Do scotchbrite belts need to be cleaned?

38 years of using WD 40 in the gunsmithing, cutlery, steam/refrigeration, and jewelry industries has shown me that WD 40 will dissolve other lubricants, and if enough WD 40 is not used to completely flush old lubes away they will dry into "gunk."
I have purposely left WD 40 exposed in a metal container in my shop for over a year to test the "shellac" theory. Yes, it will leave a residue after a very long time, but that residue is easily flushed away with more WD 40.
WD 40 is not a particularly good lubricant, but it is pretty good at preventing rust.
It's also excellent for using on buffing wheels to increase the cut rate and smooth the cutting action. I use it on my graver tips, too.
When I was playing music, I used WD 40 on my bass strings. It cleaned them and prevented corrosion while it increased string life.
 
Bill DeShivs said:
When I was playing music, I used WD 40 on my bass strings. It cleaned them and prevented corrosion while it increased string life.
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I do that too with my guitars, makes everything smoother. I use A2 and 1095 mainly, and I always put a thin coat on my blades. Never had a rust issue, and I don't mind that good smell on my fingers, unlike some of these lubricants...blah.

It seems to make picture taking a bit better too (if there's no dust bunnies)

I think there's the tradition factor too. Its always been around growing up. That, and Hoppe's No.9 solvent. (smells great too!)
 
25 years as a locksmith using WD-40 to clean and lubricate locks. I've never had it gunk up anything or dry to a shellac. It's an excellent cleaner and light lubricant (with an emphasis on light, which is exactly what you need for locks.) I use it for hand rubbing knife blades, too.
 
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