Arguably one of the two greatest inventions of the twentieth century (duct tape is the other),WD-40 was invented by Norm Larsen on his 40th attempt to develop a formula to prevent corrosion by displacing water. In addition to displacing water, WD-40 is a multipurpose problem solver that variously cleans, removes, dissolves, degreases, penetrates, and lightly lubricates various other items.The formula for WD-40 remains a closely guarded secret.As the saying goes, "If it is stuck and shouldn't be,WD-40 it. It if is unstuck and shouldn't be, duct tape it."The WD-40 Company did not pay me for this definition, but they should. See also duct tape.