Using Mr Muscle for Zinc removal ? good or bad idea ?

[Paul-n]

Hi all

I have 4 x M10 bolts and want to weld the heads to some steel bar so they are captive.

In the past I have tried to flap disc the Zinc off , avoiding any fumes , however I seem to get a halo of red/crimson around the weld arc so I assume it did not work very well.

Could I get the Zinc off using Mr Muscle [ basically Hydrochloric acid ]

regards Paul

 

[carbonarc]

Hi. Zinc melts at around 420 degrees C. Solid fuel or coal burns at around 700 degrees C. Perhaps a small fire could be used to remove the plating.

 

[bletchmonster]

Unless it's tig, just wade in and get them welded.
BZP coating is at lot thinner than galv.
Brick acid will take the zinc off, but it's a beggar to stop them rusting after.

 

[Welderpaul]

Just use a flap disc until you see the metal change colour. The zinc on fixings is wafer thin any way. No need at all to mess about with ineffective domestic acids.

 

[Agroshield]

Could I get the Zinc off using Mr Muscle

Mr Muscle what? The best known Mr Muscle is the oven cleaner and that is sodium hydroxide, a base. The drain cleaner gel looks to use sodium hypochlorate, also a base.

If you want hydrochloric acid, brick cleaner contains it. Other drain cleaners contain sulphuric acid.

Hot citric acid or oxalic acid (vinegar) would also dissolve zinc.

 

[Shedendman]

White vinigar soak,over night

 

[BrokenBiker]

What process are you using? If it's mig or stick is better inclined to just hold my breath and crack on...tig isn't a fan of galv coatings but I've always just used a flap disc and been fine

 

[Hitch]

Just use a flap disc until you see the metal change colour. The zinc on fixings is wafer thin any way. No need at all to mess about with ineffective domestic acids.

This, a couple of seconds and its gone.

 

[julianf]

Sodium hydroxide works well for zinc removal.

Ive used it prior for stripping zinc from nuts that I wanted to weld.

I've also used it loads of times for cleaning up gummed up alloy from cutters.

 

[Paul-n]

Thanks all for your replies , I plough a lonely furrow sometimes [ of my own making [ I might add ]]

yes it's TIG and I have had some pretty ugly welds even though to my naked eyes the Zinc was gone , and of course it does avoid breathing in the flap disc particles


The Mr Muscle I have definitely states Hydrochloric acid I checked on the back. probably Mr. Muscle 5-in-1 Toilet Cleaner ?

Paul