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review
WD40 Specialist - Anti Friction Dry PTFE Lubricant£9.99
VERDICT:
Good lightweight dry lube but possibly not vastly superior to others on the market
Weight:
400g
Contact:
www.wd40.co.uk
At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.
What the road.cc scores meanGood scores are more common than bad, because fortunately good products are more common than bad.
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Lightweight of the WD40 family, WD40 Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE lubricant is designed for inner cables, locking mechanisms, pivot points and derailleur/brake springs that need to remain clean, smooth and squeak free.
To be honest, there's nothing earth shattering here formula-wise. Hardware stores, plumber's merchants and supermarkets, let alone bike shops are positively awash with Polytetrafluoroethylene based potion. They all do the same thing - stop squeaks, resist high mechanical loading and prevent squirrels from scampering up washing lines to scoff bird treats etc.
In fairness, it is a jack of all trades, so will serve as a useful protectant on battery trays, eletrical contacts and as super convinient mothballing agent cum primer for bikes in dry, seasonal storage.
This has worked a treat, with the applicator straw directing just the right amount to the desired areas - especially on enclosed cables common to hub geared roadsters and kids' bikes.
Evaporating to a protective film in around a minute, it's perfect for coating chrome detailing - frame ends, forks toe-clips etc - on bikes in daily service.
Two short blasts on a fortnightly basis have been sufficient to bring a bargain basement brakeset up a notch or two, while a direct blast cured a temperamental front mech that was becoming distinctly reluctant to jump to the big ring.
My Univega's electroplated trailer tug/wheel skewer has responded particularly favourably, keeping its mirror sheen without transferring accumulated grime to my fingers.
Verdict
Good lightweight dry lube but possibly not vastly superior to others on the market.
road.cc test report
Make and model: WD40 Specialist: Anti Friction Dry PTFE Lubricant
Size tested: n/a
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 Anti Friction Dry PTFE Lubricant contains PTFE which provides enhanced
lubrication, leaving a clear dry film that won't attract dirt, dust or oil. It's quick drying and also great
as a mould release agent. This product can be used on metals, plastic and glass.
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Blades & Drill Bits, Power Tools & Equipment, Door & Window Tracks, Locks & Catches, Conveyors, Rollers, Chains & Cables, Hinges,
Thermoplastics, Metal Extrusions.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Shake can well. Apply by spraying directly on surface to be lubricated and protected. Dries in seconds.". Does just that
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
pleasant lemon odour
0.71 - 0.74
0.6 - 1.2 g/s
Effective performance at temperatures from -45C to +260C
Not miscible with water
H2
Classed as extremely flammable under current legislation
Suitable for most surfaces, including plastic, metal and glass
Scar depth 0.43 mm
2310 lb
40% at 24h
Rate the product for quality of construction:
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
Broadly on par with, if not slightly more resiliant than competitor brands.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
7/10
Rate the product for value:
7/10
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
There is no doubt the spray does everything it promises to and is just the ticket for cables, locks and similar applications which mustn't attract grime but need some lubricant properties.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Does exactly what it says on the tin.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Nothing in particular, although I'm not wholly convinced its radically superior to anyone else's at this stage.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? Yes.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.
About the tester
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,
Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)
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