About Us
A history of helping
The 3-IN-ONE brand is focused on making it easy for people to solve their maintenance problems—and has been since 1894.
3-IN-ONE is famous for how long it’s been around… it’s been solving problems & making people smile since 1884.
And that’s why the WD-40 Company officially acquired the 3-IN-ONE Oil business in 1995 and has been innovating ever since to produce the best product with the best delivery systems around.
1894
George W. Cole, a resident of Asbury Park, New Jersey, compounds a mixture to accomplish three things in connection with the care and maintenance of a bicycle. These are: a lubricant, a rust preventive and a cleaner. The formula results in the famous 3-IN-ONE® Oil that accomplishes three separate things with one application.
1899
The product proves to be an immediate success and the little business grows to such proportions that the company, G.W. Cole, is incorporated under the laws of the state of New Jersey.
1905-1910
The corporate charter is amended and the name of the company is changed from G.W. Cole to 3-IN-ONE Oil Company. Green glass bottles having the name 3-IN-ONE in raised letters and a cork stopper are sold. Circa 1910 metal screw-top caps make their appearance, while the rest of the bottle remains the same.
1933
The capital stock of 3-IN-ONE Oil Company is acquired by Drug Incorporated, which later dissolves. At that time, the 3-IN-ONE Oil Company becomes part of Sterling Products Inc.
1936
A.S. Boyle Company, a subsidiary of American Home Products Corporation, purchases the brand from Sterling Products Inc. It is merchandised in small tin cans.
1994
To celebrate the product’s centennial, this year’s packaging design incorporates a black banner at the top front of the can, reading “100 Years – Hundreds of Uses.”
1995
WD-40 Company officially acquires the worldwide 3-IN-ONE Oil business from Reckitt & Coleman Plc., worldwide manufacturer and marketer of household, toiletry, pharmaceutical and food products.
1999
A new delivery system, the Telescoping Spout, is added to the product line. Reminiscent of an old-time oilcan, the plastic bottle comes with a five-inch extendable spout designed to get at hard-to-reach places.
2003
The 3-IN-ONE Professional line is introduced – – a line of high-performance specialty products essential for the home, factory and shop.
2004
Four new high-performance specialty formulas are added to the popular 3-IN-ONE Professional line.
2007
The Garage Door Lube is added to the 3-IN-ONE Professional line bringing the total line to nine formulas.
2012
The 3-IN-ONE Multi-Purpose Oil with Marksman Spout, with its new ergonomically shaped bottle, on and off twist tip and product fill indicator, is introduced to help trade professionals deliver oil precisely where it’s needed — and nowhere else.
2015
Another handy solution is born, 3-IN-ONE Lock Dry Lube, which penetrates and loosens locks.
2017
RV Maintenance is made easy with the new 3-IN-ONE RVcare Slide-Out Silicone Lube and the Window & Track Dry Lube. These products are specifically formulated to keep slide-outs, windows, and doors running smoothly- restoring calm to the campsite.
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