I was wondering if you can cleans reels with WD-40 without it hurting the rod or reel? If not how do you clean them?

Are asking about the outside rod and reel surfaces?

Tom

It's ok for an external cleaner. WD 40 is very popular. It has had its hayday. WD has some water to it, and it will gum some. I would not spray it internally but some guys will probably say they have been using it for years. I will never use it on any part of a gun. 

For a quick external wipe down it's fine. Don't let it anywhere near the internals of a reel. 

You'll probably be transferring the odor of WD to the lures you're using, and that is not a good idea.  How about a damp cloth for a wipedown?  I don't use anything other than that on mine and keep them looking and working well.

I used to spray WD-40 on my plastics during the Winter to keep them soft.  This was years ago and I am not sure if they have changed the way they are made.  I have recently tried it on some older, slightly hardened worms that a Friend gave me but that is inconclusive at the moment.  I have used it years ago to spray inside wet distributor caps on boats to get them started.  I believe that WD-40 is Water Dispersant - Mix 40.  But don't quote me on that.

WD-40 is a solvent the displaces water, it's not fish oil or a lubricant.

Clean your rod using warm fresh water and soap, then rinse with water. If you fish in salt water a light wipe with WD-40 after cleaning with soap and water helps to reduce corrosion. DVT mentioned not to clean reel internal parts with WD-40, it breaks down lubricants.

Tom

 

WD-40 is not as wonderful as it smells.

It's essentially a penetrating oil and water displacement (WD stands for Water Displacement).

If you're looking to clean your gear, it would be better to use a cleaner such as '409' or 'Simple Green'.

  

Many swear that the aroma of WD-40 attracts fish and apply it to their lures as a fish attractant.

Other anglers feel just the opposite, believing that WD-40 repels fish.

I never employ fish attractants, so I'll let them sort it out 

 

Roger

After a day of fishing I spray WD-40 in a paper towel and wipe down my reels after a fresh water rinse.

 

Have no idea if it helps but it makes me feel better. I feel compelled to mention I have reels that are decades old that look and feel like new that I have treated this way.

WD-40 is fine but the problem is it evaporates fast & there for aint good for very long.

WD40 is like its cousin, CRC666.  They are great to spray on electrical wiring such as spark plug wires.  Got a car with old spark plug wires that short out when they get damp, spray them liberally with either product and the car/truck will start right up.

 

Years ago that was a common problem when the plug wires got old.  Pretty rare in today's vehicles.  

It was common, particularly in a salt water environment to see a fisherman remove the cowl of his outboard and mist the entire powerhead on a regular basis.  It eliminated a lot of corrosion and starting problems.

 

Like automobiles, better, more durable components, such as silicone spark plug wires eliminated a lot of the common ailments of old time machinery.

 

Armorall (silicone spray) is great for cleaning the vinyl dashboards and doorpanels of vehicles, but don't ever use it on floormats or seats.  It's as slippery as ice.