The Business Pundit has an interesting list of common product origins.
In 1953, three rocket scientists at San Diego’s Rocket Chemical Company tried to develop a substance that would prevent corrosion in rockets by displacing water. They finally succeeded on their 40th try, naming the substance “Water Displacer–40th Attempt.” More than 15 years later, Rocket company executive John S. Barry made the product a household name. Today, WD-40 is the lube of choice in as many as 80% of American households. The penetrant oil spray has a wide array of uses so this percentage is not a surprise. WD-40’s formula is a trade secret. The product is not patented in order to avoid completely disclosing its ingredients.
Photo by Business Pundit.