Drivetrains are the most obvious candidates followed by bearings and contact points but it also makes short work of Waxoyl and similarly medieval potions used to preserve treasured framesets. However, in common with these substances, its environmental credentials are a little lacking so store in cool settings far from the grasp of children and pets.
WD40 has largely forgone the familiar (and invariably lost) red applicator in favour of a swish yellow smart-straw. This means the applicator turret has to be at ninety degrees before the pressurised contents are released for tackling localised areas such as cassettes/drivetrains but removing the collar allows a much broader delivery, say when degreasing a mothballed frame. It's a very powerful solvent that visibly consumes grime on contact.
Two sharp squirts saw congealed oils, gunge and ingress slide from a nine-speed cassette, forming a muddy black pool on the floor. It does clean up after itself but I wouldn't risk it on the kitchen lino.
There wasn't any call for additional coaxing from a brush or similar implement, but loose wheel and headset bearings benefit from a quick scrub, especially those dressed in super stiff marine greases.
It breezes through standard greases, wet lubes and locking compounds (Carbo grip and threadlock being obvious examples), so despite WD40's assurances to the contrary, I'd be uncomfortable about using it regularly with composites and rubber seals and the like, or allowing it prolonged contact with them. I'd rinse them thoroughly with clean water and possibly a citrus based cleaner before re-lubricating.
Powerful degreaser for general workshop duties that works a treat on drivetrains but I'd use with caution around composites and rubber seals.
road.cc test report
Make and model: WD40 Specialist: Fast Acting Degreaser
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
"WD-40 Specialist Fast Acting Degreaser is a solvent based solution that quickly removes grease, oil, dirt and grime without leaving any residue. It works immediately on contact and is easy to rinse away. This fast acting degreaser can be used on a wide variety of surfaces including metal, exhaust hoods, and flooring." No quibble here.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Translucent, non-viscous liquid
Organic Solvent
0.93 - 0.96
1.5 - 2.4 g/s
Partially soluble
K1
Classed as extremely flammable under current legislation
Rate the product for quality of construction:
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
8/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
7/10
Rate the product for value:
8/10
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
The fast acting degreaser literally gobbles through grime on contact and is generally hard to fault-especially on chains, cassettes and other drivetrain. However, while very fragrant, only use in well ventilated areas.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Efficient, tenacious and goes on in a flash.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing given the design brief.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes
Age: 38 Height: 1m 81 Weight: 70 kilos
I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
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