The video narrates the origin story of WD-40. In 1953, chemist Norm Larsen at the Rocket Chemical Company was tasked with creating a water‑displacement formula to protect rockets from rust. After 39 failed attempts, his 40th formula succeeded and was used to protect the Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile. Employees quickly discovered its usefulness for everyday squeaky or rusty items and began taking cans home. The product’s popularity led the company to rename itself the WD‑40 Company, and today it sells over a million cans weekly worldwide.
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WD-40 was invented to protect rockets, but it was so good that people kept stealing it. And here's what happened. It all starts in 1953 with a scientist named Norm Larsen who works for the Rocket Chemical Company. He's trying to create a formula that stops rockets from rusting through a process called water displacement. And it sounds easy, right? I mean, it shouldn't be rocket science, but it is. Nothing he's trying is working. So Norm keeps at it, trying new formulas, new ingredients, and new everything. But 39 times in a row, he fails and goes back to the drawing board. Water displacement number 1 through water displacement formula number 39, they all suck. But on water displacement number 40, finally cracks it. It works so well they use it to protect the first intercontinental ballistic missile, the Atlas. But here's the twist: the workers love it so much they start sneaking cans home to use for their own stuff. Squeaky door hinges, squeaky wheels, squeaky bicycles— anything that makes a squeaky noise or is rusty, you can use WD-40. And it was so good, the Rocket Chemical Company changed their name to the WD-40 Company, and today over a million cans of the stuff are sold each and every week.
