It can get very confusing to make a decision when you have two fabulous choices for a product. Such is the situation for people when it comes to PB Blaster and WD 40.
Are you confused as well?
Do not worry, as you have come to the right place. Both the PB Blaster and WD 40 are amazing choices for lubricants.
To make it easy for you, we will be talking about their differences. So, without further ado, keep on reading about PB Blaster Vs. WD 40.
PB BLASTER VS. WD 40: What Are They?
While purchasing a penetrating oil or lubricant, people always seek a multi-use product, unlike the liquid wrench, which has different formulas for different applications.
Although the products can be very effective, purchasing multiple products for multiple purposes can be a bit too much.
Whenever people look for an alternative to liquid wrench, PB BLASTER and WD 40 are the first options to come to mind.
So, before we talk about their major differences, we want to briefly talk about these two lubricants. So, keep on reading!
About PB BLASTER
Formulated in 1957, PB BLASTER penetrating oil is one of the most highly sought-after products in the market.
The non-evaporating lubricant formula not only breaks free rusted and frozen parts but also protects the equipment and parts from further rusting.
The PB Blaster contains Blaster ProStraw™ with Control Flow Technology™.
This lets you control the flow of the product and adjust the volume during application.
It can be used on any sort of rusted metal parts. Spray a little on the equipment or part that needs to be cleaned.
Leave it for a few hours. After that, you can remove the rust off the part.
Once you spray it on the equipment, it creates a layer that stops moisture from coming in contact with the metal.
And so, in this way, it protects any equipment or metallic part from further rusting.
It can be used on different types of products for different issues. For example, you can use it on car parts, sports and fishing equipment, rusted tools, corroded machines, and many more.
About WD 40
Wd 40 is well known in the market for its multi-use purpose. But more than that, it is well known for its being a water-displacing spray with a bio-solvent.
The WD stands for water displacement, while the 40 indicates the 40 tries it took to get the formula right.
The lubricating contents of the WD 40 make it an ideal product to remove rust from the hardest of places. You can use it when your Deadbolt won’t turn from inside too!
But that being said, it is called a multi-use product due to its versatile offerings. Has gum stuck on your shoe? Spray some WD 40, wait a while and scrape it off painlessly.
WD 40 is also known to remove permanent marker ink, clean floors, and tiles, soften the leather and even remove stains from stainless steel sinks.
It doesn’t contain any damaging chemical ingredients. So, it can be used as a rust-resistant layer to increase the lifespan of your equipment.
On top of it, the penetration capacity of the WD 40, along with its moisture resisting capability, makes it ideal for both lubrication and rust protection.
Apart from the corrosion-resistant benefit, WD 40 is also used to loosen parts of equipment that are struct. So, spray it on the part, wait for 15 minutes and see the magic.
WD 40 being a multi-use product can be used on different things. As we mentioned before, starting from cleaning to lubricating, loosening stuck parts to rust prevention, it can do it all.
So, you can use it on your bike and its components, cars, garden tools, wooden products, floors, carpets, walls, and many more.
WD 40 VS. PB BLASTER: Quick Comparison!
Before we talk about major differences between the PB BLASTER and WD 40, let us have a look at the quick comparison between the two:
| Specifications | PB Blaster | WD 40 |
| Appearance | Viscous/oily | Greasy |
| Color | Orange | Light green to amber liquid |
| Odor | Heavy aromatic | Mild petroleum odor |
| Physical State | Liquid | Liquid |
| Boiling Point/Range | 177.8 °C (352 °F) | 361 – 369F (183 – 187°C) |
| Flash Point: | 65.6 °C (150 °F) | 138F (59°C) |
| VOC: | < 50% | 24.1% |
| Solubility | Negligible | Insoluble In Water |
| Relative Density | 0.91 | 0.8 – 0.82 |
| Evaporation Rate | >1 (n-butyl acetate = 1) | Not established |
Key Differences Between PB Blaster and WD 40
The uses of PB Blaster And WD 40 may seem very similar. So here are some key differentiating factors of these two.
- Product Variation
One of the key differences between PB Blaster and WD 40 would be the variety of options they are providing.
PB Blaster offers a variety of products for different purposes, starting from cleaning to food-grade, greasing, and lubricating to repairing and protection. And they have also categorized the products based on their uses:
- Fast Acting
- Heavy Duty
- Professional
- Waterproof
- Industrial
- Premium Silicone/Synthetic
- High Performance
Based on these, a few of their product categories are:
- PB Blaster Penetrant: To break free rusted or corroded equipment and protect from further rusting.
- PB Multi Max Lubricant: To provide lasting lubrication, moisture displacement and protection against corrosion. Can be used on any type of equipment such as tools, equipment, nuts, and hinges.
- PB Surface Shield Rust Protectant: To provide complete corrosion protection to all types of metals and moving parts, industrial equipment and many more.
- PB Heavy Duty Grease: To provide superior corrosion protection and high temperature lubrication to automotive, mining and construction equipment.
- PB Pro grade Multipurpose Grease: To provide water resisting lubrication and protection against rust and corrosion for general purpose and recreation equipment.
WD 40 has categorized its products into 5 different lines.
- WD-40® MULTI-USE PRODUCT
- WD-40® SPECIALIST™
- WD-40® SPECIALIST™ AUTOMOTIVE
- WD-40® BIKE
- 3-IN-ONE®
These 5 different product lines have almost 35 types of products for multiple usages like penetrating oil, rust protection, and cleaning. Some of them are:
- WD-40 SPECIALIST® PENETRANT WITH EZ-REACH®
- WD-40 SPECIALIST® PENETRANT
- WD-40® MULTI-USE PRODUCT INDUSTRIAL SIZE
- WD-40 SPECIALIST® WHITE LITHIUM GREASE
- WD-40® MULTI-USE BIG BLAST
- WD-40 SPECIALIST® RUST REMOVER SOAK
- WD-40 SPECIALIST® CORROSION INHIBITOR
- WD-40 SPECIALIST® EXTREME PRESSURE GREASE
- WD-40 SPECIALIST® DRY LUBE
These are just some of the product categories that WD 40 offers.
- Sizes
With the versatile product offerings, it is very important that you get the size option you prefer.
So let us have a look at the size offerings from both PB Blaster and WD 40.
There are different size options for different products. Some have multiple sizes, while some come in one size only. Let us have a look:
- PB Blaster Penetrant comes in 7 different sizes:
- 4 oz Trial Size
- 4 oz Drip Bottle
- 7 oz Aerosol Can
- 11 oz Pro Straw Can
- 18 oz. Big Shot Can
- 128 fl. oz. Pour Can
- 5 Gal. Pail
- Original PB penetrating grease comes in just one size: 14 oz. Cartridge.
- PB Penetrating lithium grease comes in 8 oz Aerosol can.
- PB pro grade multipurpose lubricant comes in 4 sizes:
- Trial Size 3 oz. Aerosol Can
- 4 oz Drip Bottle
- 8 oz Aerosol Can
- 128 fl. oz Pour Can
On the other hand, most WD 40 products come in just one size, such as:
- WD-40 SPECIALIST® PENETRANT WITH EZ-REACH® is 13.5 oz
- WD-40® MULTI-USE PRODUCT INDUSTRIAL SIZE is 16 oz
- WD-40 SPECIALIST® PENETRANT is 11 oz
- WD-40 SPECIALIST® RUST REMOVER SOAK comes in 1 gallon jug
So, most products from WD 40 come in one size like these.
- Price
Price is one of the crucial differentiating factors between products. Have a look at the following price chart to get an idea of the price range:
PB BLASTER
WD-40
The price of WD 40 is lower compared to that of PB Blaster, so if anyone wants to be more economical, then they can go for WD 40.
- Availability
PB Blaster products can be found at the following stores:
- The Home Depot
- Dollar General
- Advance Auto Parts
- Ace Hardware
- Auto Value Parts Stores
- Baxter Auto Parts
- Canadian Tire
- Car Quest
- Fastenal
- Imperial
- Lawson Products
- LA fasteners Inc.
- Lowe’s
- Myers Tire Supply
- Walmart
- Menards, etc.
Their website has a separate section with retailer categories. You can click on the retailer store names to check out whether the product you want is available.
To check out where you can purchase WD 40 products, you have to click on the product and then click on where to buy.
A drop-down menu will show you a list of places where the product is available.
Usually, the following stores carry WD 40 products:
- Amazon
- True Value
- The Home Depot
- Walmart
- Pep Boys
- Menards
- Lowe’s
- Fastenal
- Acme Tools
- Agri Supply
- Ruralking.com
- Vallen
- Hagemeyer, etc.
PB BLASTER AND WD 40: What Are The Disadvantages?
Every product tends to have some drawbacks. However, it necessarily does not mean that the product is bad; rather, it is important you know about it beforehand.
PB BLASTER
The strong odor of PB Blaster can be a bit too much for many people. Apart from that, PB Blaster produces excessive fumes, which can get very uncomfortable.
So, you need to maintain safety measures such as the use of goggles and mask to avoid discomfort.
And you also have to make sure that your work environment is properly ventilated.
Although PB Blaster is stable, please refrain from applying excessive heat to it and keep it away from any source of the fire.
PB Blaster is also incompatible with water, strong oxidizing agents, and strong reducing agents.
And it contains hazardous decomposition products – various hydrocarbons such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
WD 40
WD 40 may be a multi-use product, but it also has some limitations. Although it is used as a lubricant, it is a rust dissolving solution.
So, there are certain places where you absolutely must not use WD 40. Such as:
- Door Hinges
- Bicycle Chains
- Musical Instruments
- Firearms
- Drive chains
- Gears
Using WD 40 on these will do more harm than good, as it may attract dust and moisture because WD 40 tends to be very hygroscopic.
Which One Should You Choose?
All this discussion on differences, advantages, and disadvantages comes down to one question which one should you choose?
So, both the PB Blaster and the WD 40 are well-known sought-after products in the market. You can say that both of them offer multi-use purposes.
The WD 40 does have a few usage restrictions, but then again, the PB Blaster is more expensive than the WD 40. Therefore, consider the following things to come to a final conclusion:
- Price
Budget and price is always the first and foremost important factor when it comes to a purchase decision.
Whether you want to be a bit economical and go all in, price is something you have to decide before you go further into the decision process.
- Quantity
As you have seen, both companies offer different sizes for different products. Some have multiple-size offerings, while others come in one size.
Compare the prices for similar size ranges to understand whether you are getting the value for your money.
- Shelf Life
Check whether the shelf life is suited to your usage. PB Blaster products have a shelf life of 3 years, while WD 40 products have a shelf life of 5 years.
- Convenience
It is important that you choose the product that provides you the maximum convenience of use, such as precision spraying, volume adjustment, etc.
Also, make sure you check for the viscosity of the product. Products with low viscosity penetrate compact areas faster.
- Availability
Although both the companies sell their products in different retail stores, it could happen that the product you want is not available in your area.
So, make sure you check that first and then decide.
- Additives
Check out whether the penetrating oil you are getting has the additive you need for your particular issue.
- Product Formulation
It is also important you go through the product formulation before making a purchase decision.
The websites contain details of physical and chemical properties along with the chemicals used.
After reading the discussion on WD 40 penetrating oil vs. PB Blaster, factor in all these things before you come to a conclusion.
Try to get the value for your money and time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are a few FAQs and our answers to them.
No, there is no fixed time regarding how long you should keep it on. Since every rust type and situation is different, the time it needs to make it work is also different.
Yes, repeated applications over time are more effective and are recommended to get better results.
Yes, you can use it on firearms without any hesitance. It can be used to clean and protect firearms.
Yes, it does. To know more in detail, check out their website for the blog articles and videos.
Yes, they are. Please keep it away from any source of ignition.
Final Words
Now you know all the differences and comparisons between PB Blaster vs. WD 40. We hope this article has helped you gain insights that will clear your confusion.
Whether you choose the PB Blaster or the WD 40, take your time and decide. Both websites have lots of articles about their uses and don’ts.
So, if you have any confusion or if you just want to know more about their products, head over to their website. Happy Shopping!
About Author
