On Fri, 22 Apr 2005 09:36:36 +1000, "Stratis"
wrote:

I've acquired three 50 gallon steel drums which I think were used in hot
water systems.

I need to know whether or not they are stainless steel (as opposed to
non-stainless). How can I test them?

Stratis.


Copper sulphate solution - about one teasponful per cupful
of water plus a few drops of battery acid.

Scrape surface clean and apply with a Qtip. Carbon
steels will almost instantly develop a bright copper sheen.
Stainless steels will remain unaffected.

The solution will work without the battery acid
addition but the action is much slower.

Jim