B BUG Posted February 11, 2009 Report Share Posted February 11, 2009 I have been volunteering my services to the US Fish and Wildlife services for awhile and am currently working on a plumbing job. My problem is that they have some copper pipe(3/4) that has been outside for some time now and has become highly oxadized and very, very hard to clean manualy. I was wondering if one could use something like muric acid to start the cleaning process and then neutrilize it with a baking soda solution prior to emery cloth? If you know of anything that has worked in the past I thank you for passing it on. Les Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KcDano Posted February 11, 2009 Report Share Posted February 11, 2009 (edited) Yes, muriatic acid will clean copper quick in non-dilluted form. Be sure to wear protective, gloves, goggles and respirator. You can dillute to find the solution that works the best for your situation. Edited February 11, 2009 by KcDano Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B BUG Posted February 12, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2009 Kc, thanks for the reply. I know that they have some muratic acid laying around so I will give it a try. Thanks again, Les Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dutchman Posted February 16, 2009 Report Share Posted February 16, 2009 Full strength Pepsi will work also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B BUG Posted February 16, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2009 Dutchman thanks, it seems I would have a lot less to think about with pepsi. Brings a whole new meaning to cleaning your pipes. Thanks again, Les Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vodkaman Posted February 16, 2009 Report Share Posted February 16, 2009 (edited) At the end of the day, you are still going to have to rub down with emery before soldering. So a chordless drill and wire brush attachment would be my route. If you don't have a small brush attachment, I would make a flap wheel. Saw down the centre of a 5/16 bolt about an inch (cut the head off). Insert an inch wide strip of 150 grit emery, a spot of super glue will hold it. This will clean up the internal solder area in seconds and no chemicals to deal with. Dave Edited February 16, 2009 by Vodkaman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hazmail Posted February 17, 2009 Report Share Posted February 17, 2009 Plumbers use coarse steel wool, just twist the pipe through it, cleans most of the crap off, the flux does the rest.some plumbers are pretty rough though.pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
&DRE Posted May 14, 2009 Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 MAAS find it a ace cleans better than new on the shelf pipe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philB Posted May 20, 2009 Report Share Posted May 20, 2009 (edited) Being a plumber all my working life I have done more copper cleaning than I care to remember. When badly oxidized it is difficult to clean even with a coarse steel wool. Follow the link to show what we have found to be the easiest material to clean those pipe ends. I am sure you will have similar in the States. It is the fact that it is webbed that makes it so good. Rothenberger MiniStrip Webbed Abrasive - Screwfix.com, Where the Trade Buys Edited May 20, 2009 by philB typo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hazmail Posted May 20, 2009 Report Share Posted May 20, 2009 Good one Phil - this looks suspiciously like the mat plasterers use on their floats to sand 'topping' with, these little strips would maybe good on wood too, for smoothing round edges - I will have to get some, that's if I can find it, we are usually a bit behind the rest of the planet here.Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rotorhead Posted May 20, 2009 Report Share Posted May 20, 2009 I have used lemon juice and salt mixed together. Brush on, wait a few minutes and the wash off. If the corrosion is very deep, nothing will do a good and safe job of removing it. You might also try something called CLR whis is found in the home improvement stores. Rotorhead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philB Posted May 20, 2009 Report Share Posted May 20, 2009 Good one Phil - this looks suspiciously like the mat plasterers use on their floats to sand 'topping' with, these little strips would maybe good on wood too, for smoothing round edges - I will have to get some, that's if I can find it, we are usually a bit behind the rest of the planet here.Pete I use them for sanding balsa. I dont make balsa baits but make fishing floats with balsa bodies. The webbing stops them clogging up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
