If you’re looking for an actual “all-purpose” lubricant try tri-flow lubricant. It’s technically a chain lube but it works pretty well for most light duty household stuff and it sticks around a whole lot longer than WD40. Generally wherever you think WD40 is a good idea that stuff will usually work better. The only downside is that it smells strongly like bananas for a while after you spray it on because it contains banana oil. It’s not a bad smell but it’s definitely noticable.

WD40 is a bit of a catch all. It kind of does a lot of things but it isn’t great at any of them. It’s kind of a penetrating oil for busting things loose but it doesn’t work nearly as well as an actual penetrating oil. It’s kind of a part cleaner but it won’t work nearly as well as an actual part cleaner. It’s kind of a lubricant but it won’t work nearly as well as an actual lubricant. If you had one can of stuff to bring with you to a deserted island then WD40 would be the best thing to bring. But other than that there is always a better dedicated spray for whatever you want to do.