How to: Use WD-40 "Smart Straw" Nozzles On Other Aerosol Cans

Anyone that has used aerosol sprays with the tiny red straws that get lost can share my frustration. You're under the hood taking careful aim, then you fire. Pffft! The straw shoots off and is nowhere to be found in the depths of your engine bay. I probably have a half dozen in there never to be found again. Only trick to using the "Smart Straw" on other cans is to very slightly enlarge the taper with a drill. Remove the minimum amount of plastic to get a good seal. Start with a 1/8" bit and test fit. I ended up using a 9/64" bit and drilled about 3/16" deep. Drill too far, and it will no longer depress the can's valve stem, too large it will leak. Appears WD-40 designed their can valve stem a smaller diameter to prevent the "Smart Straw" from being used on other products. Always thought it wasteful to throw these away. This works, try it!

WD-40 Smart Straw Solves Decades-Old Problem
http://www.worrell.com/case-studies/wd40-smart-straw-solution

 

[Rick]

That's a nice mod. I really like the WD-40 setup and it will be great to be able to use them on other cans.

 

[MONMIX]

I just wrap a piece of tape around the nozzle and tape it to the straw.

I started doing this AFTER blasting a customers interior with rust fighter.....

 

[koda2000]

excellent idea. why didn't I think of doing that?