For this review, Gary Fisher of Lougar Electric gets his hands on one of the leading lights from the WD-40 Specialist range.
Unlike the introductions to most reviews I write, this one (or certainly the brand) doesn’t need much explanation.
WD-40 is known the world over and is trusted by millions of trade professionals and DIYers alike, myself included.
Not only do I have several cans of what the company calls it’s Multi-Use Product (or MUP for short) in my garage, I also carry one in the van at all times. Like so many trade professionals, I can’t tell you how many times it’s got me out of trouble with rusty or seized joints – a good spray is all you need!
Much like any quality brand, there’s no time to stand still and rest on one’s laurels, so in its pursuit of excellence WD-40 created a Specialist range which is designed for specific tasks and trades to complement its traditional blue and yellow MUP.
For this review, I was given a couple of cans of the Specialist Contact Cleaner alongside an original 400 ml can. For the record, there are nine Specialist products, from Spray Grease, Silicone and Degreaser to White Lithium Grease and Penetrant.
The first thing to point out is that the design of the cans has changed in recent times. The older ones (I still have a couple) come with the little plastic straw taped to the side of the can, which you attach to the nozzle end to help with getting into those less accessible areas. The latest versions are equipped with what WD-40 calls the ‘Smart Straw’ which forms part of the can’s operating design and is a great upgrade.
Get into any space, at any time
From a practical perspective, flipped down allows users to operate the can either by using it to just spray on the area (wide spray facility), or by pulling the nozzle up 90 ̊, the Smart Straw (narrow spray facility) enables users to target with greater, precise, accuracy. Another great thing about this design is that the can will also operate ‘anyway up’, so you literally have the capacity to get into any space, at any time.
Looking specifically at the Specialist Contact Cleaner, this really is an advancement on the traditional product and is suited to those working in an industry like ours. It’s a non-conductive spray, so no risk of getting electrocuted when using the product on electrical parts, or cleaning dust-covered components.
For the electrical professional, it’s ideal for use on things like printed circuit boards, switches, battery terminals, electric panels and controls – those items that you might have previously been cautious with using the classic WD-40 product to clean. I also found that it works equally effectively when cleaning plastics and rubber, without any detrimental effects further down the line.
Additionally, I use Contact Cleaner as a means of preventative maintenance for my tools and machinery so I don’t have any problems in the longer term. During the colder months and when working outside, I need to know my tools are in good condition and that moisture is kept at bay to prevent rusting and other issues.
Of course, the standard can (of MUP) is still more than capable of tackling most tasks you will encounter, but with the launch of the Specialist range (and the Contact Cleaner in particular), WD-40 has pretty-much covered off every task that a professional electrician might require a lubricant of this kind to undertake.
Just pick your poison and simply ‘spray and play’.
Browse the full WD-40 Specialist range of products here
Find more product tests and reviews here
