dilbert firestorm wrote:
On 2/25/2011 9:43 AM, Jon Danniken wrote:
dilbert firestorm wrote:
someone told me that I can strip zinc in a plastic tub filled with
vinegar?
I know vinegar has lots of uses, but is this so?

Dunno about vinegar, but good old muriatic acid takes it off pretty
quickly. You do need safety gear for this, though.

Jon


which is why I'm not messing with that nasty stuff. As nasty as this
stuff is, its amazing how much damage its corrosive fumes can do.

Well obviously you don't want to breathe in the vapors, or get it on your
skin. I do it outside, and stay upwind. Chemical gloves, a mechanics
suit, safety googles and a face shield are necessary, and make sure you are
not near an open flame. Have a box of baking soda nearby for spills and
cleanup.

I put the part to be de-galvanized into a plastic container, and use a chip
brush to apply the acid.

As the procedure continues, you will need to add more acid, as you end up
converting the Zn into a ZnCl solution, and releasing H2.

Like most things, once you have the setup it is a relatively simple
prodecure, and kind of fun.

Jon