WD-40 to the rescue

MULTI-USE SPRAY INDISPENSABLE

By Allen Macartney

Too often you don’t find out what’s broken or needing a tune-up until you’re in the bush, many kilometers from civilization. That’s why I usually carry a small can of WD-40 in my kitchen camping pack.

The company lists 2,000 uses for this produc t (which is mostly fish oil), and many of those uses are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, summer or winter. This stuff goes way beyond just cleaning and lubricating. A small squirt of WD-40 drives out moisture, to prevent rust and corrosion – something to think about when putting equipment away in the basement at the end of the season.

In winter it’s perfect for thawing frozen pump handles on portable stoves on cold mornings. It keeps snow from sticking to shovels, and lubricates and keeps rust off ski and snowshoe bindings. Want to loosen old wax from skis and snow boards? Spray on a bit of WD-40, then scrape it away.

In summer it’s excellent for lubricating stove pumps and levers that have a thin rust buildup. Squirt a little inside your Coleman stove leather pump gasket to make it slide like new. At the end of each trip, spray a mist of WD-40 around your camp stove before wiping it clean. Grease, grit and dirt will lift off easily.

A bit of WD-40 makes tent and sleeping bag zippers zip with renewed enthusiasm. It stops squeaks and lubricates any moving part: hinges on coolers, pocket knives, folding tent poles. It even dissolves sticky sap and gunk off your tent, clothes or fingers – presto!

Hikers can spray it on leather boots to protect, soften, clean and create a water barrier. It’ll do the same to leather knife sheaths.

WD-40 will speed your bicycle along any trail. It lubricates and prevents rust buildup on brakes, shifters, pedal bearings, shocks, spokes, gears and chains. It makes cleaning the frame much easier because it breaks down grease and grime.

It’s amazing wha t a bit of processed fish oil can do.

Chateau Montebello FOR après-ski atmosphere, the outdoor enthusiast can choose from 70 kms of cross-country ski trails; dogsledding; snowshoeing or skating with the family. Afterwards, cozy-up by the famous towering six-side stone fireplace where you can relax with a nice book or conversation. Only 45min away, visit their website at:

www.fairmont.com/montebello