I think that WD-40 is not only not an oil, but, if allowed to remain on a metal part for a vew months, it will turn into an adhesive paste. When that happens, it is not easy to remove.
I do clock repair as a hobby. The owner sprays the movement of a stopped clock with WD-40. After a few months the clock stops again because what seemed initially like a helpful lubricant has turned into a retarding paste. The clock then comes to me for repair and I have to clean the paste off as well as the other dried oil and dust that was covered by the spray of WD-40. I can then rebuild the movement by putting in bushings and polishing pivots and so forth.
I would avoid WD-40 like the plaque, except possibly for initial an cleaning followed quickly by its compete removal in favor of a lubricant that protects the metal underneath from corrosion.
Will WD-40 prevent rust? Because of the past it turns into, I believe it will. The problem arises when it is used on metal surfaces that are intended to slide over one another. There, it does not act like a lubricant.
David
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