In a world where trade secrets can make or break empires, few are as tightly guarded as the formula for WD-40, the ubiquitous lubricant that's been a household staple for over seven decades.
This isn't just any recipe — it's a handwritten relic stored in a bank vault, accessible only to a select few after rigorous vetting.
Even the company's current CEO, Steve Brass, didn't learn its contents until 2024, despite his long tenure with the firm. As WD-40 Company approaches its 73rd year, the formula remains uncracked by competitors, a testament to the power of secrecy over patents.
The Origins: From Failure to Icon
WD-40's story begins in the 1950s, born out of necessity for the aerospace industry. Developed by the Rocket Chemical Company (now WD-40 Company), the product was designed to displace water and prevent corrosion on missiles. The name itself tells a tale of persistence: "WD" stands for "Water Displacement," and "40" refers to the 40th attempt that finally worked.
The original notebook, still preserved, includes notations for the 39 preceding failures — scribbled experiments that didn't make the cut. This trial-and-error process underscores the ingenuity behind a product that now generates nearly 80% of the company's revenue, which stood at about $620 million as of August 2025.
What started as a niche solution for Convair's Atlas missiles quickly expanded into consumer markets, becoming the go-to fix for squeaky hinges, rusty bolts, and countless other woes. But the real magic lies in its composition, a blend so effective that it has defied replication for generations.
Fortress of Secrecy: How the Formula is Safeguarded
The formula isn't digitized or stored in a cloud — it's a physical, handwritten document locked in a safe-deposit box at an undisclosed Bank of America branch in San Diego. This vault has been opened only three times in the past 30 years: once for a secure transfer in 2018 via armored vehicle, and more recently for executive viewings in 2024. Accessing it is no simple task.
Prospective viewers must provide weeks' notice, undergo background checks, sign multiple nondisclosure agreements (NDAs), and personally request the key from the company's chief legal officer.
As Brass described the experience: “Actually getting in there, it was like getting into Fort Knox, quite frankly.” During one such session, finance chief Sara Hyzer noted a quirky detail on the document: a warning that reads "Do not smoke." These precautions ensure the formula stays out of reach, even from most insiders.
Why No Patent? The Strategy of Shadows
Unlike many inventions, WD-40's formula has never been patented. Patenting would require public disclosure, handing competitors a blueprint to copy. Instead, the company relies on trade secret laws, keeping the exact mix under wraps. Laboratory analyses by rivals yield only approximations — close, but never quite right. This approach has proven bulletproof: in 73 years, no one has successfully duplicated the product.
For internal use, a coded version of the formula circulates among a tiny R&D team, allowing product development without exposing the full details. This layered secrecy not only protects the intellectual property but also adds to the brand's mystique, turning WD-40 into a symbol of enduring innovation.
The Elite Circle: Who Holds the Knowledge?
Knowledge of the formula is restricted to about 1% of WD-40's employees, forming what could be called an exclusive "secret society." Membership is reserved for top executives, and even long-timers like R&D head Meghan Lieb, who has been with the company for 20 years, have never seen it — and likely never will.
One rare outsider, a regulatory consultant, is believed to have glimpsed it, but such exceptions are few.
Brass has hinted at potentially broadening access once the company hits $1 billion in annual revenue, a milestone that could come soon given its growth trajectory. Until then, the vault remains a symbol of trust and exclusivity, fostering a sense of pride among staff who embrace the mystery.
Also read:
- Spotify Turns Up the Volume on Social Connectivity with Group Chats
- AI Apartheid: Ohio's Push to Legally Deny AI Rights and the Ripple Effects on Future Tech
- The OnlyFans Millionaire Myth: How Sensational Headlines Mask the Harsh Realities of Content Creation
An Enduring Legacy
WD-40's secret formula isn't just a business strategy — it's a cultural phenomenon that highlights the value of discretion in an age of transparency. As competitors continue to chase approximations, the original remains untouchable, proving that sometimes, the best protection is an old-fashioned lock and key. In a company where curiosity runs high, the vault in San Diego stands as a reminder: some secrets are worth keeping.
