Removing Mill Scale from Hot Rolled Steel?

[agent4573]

I know a 2nd common use for Muriatic acid is to etch concrete before staining or epoxy coating, but they also sell citrus based alternative concrete etchers that are much easier on the lungs and skin. Anyone ever try one of the "friendlier" acids built for the same job?

[youngnstudly]

I know a 2nd common use for Muriatic acid is to etch concrete before staining or epoxy coating, but they also sell citrus based alternative concrete etchers that are much easier on the lungs and skin. Anyone ever try one of the "friendlier" acids built for the same job?

It's used for soldering in the HVAC trade and I can't think of anything that is much worse than inhaling that smoke while soldering galvanized sheet metal flashings! For soldering stainless, copper, lead, and other misc. materials, Blitz is used instead of Muriatic acid. I have never used Blitz outside of soldering sheet metal for watertight seams, so I'm not aware of any other purposes it may have. It's certainly not strong and potent like Muriatic acid is, but it's still acid.

Another vote for flap discs here. I used the Rolocs at work quite often, but I always seemed to burn through them quickly. They are great for getting into tight spaces though when attached to a small right angle grinder!

[Spike]

i've also heard that vinegar will get the stuff off if you submerge it for 48 hours. Has anyone tried it?

[everlastsupport]

i've also heard that vinegar will get the stuff off if you submerge it for 48 hours. Has anyone tried it?

48 hours. Wow. I use Roloc and 2-3" cutoff wheel for tight spots.

[Winky]

i've also heard that vinegar will get the stuff off if you submerge it for 48 hours. Has anyone tried it?

Looks like I'll have to give that a try ... white vinegar I would imagine.