would avoid a lot of confusion and miss information.
 
I once worked at a place that used a double headed disc cutter for cutting lengths of aluminium profile, the guy that operated this machine gave me two aerosol cans of ACF50, it was the spray lubricant protection stuff they used when the factory shut down for the Christmas holidays. It is quite a thick lubricant that sticks to the exposed surfaces and gives a protective coat. I have resisted using it on my guns but I have used on the motorcycle chain if the bike was parked up for an extended period, I still have an unused tin in the mancave alongside a dead WD-40 can.
 
If you search for it there is a very interesting story of how Ben Taylor of Theoben fame tried in vain to rid a rifle of silicone oil that had been mistakingly applied by a customer of his. Its a bit of a wince though.
 
WD40 is not a lubricant as in the name it’s a Water Dispersant. It ain’t good for plastic as it can make it brittle.
 
WD40 has many uses and is the subject of many inaccurate stories and made up tales. It's well worth reading their website to get actual facts. Silicone is funny stuff andit's very persistent when it gets on a surface, even tiny traces of silicone in the air near a paint booth will cause havoc with painting. It can. I believe, be used as a mould release agent and I use it to lubricate the awning rail on my motorhome. I wouldn't use it on guns although a tiny bit applied with a soft cloth to a gun stock wil bring up a good shine which will last a day or so. Ordinary WD40 is something I do use quite a lot of, it's excellent when machining aluminium and in an aerosol works very well for flushing out dirt from gun actions etc and I follow up with some compressed air and appropriate lubrication.
 
KT83 said:
If you search for it there is a very interesting story of how Ben Taylor of Theoben fame tried in vain to rid a rifle of silicone oil that had been mistakingly applied by a customer of his. Its a bit of a wince though.
Click to expand...
The thread on the BBS by Ben was where I first saw it about silicone oil though I had heard about an oil that on metal to metal could cause galling but I did not know what oil it was .

The owner of the rifle Ben was trying to fix also posted on the thread what he did and how quickly it went pear shape .

Some say its BS but there is other reports of it happening and not related to airguns .

The only silicone that gets close to my rifles is the silicone impregnated socks they go it before going in the cabinet.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top