Stop the squeak

WD-40 supposedly it has more than 2000 uses, but here I often wonder if even one use is known.

Ever heard of WD-40?

Although I’ve used it for years and even brought a few spray bottles from overseas years ago, I never understood its name.

Apparently it’s the trademark name of the fortieth formula of a ‘penetrating oil and water-displacing spray’ first produced in 1950s in California.

WD-40 supposedly it has more than 2000 uses, but here I often wonder if even one use is known.

Squeaking sounds are rife and one can hear various types of squeaks wherever one turns.

Our neighbours have started a project and the fundi is carting truckloads of sand and stones with a wheelbarrow, resulting in many hours of squeaking.

Then the bicycles pass by. It seems most of them haven’t had any service ever.

As cyclists comes down the slight slope of our road, brakes need to be applied when approaching the junction and there it is: screaming brakes.

The act of opening doors or cupboards in bedrooms or kitchens are also usually accompanied by sound.

Then the various types of locks, shifting metal bars etc., on compound gates which can be heard several times a day for cars needing to enter or leave.

I was told one likes it that way as it makes for additional security: no one can open the gate unnoticed.

Lets not forget the chatter of the ceiling fan — a small spray of WD-40 has silenced mine.

So I wonder, is WD-40 not easily available here or just extremely costly?

Or maybe no one minds the addition of noise to daily tasks and accepts the situation without any further thought to the matter.

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About the Author

Josie van den Hoek
Josie first visited Dar es Salaam in 2000 and is still here. She writes about encounters on her daily walks and Tanzanian life.