What do you mix with WD40 to put on guitar strings that keeps them from going flat?

gmackematix

Nothing else according to this: http://www.free-tips.org/clean-guitar-strings-like-new.html Feb 12 07, 8:47 PM

meusikman21

I've read that, but I read somewhere (on here I think) that mixing wd40 with something else works wonders. The wd40 cleans the strings and the other ingredient conditions them to keep them sounding bright. I just forgot what they said to mix it with. But yes wd40 by itself does an amazing job on guitar strings. Feb 12 07, 9:29 PM

What-A-Mess

WD 40 will evaporate in a relatively short period of time. It is one of the best oil breaking solvents out there. Got greasy hands? Spray with WD40 (Water Displacer formula/attempt #40), add soap and wash away that grease. WD 40 only recently included the word "Lubricant" on the can. Prior to 5 years ago or so , this word NEVER appeared on the can. Why? Because it is NOT a lubricant. Spray WD in a lock and it will work well for a short period of time. What happens is that the WD emulsifies the oils and dirt to create a slick environment, but, the WD evaporates creating a glue like substance that really messes with the lock components. It has a similar effect on other objects. Got brushed steel appliances? Tired of the finger prints. Moisten a towel with WD and apply a very light coat in the direction of the brush marks. Looks fantastic! Ingredients: * 50% Stoddard solvent (mineral spirits, also commonly known as dry cleaning solvent), * 25% Liquified petroleum gas (presumably as a propellant, carbon dioxide is used now to reduce considerable flammability), * 15+% Mineral oil (light lubricating oil), and * 10-% Inert ingredients The ratio of solvent to oil is too great to be considered effective for lubrication. The solvent actually destroys the oil. "While its uses are many and varied, WD-40 should not be used as a general-purpose lubricant, as it dries very quickly and collects dust. This can result in serious damage to machinery and equipment designed for use with heavy oils when they are lubricated with lightweight WD-40." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WD-40 Feb 13 07, 5:33 AM

Baloo55th

Are you talking gut strings or metal here? I wouldn't put it on gut strings or nylon, and can't see the point of putting it on metal. I thought most guitar players changed their strings fairly frequently anyway. The ones I know seem to. I only change them on the mandolin when I really have to - when they break. I fitted a new set once, and then changed the lowest ones back as the old ones had a better sound. I also wouldn't want to get WD40 on my fingerboard or the parts of the strings where my fingers go. I agree with WAM about locks, by the way. Use graphite for lubricating locks. Feb 13 07, 8:36 AM

What-A-Mess

Graphite powder is THE lubricant for low friction lubrication! Feb 13 07, 9:38 AM