WD means “water displacing” – it dissolves rust and drives out water. It’s a non-petroleum cleaner, NOT a lubricant. I’ll say again, WD40 is NOT a lubricant and trying to use it as such is just asking for it to fail.

PB50 is a petroleum based lubricant.

It’s why restoring rusted items like chains my process is to first run it through a degreaser, then wash it in soap and water with a wire brush, then hose it in WD-40 and let it sit for a day, THEN hose it in a lubricant like 3 in 1, Marvel or PB50.

I think that’s the intent of the name, to imply it’s the lubricant you should use after cleaning with WD-40.

Again, WD-40 is NOT a lubricant, it’s a cleaner. PB50 is a lubricant.

I can’t remember when the last time someone said to me, “Hey, where’s the spray lubricant?”, it has always been, “Pass me the WD-40″. The brand name has turned into the universal symbol for the product.

I agree with you on Number 4. You can’t really go after these people because they don’t deserve the attention. All you can do is just re-enforce your own value and people will see it.

The only other company I can think of immediately that holds the same kind of brand-power is Dockers. They too, have a brand name that is synonymous with the item it sells. They arent’t “casual slacks” or “relaxed dress pants” they are “Dockers!”

Good Article.