WD-40's history began from a search for a rust preventative solvent and degreaser to protect missile parts.
In 1953 three technicians at the San Diego Rocket Chemical Company were working on a project thats goal was to find a "water displacement" compound. After 39 attempts, they were finally successful with the 40th formulation, and the product we know today as WD-40 was born.
The Corvair Company bought it in bulk to protect their Atlas missile parts. The workers were so pleased with the product, they began smuggling the product to try it out for uses at home. When company officials found out what the employees were doing, they realized there might possibly be a consumer market for WD-40, and they started manufacturing it n aerosol cans. The rest is history.