where did wD40
- WD-40 was developed in 1953 by Norm Larsen, founder of the Rocket Chemical Company, in San Diego, California. WD-40, abbreviated from the phrase Water Displacement, 40th formula, indicating it was the 40th formula the chemists tried that turned to be the right one.The product was originally designed to repel water and prevent corrosion on the Atlas space rocket, and later was found to have numerous household uses.e claims he arrived at a successful formula on his 40th attempt. WD-40 is primarily composed of various hydrocarbons. WD-40 was first used by Convair to protect the outer skin and, more importantly, the paper-thin balloon tanks of the Atlas missile from rust and corrosion.