WD-40 Hack!!!

[@V8chump]

People talk about tire stickiness as if you’re relying on it to “stick” to something like spiderman… stickiness doesn’t get your crawler over rocks and up steep hills, soft gummy compound that allows good conformity (≠ sticky) and good tread design are what make a crawler tire work.

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Thanks for the comment man, it makes sense.

[@thatoneguy2756]

​​@@arkansasrcnewbie All you have to do is clean tires with simple green and a brush. Once dry, soak them with wd 40. That's it. Don't just wipe wd40 on the tread area. Like the above post states it's about softening the entire tire, not just the tread. It's the solvents in the wd40 or pb that do the work, the tire soaks it in.

[@brianl426]

Spray wd40 on to a painters trim brush and just brush the tread and let them sit overnight. Just a thin coat to cover the tread is all you need. Have done this for years on crawler and other tires. It helps. Cheap rubber tires it has no effect on.

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Makes complete sense💪

[@turkishmurphy]

So In go kart racing we prep tires it's a key factor to going fast I don't see why peeping rc tires would be any different but I'll warn ya if you get too much prep on the tires or your prep too hot of a chemical it can bacily ruin your tires in this type of rubber I'd stick to light coats ...hope this helps somebody

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Thanks for the input brother

[@travisyork3915]

In my bmx days I used WD-40 in my grips to keep water out and after couple days they would become fused to the handle bars. Had to slice them to replace them. 😊

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Definitely been there cutting grips off lol. Thanks for the comment man

[@pyrace]

WD40 not only improves the tread, it is penetrative and hydrates plastic and rubber. When I get a new truck, I saturate the whole truck in WD40 overnight with regular re-applications. Wheels, Chassis, rods, and linkages... everything. Then I'll let everything drain off and blow it all down with a compressor. It tripples the life of your rubbers and adds incredible elasticity and strength to plastic. It's fantastic on plastic Chassis' and Wishbones.

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Good to know man, thanks! I figured wd would make plastic swell

[@pyrace]

@@arkansasrcnewbie I haven't noticed any swelling at all, and I even do the plastic hub carriers 😁

[@mole4x42]

the best thing Ive found is take simple green spray the tire and let it soak in and dry. you will be amazed how sticky it will get. the more times you spray it the better it gets.

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Good to know man, I've got a bunch of it from the last video!! Lol

[@Wannaridebikes]

Now ya need to soak the rest in we-40 to match all the tires. I’m not worried on sticky tires long as it crawls. I’m good

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

LoL, a little OCD? 🤣

[@pandacrawler6x6]

WoW! Very Naice Tip!!! As usual a great tutorial and good info share! Thanks my Friend!

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

You got it brother, thanks 🐼!

[@pandacrawler6x6]

@@arkansasrcnewbie 🐼 You're welcome my Friend 👍🏻

[@napstersgear]

I just spray them lightly while spinning on the RC. I have a heavily modified MN86 1/12 crawler and it is difficult to get good quality tires for it so I iust bought a generic variety (maybe OEM injora). WD40 makes them softer after applying. However, I feel that the WD40 - trailing - washing with soap cycles are making my tire treads harder in the long run. If your comp class allows it, siping the treads may give you more performance improvements. But of course, your mileage may vary. Thanks for doing this experiment!

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Man awesome comment, thank you for that. Happy crawling brother and see you on the next💪

[@mp5ive424]

We used to spray wd40 under our dirtbike fenders to keep the mudd from sticking and piling up ,during muddy hair scrambles .

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

The complete opposite to what I want lol.

[@brianlackie5093]

I would just use tire sauce. The reason races don't use chemicals to soften tires is because it weakens the Integrity of the rubber and they fall apart and do exactly what you're tired did. We use tire sauce the day of racing, it sokes into the rubber and makes em sticky but we wear them out that day. You could probably use some sauce and you don't have to put it on the sidewall and get the result you're looking for. There are various processes, but yeah just try some traction compound I think you'll get the result you want

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Nice to know, I am curios though... Will the sticky pick up a bunch of dirt you think?

[@SpeedFreakRC]

Use wd40 all the time to soften tires for racing. Bag first then remove from the bag and set in the sun again to cook off. Softer=sticky. Also simple green will do the same thing. Just because it doesn't feel like it worked does not mean it hasent. Mount them up and use them and you will see the difference. Also while using this process tires should be on the wheels

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Man thank you so much for the help!

[@albertduckett8591]

Surely being more pliable is more useful for crawler tires

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Absolutely, but that damn film it leaves...

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

1, you’re not supposed to completely soak them. 2, you’re supposed to have the rim and tge foam inside, spray the tire, let it sit an hood so, and then just wipe em off. If you do that and go hit the trails they will work much better

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Great to hear, man. I could have used that before and during the video! Lol

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

@@arkansasrcnewbie haha I learned the hard way too

[@slothsquatch5023]

Interesting test, I didn't think WD-40 would do anything. Just spray automotive carpet adhesive on the tires, that will make em sticky until you get them covered with dirt.

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

I bet that would work for a second! Lol

[@419crawlers]

Very interesting test! I agree the best hack is to just buy good tires off the rip lol. And I am really liking the crawler innovation foams u suggested we put in my sons ecto. I’m gonna put mediums in the rear and soft in the front on my new build!

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Hell yeah man, so glad to hear. I believe crawler innovations recommended soft rear medium front. It works great for me and so happy you got some in the son's and next yours! Thanks brother

[@419crawlers]

@@arkansasrcnewbie right on! I’m sure I’ll switch em around to find out what works lol I have realized every rig works different lol

[@hickjagger]

Try diluted elmers glue. Spray the tread until it is wet but not dripping. Mix it with water until it is sprayable. Let it sit about 10 minutes.

[@V8chump]

Huge mess, probably zero benefit 🤣

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Oh COMING RIGHT UP!! 👍👍

[@mattbridges385]

With wd40 you just need to soak them and they will soften up for a while not sticky. If you want sticky go with the pb blast or some tire sauce like fdj. then when you work them on the cloth take them to the point of smoking. that will open the pours up and the tires will get gummy

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Nice!! You know I've got a pb video but I just soaked them.

[@Economan66]

I put wd40 on my mini t bk bars and they grew in size because it got soft and the foam expanded.

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Lol, dude I've seen that too. People's tires got huge when they let em soak ha ha ha.

[@Bullwinkle39]

Ive seen people saying to spray tyres with wd40 to make them sticky but they completely mis understand what a sticky tyre actually is. Also every tyre ive seen wd40 used on has turned into a rock

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Wow, that's crazy! I guess I will see what the injora turns to lol.

[@wigzzborz6759]

Those tires are actually pretty good(if they are the super swamper injora's). I use them on my trx-4 and the mini version of them on my FMS FCX-24. Awesome video as always!

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Man thanks for the comment brother, it makes me feel good I'm doing something right. Now the tires I'm not sure but, they did get me through an entire season! Lol

[@bacongl]

Big fan of the 24th scale version. The 10th scale tires are pretty good with the right foams and wheels. Just need to have a decent setup and they tend to favor heavier rigs.

[@DTW-bx2vy]

If you think the Injoras are nice try out the JConcepts - 1.0" Rupures (63mm) in the green compound. But they will cost close to $40.00 to $50.00 for a set of four tires depending on where you perchase them from, but they are by far the best 1.0" crawler tires you can put onto any 1/24 & 1/18 scale rig. You will certainly not be disappointed in there crawling performance compared to any Injora tire available.

[@slashraptor9317]

I’m wondering what belt conditioner would do? I use it on my drag slicks.

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

That would Def make them less squeaky!! Lol Belt conditioner, wow that sounds like it would work

[@kevinschroth.4568]

Try sticky kicks that’s made for rc tires and that should improve the softness and stickiness use the yellow bottle that’s the most aggressive

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Man I will have to do that! Looked them up and have them in the cart!! Thanks brother

[@hectorgarcia2668]

Supposed to do the soaking with wheel assembled.. Soaking tires off the wheel can make it difficult to mount tires , some can defirm or swell..

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Got ya 👍 appreciate it

[@mikehawk8961]

Haven't watched the video completely through but i would like to comment, the biggest change in alot of tires i've had as far as crawling goes it just use...seems like after a ton of miles in them as far as crawling, trailing, driving around the compound seems to get broken down and they become pretty supple. Can't vouch for the knock-off hyraxes though.

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

John your totally right man, I kinda was not a fan of my hyraxes until a bunch of crawling, now with my crawler innovations foams,they really are something. Thanks for the comment man

[@Stille1970]

I wonder how belt dressing would work? If you want them sticky that might work.

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Dude!! Someone else commented the SAME THING💪 I bet it would!! Thanks for the comment brother

[@419crawlers]

Oh by the way forgot to tell ya that you do bandaids like me haha! Love it lmao

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

🤣🤣 Damn finger will not heal!!

[@RadioactiveRC]

What’s up Arkansas RC Newbie! I have used WD40 on some of my drag racer tires with mixed results. Great video! If you don’t test you never know. 🤙🏼☢️

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

For sure brother! Thanks Radioactive ☢️

[@slakjawnotsayin5451]

I thought WD40 was used to condition the tires, not really to make them sticky.

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

I've heard both???

[@slakjawnotsayin5451]

@@arkansasrcnewbie LOL there are so many different methods people talk about, I guess a guy just has to try them all and figure out what works best for themselves.

[@bacongl]

I have been using Simple Green for years. Never tried WD40 or Silicone Lube but I wouldn't think they would work all that well. I have heard others using Acetone for a few minutes. That stuff will eat through plastic and rubber pretty quick so I wouldn't really suggest it unless you are trying to strip glue off a rim and tire. And even then, I prefer the bake method.

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Absolutely man, the simple green really does a number. I am thinking about kerosene! It's been used on real racecar tires...??

[@bacongl]

@@arkansasrcnewbie Haha wow, that would make another great video!

[@lcpeterbilt379]

racer, yes it works shortens the life but works.. it actually soaks it in, it works by destroying the rubber. yea dont wash it off, just wipe it down and go with it

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Good to know man, just thinking how in the world lol?? Thanks for the comment man, see you on the next.

[@butchpeyton7076]

I don't think I would soak tires. They wont fit on rims if sides too loose

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

I learned that the hard way! Where were you earlier!?! Lol

[@Cameron2874]

You now have a set of tyres all treated differently. Would be interesting to mount them with same wheels and foam and to do some crawling over different obstacles to see how they behave on the rig. You could swap for example to front left to see how each reacts to the same obstacle on each obstacle. 🤷‍♂️ Would make for interesting content at least

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

I like the waybyour thinking brother, thank you. That would be interesting! May have to look at that 👍🏼

[@jeremyofthejungle]

I just wash my tires with dish soap, cleanliness is grippyness.

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

For sure man, that makes a big difference

[@justinfurman9267]

I tried wd40 with some old Losi tires and i must have let them sit too long because they swelled up and now wont fit the rim lol

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

🤣🤣🤣 Them are cheater tires lol.

[@mrfixitusa6165]

So basically what it's doing is very quickly degrading the outer surfaces of the rubber, with that penetrating oil that is WD40. Does it make them stickier? Well... Yeah ... because it's breaking down the rubber compound kind of like leaving soft rubber in the sunlight for a long time will cause it to turn sticky and goopy ...and fall apart. They're not falling apart right now because there exposure to this rubber degrading solvent was short-term so it hasn't had time to penetrate into the middle or the depth of the rubber. But I'd really like to see what someone's results are I'm really soft Tyres a couple years later after soaking them in WD40...

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Very good info man, I'll keep that in mind.

[@Fortes_RC_Adv]

Nice video👌 Do could try paraffin and let them rest for half a day inside a bag😉

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Thanks brother, wish there could of been better results lol. Also may just try paraffin?? Appreciate the input

[@John.lakesrc]

That will ruin the tyres, just clean them with dishwasher soap.

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Well, it's our job to try out and see if these hacks work lol.

[@Turd-l2l]

Wonder what combat sport he’s in I noticed the cauliflower ear

[@ronschild9731]

Oil softens rubber. Common sense.

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

👍

[@donaldellis8116]

Boxer or mma?

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Mma brother 👍💪

[@michaelmess7575]

Try just wiping the treads. You don't want it on the sidewalls bc you don't want them to break down. That what I've been told anyway. ✌️😁👍 Keep up the good word brother! And them ears tell a story....lol. What martial art do you practice?

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Lol, thanks brother 🙏 I am sure a more expensive tire will respond better. As far as the ears I have been a nogi Jiu-Jitsu grappler for most my life. I am a 2x world series champion and have fought professionally. I now coach and teach kids and adult classes.

[@jees3474]

With the wd40, stay off the side walls

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@kloudkreeper]

I’m no chemist or anything, but honestly the tread itself on these tires feel more like a silicone compound than rubber.

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

You just might be, that describes them perfectly!! 🤣

[@mrfixitusa6165]

I definitely agree with that on the Pro-Line hyrax predators! The first time I handled a set, it immediately felt like silicon instead of rubber.

[@brandonseals6732]

I bet that tire don't last a week

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

😆

[@DuDieselDude]

shouldve done the drill both directions

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Yep!! Where were you while I was filming !!! Ha ha ah

[@creekcreeperrc7972]

They don't stick cause they are the cheapest "tyres"on planet earth..

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

🤣🤣

[@BreydonsRC]

Wow. You really put that tire in a drill and pressed it against a rag while spinning it? It deformed because you applied a ridiculous amount of heat to it. People have been softening RC tires with WD40 since the 80's. And no-prep guys use it for drag tires to improve traction. Your method was completely wrong.

[@raso_i]

1/10 racers use liquid wrench

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Really??? Hmmmm......

[@THgamingRO]

next time try acid

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

😬😬😬

[@SanshokuCustoms]

Wd40 ruins rubber

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Found that out lol

[@markmccullough6873]

Has anyone try Hair spray? Great video see you the next one.Stay Safe Stay Healty ✌

[@arkansasrcnewbie]

Thanks for the comment man...As far as hairspray goes, that's brilliant!