Heavy Rust Removal
CAUTION,THIS CAN BE DANGEROUS. Some days ago this subject was discussed. I said I would report on what I was going to do. Having done that, here is my report. I had a toy pistol made to shoot corks (I think) that was so rusty that it was almost frozen where it bends down the handle to cock it. It is made of stamped sheet iron. I also included three very rusted candle snuffers finely made of steel, the quality of old scissors and gun parts. At the hardware store I bought a gallon of Muriatic Acid for $3.99. Put all my items in a large porcelainized pan and poured enough of the acid in to cover the parts. A lot of visible vapors come off and the stuff seems to boil. After about ten minutes I took the parts out, perfectly clean down to gray metal. Where pitting had occurred the pitting was still there, of course, but clean to the bottom.
I did this in my garage where I have plenty ventilation. I had to
soak a rag in water and breathe thru it when I got close to the job.
The acid on the skin can produce a burn, in the eyes, much worse. I had a pair of stainless steel long nose surgical clamps to pick out my parts from the acid. I disposed of the used acid by digging a hole in the back yard and pouring it in an covering it up. While outside I rinsed my parts and the pan in water and poured that water in another hole I dug. Then took everything inside and rinsed them well in the kitchen sink.
I'm not new to acid handling and did it right, more or less. Even so, next time I will get more ventilation by putting up a fan and get a better breathing mask. TAKE A LOT OF PRECAUTION AND READ THE LABEL ON THE JUG.
This might better be in the General section but I put it here in Experts because that is where the item started.
I did this in my garage where I have plenty ventilation. I had to
soak a rag in water and breathe thru it when I got close to the job.
The acid on the skin can produce a burn, in the eyes, much worse. I had a pair of stainless steel long nose surgical clamps to pick out my parts from the acid. I disposed of the used acid by digging a hole in the back yard and pouring it in an covering it up. While outside I rinsed my parts and the pan in water and poured that water in another hole I dug. Then took everything inside and rinsed them well in the kitchen sink.
I'm not new to acid handling and did it right, more or less. Even so, next time I will get more ventilation by putting up a fan and get a better breathing mask. TAKE A LOT OF PRECAUTION AND READ THE LABEL ON THE JUG.
This might better be in the General section but I put it here in Experts because that is where the item started.
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I wonder what that used acid and rinse water did to the ground water in your area. I am sure there are better means of disposal!
Pete
"Be kind to your neighbor, he knows where you live"0 -
WHEN FINISHED WITH THE ACID MIX WITH BAKING SODA AND WATER.
I WOULD RATHER BE DUCK HUNTING.0 -
Muriatic acid will NOT blister your skin. You can reach in it and take the parts out with your bare hand. It will dissolve calcium so when you pour it onto the ground, it will go neutral when enough calcium is dissolved. It is a very good cleaner of concrete but it will etch it if used enough.
I have used it for years to polish fossilized sea shells. You just soak them in the acid, and while it is still boiling, take them out and rinse immediately in cold water and they will shine like they were polished. Works on most calcium items. Tom
Those who beat their swords into plowshares will plow for those who dont.0 -
I did forget to mention a couple of things. If you have a cut on your hand, it will burn like sin! Also, if used near your tools, the vapor will cause them to rust and fast. Avoid breathing the fumes as one good whiff will but you on your butt!! Tom
Those who beat their swords into plowshares will plow for those who dont.0 -
Muriatic acid is, chemically, the same thing as stomach acid. Problem is, it's much stronger and demands care in handling as it's a fairly weak solution of hydrochloric acid.
Used a wet cloth over your mouth & nose? Glad you can still take a breath? The gas produced by the process you describe is mostly free Chlorine; in your nose, mouth, eyes, and lungs it's as effective as what was used in WWI as poison gas at destroying tissues.
Baking soda will produce a violent reaction when combined with even weak acids. If you need to neutralize muriatic acid, use something like limestone (or marble) chips. Takes a bit longer but is far safer.
Don't store acids anywhere near your guns either, as even with the containers well sealed some gas may still be escaping over time & will cause corrosion of metal parts close by.0 -
I'm still not going to put my hands into Muriatic acid. The fumes from the stuff were noxious to the point of pain. I used the damp towel to filter out the fumes so I could get close enough to take my parts out of it, etc. As for disposition, I'm told it is biodegradable and the main reason hardware stores carry it is for people who use it for some purpose on their septic tanks. If anyone is disturbed by all this I'm sorry and welcome any qualified advice, rebuttal, etc. After all this forum is supposed to be replied to by 'experts' which I may have violated because chemistry is not my area of expertise.
Life is 10% what you make it and 90% how you take it.0 -
Muriatic acid is some neat stuff. You can dissolve bones in it. I remember back in chemistry class we put some bones in it and after a while they got so soft you could tie them in knots. One other thing... don't leave metal parts in it for too long or you will come back and find that they have completely dissolved too! For rust removal I use a dremmel with a fine wire wheel. 0
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