Penetrating fluid is like a Swiss army knife for car owners and mechanics, courtesy of their usefulness and adaptability. You can use this oily fluid to free stuck mechanisms like nuts and bolts, prevent corrosion, and clean or degrease various components, among many other uses. Focusing on the best products, we bring you the Superzilla vs. WD40 debate.
WD40 or Superzilla? This is a common dilemma for many seeking the finest penetrating fluid. Good news for you if you are in such a predicament, as we are reviewing both brands to help you pick the befitting one.
What Is Superzilla?
Superzilla is a renowned brand of penetrating fluid owned by TopDuck Products LLC. Donald Kettles founded TopDuck Products LLC in 2004 with his family. The company’s inspiration was the need for safe military cleaning agents after a soldier complained of peeling skin after using a cleaning product.
TopDuck’s first product was Gunzilla, for cleaning and lubricating weapons. Gunzilla’s success prompted a focus on the home and industrial market. After a couple of years in the lab, Superzilla debuted as the Green Wonder Product.
Superzilla uses a non-hazardous formula to clean, protect, and penetrate, a feat few utilities boast of.
What Is Superzilla Made Of?
A Superzilla review is incomplete without looking at its ingredients. Superzilla is a green penetrating fluid whose components are primarily from plants. This utility has a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) BioPreferred certification, showing that it is a legitimate product with an accurate biobased materials rating.
It has an 80% BioPreferred score, hinting that 80% of its ingredients come from plants and other natural raw materials. There is no info about Superzilla’s ingredients; it is probably a move to secure its formula from potential competitors and copycats.
Applications Of Superzilla
Superzilla’s key selling point is its versatility, an attribute you will appreciate from its numerous applications. It is an excellent cleaning agent; you can use it as a parts washer solvent. It is safe and won’t degrade the surface you are maintaining.
As a cleaner, Superzilla is handy against:
- Grease and grime
- Graffiti
- Nail polish
- Crayons
- Wax
- Labels and adhesives
- Tree sap
Plant-based oils have a higher lubricity, which works to Superzilla’s advantage as a lubricant. You can use it to oil chains, hinges, gears, and other moving parts. This lube has a non-ionic charge; hence, it won’t attract dust particles, which can bring the sandpaper effect and damage the surface you are working on.
Superzilla has an impressive penetration capability, as it is plant-derived oil with amazing capillary action. You will love how effortlessly it helps release rusted or stuck joints.
This product’s adaptability also comes to play where you can use it on various materials, like metal, wood, rubber, and plastic. Superzilla has hydrophobic properties and protects metallic surfaces from rust by covering them with a thin protective film.
Does Superzilla Really Work?
Superzilla is a superior household, garage, and industrial product that lives up to its assurances of offering the best results. It works well, with numerous Superzilla reviews appreciating its efficiency. How does Superzilla work? As a cleaning agent, it breaks bonds of carbon molecules and engulfs them. This makes stains loose and easy to wipe.
As a penetrating agent, Superzilla’s solvents will break down and loosen materials like rust and dirt. The oil part will emulsify the contaminants, while surfactants break them and suspend them in the solution.
When used as a lubricant, Superzilla coats the moving surfaces with a thin layer of oil to prevent friction.
Is Superzilla Any Good?
Superzilla stands out from its competitors for several reasons, particularly its non-toxic nature. Do not assume its non-hazardous nature means its mild on stains. It performs excellent in eliminating grime, loosening stuck bolts and nuts, lubrication, and corrosion protection.
Its green tag makes it ideal for working with parts exposed to the environment. This multipurpose utility is compatible with many materials, like metal, plastic, cloth, and rubber, and won’t damage them.
Superzilla Product Reviews
Superzilla has a decent product catalog containing plenty of items. Below is an insight into some of the products.
1. Superzilla Powerful All-Purpose Cleaner 1 liter Spray Bottle
An ideal penetrating oil should be highly adaptable to deal with various stains. Superzilla Powerful All-Purpose Cleaner has a robust formula that effortlessly removes oil, grease, tar, nail polish, tree sap, labels, and more.
This Superzilla product is your answer to rusted bolts, nuts, and locks that won’t unfasten. A quick spray will dissolve the rust and form a protective film to prevent further corrosion.
The Superzilla All-Purpose cleaner is easy to use, coming in a manageable 1-liter, 2.1-pound bottle.
2. Superzilla Powerful All-Purpose 1-Gallon Bulk-Size Cleaner and Lubricator
The bulk-sized Superzilla Powerful All-Purpose cleaner and lubricator is perfect for heavy-duty or industrial applications. The product comes in a 3.79-liter, 9.2-pound container with a handle for easy use.
The penetrating fluid does an impeccable job of eliminating stubborn stains like rust, gunk, and tree sap. Rusty and stuck bolts and nuts should not bother you, as this item will have your back. Its natural capillary action allows it to seep through the metal’s surface and loosen up the frozen connections.
Superzilla Powerful All-Purpose lubricator is a fit lube for moving parts, especially doors, and will do away with stubborn squeaks.
3. Superzilla Powerful All-Purpose lubricator 8oz spray bottle
This Superzilla product is green and non-toxic; thus, it is friendly to the user and the environment. You don’t have to worry about your skin peeling or other side effects after handling this penetration oil.
It comes in a small 8oz spray bottle that is easy to use and does not need much storage space once you are done with it. Its potent penetration formula makes it perfect for tough stains like nail polish, graffiti, rust, wax, and crayons.
You can use the Superzilla All-Purpose lubricator to oil hinges, valves, chains, wheels, and doors.
What is WD40?
WD40 is a multi-purpose penetrating oil and the signature brand of the WD40 company. This utility has been around since 1953 when it was conceived for the Rocket Chemical Company, before it changed to the WD40 Company.
WD40 is famous for its versatility and is deemed a jack of all trades, as it can tackle numerous applications. You can use it as a lubricant, parts cleaner, degreaser, penetration, and silencing noisy components.
What does WD40 stand for? The letters represent water displacement, while the number denotes the 40th attempt. It hints that the product was the 40th trial during its initial engineering.
Applications Of WD40
According to WD40’s website, WD40 penetrating fluid has over 2000 uses, showing off its adaptability, which many users appreciate. It is a superior general-purpose lubricant that you can use for doors, sliding mechanisms, stuck zippers, and other moving parts. It covers the exposed sections with a thin film to curb friction and improve the components’ service life.
Silicon spray vs. WD40, which is the most effective in friction prevention? Silicon spray has a better lubrication capability than WD40. Nonetheless, WD40 beats it in the application range.
You can use WD40 to clean and degrease surfaces. It will effectively deal with oily stains, like tar, shoe polish, lipstick, grime, and graffiti, which are difficult to clean with ordinary detergents. You can also use WD40 to remove car decals without damaging paint.
WD40 is the solution to stuck bolts or nuts. Most of the time, the nuts and bolts get stuck due to rust or dirt. WD40 will penetrate the rust and remove the corroded surface. It then lubricates the space between the two metals for trouble-free unscrewing.
Other uses of WD40 are:
- Removing window tint glue Protect chrome on cars
- Rust and corrosion protection
- Filter dust when sprayed on air conditioner
- Dampen belt noises
- Helpful in the installation of rubber exhaust hangers
- Unsticks car door when it is cold
Is WD40 Any Good?
WD40 is a high-grade penetrating oil that won’t disappoint you. Versatility is its key selling appeal, as it is handy for numerous applications. It is a safe product that won’t harm the user or damage the surfaces you are using it on.
Talking about surfaces, it is compatible with metal, wood, plastic, rubber, cloth, and painted surfaces in controlled amounts. Prolonged use on wood, rubber, and painted surfaces may lead to their degradation. Additionally, you should not use WD40 on clear polystyrene and polycarbonate plastic.
The WD-40 vs. Q20 discussion puts two of the best penetrating fluids head-to-head to determine the best and weigh how good WD40 is. Q20 fares well in overall lubricity and rust protection but does not match WD40’s flexibility.
Is Superzilla the Same as WD40?
Superzilla and WD40 are both penetrating fluids and function in the same way. That is the only similarity between the two products. Their formulas differ, with WD40 containing petroleum-based oils and other hydrocarbons, whereas Superzilla relies on plant-based oils.
WD40 was originally designed as a water-displacing spray before it became a multipurpose utility due to its formulation. Superzilla debuted as a household and industrial cleaner and lubricant.
WD40 Product Reviews
We review some WD40 commodities to give you an idea of how excellent this brand is.
1. WD-40 Specialist Penetrant Fast-Acting with SMART STRAW
Time is crucial when working on parts like stuck nuts and bolts. The WD-40 Specialist Fast-acting penetrant guarantees speedy results due to its fast-action formula. You will have the bolts and nuts separated in a short time.
This penetrating solution has a SMART STRAW for hassle-free coordination, particularly when working on tiny crevices. The straw guides the fluid to the right places for maximum action and to minimize wastage via spills.
The WD-40 Specialist Penetrant has a subdued scent and is safe on rubber, plastic, and metal. The fluid covers surfaces with a corrosion-resistant protective film, saving the parts from rust and other degradation agents.
2. WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak
Rust is a major culprit behind metal deterioration, and prevention is the best way to deal with it. You can use the WD-40 Specialist rust remover soak to salvage already-rusted surfaces. It dissolves the metal oxide, leaving you with a surface that you can further restore.
Despite the industrial strength of this rust remover, it is safe to use and won’t irritate the skin. It is also safe to the surrounding areas, as it is free of fumes and acids. The WD40 Specialist rust remover is easy to use and does not require scrubbing or chipping to eliminate the corroded spots.
3. WD-40 Specialist Bike 4 Oz Wet Chain Lube
Bike chains are prone to wear, as they regularly come into contact with other metal parts. You can prevent the chain from breaking apart due to friction via frequent lubrication. The WD-40 Specialist Bike 4 oz wet chain lube will do justice to the chain.
It is a hardy lube engineered for extreme conditions characterized by moisture and mud. This lubricant provides a waterproof coat to the chain, saving it from friction and rust. It is a no-wax formula, meaning there will be no gunk buildup.
The WD-40 Specialist Bike, wet chain lube, comes in a small container that fits in your pocket or riding bag.
Superzilla Vs. WD40 Differences
Superzilla vs. WD40 Reddit discussions show how these two products are very different. A key area the discussions touch on is their respective formulation. Presently, both brands secure formulas, but it is clear that WD40 primarily features petroleum-based oils, while its counterpart has plant-derived oils.
We will look at more contrast points of the two based on the following facets.
Applications
WD40 was initially a water-displacing spray, which evolved to perform numerous industrial and household roles. Superzilla came into the scene as a cleaning, lubricating, and penetrating agent.
Many people lean towards Superzilla for its superb cleaning and lubricating capability. WD40 has a large and loyal following that appreciates its vast adaptability, evident from its over 2000 uses.
On application, both brands are flexible and can handle several tasks, though Superzilla focuses on some specialty areas, like cleaning and lubrication.
WD40 is a jack of all trades but a master of none. However, there are areas where it reigns supreme over Superzilla, such as its efficiency as a carb and brake cleaner. Some of its products come with a straw or nozzle for easy use in hard-to-access areas, like the carburetor.
Price
Price is a critical determinant of the go-to brand, with many opting for cheaper alternatives. The WD40 vs. Superzilla price discussion reveals the former to be more affordable than its counterpart.
A one-gallon can of Superzilla goes for $109, while the same quantity of WD40 costs between $30 and $35. A 10-ounce Superzilla spray bottle has a $14 tag. A similar bottle of WD40 goes for $8.
A possible explanation of the price disparity is Superzilla’s green formulation, which makes it a non-hazardous utility. Regarding cost, cheaper does not mean better; instead, go for a product that offers the best value at a reasonable rate.
Customer Feedback
You can get a hint of the best penetrating fluid between Superzilla and WD40 by checking customer reviews. The two brands have rave reviews, mostly pointing to their high quality, flexibility, and outstanding performance.
For instance, this short Reddit comment on Superzilla alludes to its reliability. Here is another comment on a different thread that touches on its cleaning might.
This WD40 Reddit thread shows how efficient it is in eliminating rust from an axe. This Amazon review praises WD40’s functionality.
FAQs
Does Superzilla Remove Paint?
Superzilla is a powerful penetrating oil that effortlessly deals with stubborn stains like paint. In case of graffiti on walls or accidental paint spills, you can count on Superzilla to leave you with a clean surface. Its effectiveness depends on the type of paint, how long it has been there, and the surface material.
Dried-in paint can be pretty challenging to remove and may require repeated efforts for a spotless surface. Paint on materials like concrete can be hard to remove, especially if it has been a long time since contact. Nevertheless, Superzilla brings its A-game to eliminate the stains.
Superzilla won’t damage car paint, provided you follow the application instructions.
Can Superzilla Be Used on Guns?
Superzilla’s superior cleaning, lubricating, and penetrating qualities may tempt you to use it on your gun. You should not use Superzilla on firearms, as it has a high penetrating power and could reach the primer or wear out the bluing, affecting their performance.
Instead of Superzilla, you can use Gunzilla, also from TopDuck Products LLC. Gunzilla is a safe product that will improve your gun’s service.
Is It Bad to Oil a Gun with WD40?
Oiling is a crucial gun maintenance practice that reduces friction between moving parts, translating to better performance. While WD40 has great lubricating properties, you should not use it to oil your gun.
First, the spraying action when using WD40 may push gunk in the gun deeper into unreachable crevices. WD40 evaporates faster than regular gun oil, rendering it useless as a lubricant. Always use the right gun oil to clean and lube your gun to have it in the best shape.
What Does WD Stand for In the Product WD-40?
WD in WD-40 stands for water displacement and is a significant part of this brand. Back in 1953, three Rocket Chemical Company staff members were out to develop a line of rust-prevention solvents for aerospace use.
The 40th attempt was successful, and WD-40 came to be. The number 40 stands for the 40th attempt the staff got the formula right.
Will Superzilla Or WD-40 Harm Rubber?
You should ensure that penetrating oil is compatible with a material before using it to prevent damage. WD40 is not entirely safe on rubber. You should use WD40 sparingly on rubber, as prolonged use will wear it off. WD40 will dissolve the oils in rubber, making it brittle.
On the other hand, Superzilla is safe on rubber, though you must be careful when using it to avoid wearing away the material. Wipe off excess fluid from the rubber and avoid soaking it, as the fluid may eat it away.
Which Is Better, WD40 Or Superzilla?
There is plenty to learn from the Superzilla vs. WD40 debate, mainly their respective selling points, which can guide you to the right product. Superzilla is a green, non-toxic utility that works well as a cleaner and lubricant.
WD40 is highly adaptable, with plenty of uses, like cleaning, degreasing, lubrication, and rust removal. Both are high-quality items that will serve you well. Always focus on the value to get a suitable household and garage utility.
Please note that WD40 and Superzilla are not lubricants; they just have lubricating properties. As such, you should refrain from substituting your regular lubes for them.