What should I use to remove rust from Anchor Chain?
- Thread starter McIntoshUSA
- Start date
Lowes & Walmart both sell phosphoric acid... and stone and tile places carry it as a cleaner to remove "rust" stain..
http://www.stonetileliquidators.com...r-quart.html?gclid=CJHLlduakMoCFQ2OaQod1nEPZQ
I still think Oxalic Acid is a safer and better way to go and I would not recommend trying to make it from HCl unless you have a fume hood to work in.
I forgot about that.... yes there is phosphoric acid in Coke.... it is dilute but coke works well because the carbonation creates another useful acid (carbonic acid) which keeps the pH very low.
CO2 + H2O --> H2CO3
I'm now wondering if you could simply put the chain in a PVC bucket and fill it with coke and let it sit for a few days. HA! That would be a kick in the pants if it works.
just drag the chain thru sand,. it works well and no chemicals to mess with.
sheesh you guys havent imaginations. i knew someone used to affix the chain to truck and tow it thru sand. came out well each time and no mess. rinse well and continue. easy peasy.
you all need a lil redneck instructions??? yer doods, mon. yer spozed to know this stuff... what is this world coming to..... rodl
sheesh you guys havent imaginations. i knew someone used to affix the chain to truck and tow it thru sand. came out well each time and no mess. rinse well and continue. easy peasy.
you all need a lil redneck instructions??? yer doods, mon. yer spozed to know this stuff... what is this world coming to..... rodl
Phosphoric Acid: I do not recommend this product. PA is great at turning rust into a black substance but it will also weaken the metal (I don't care what anybody says, it did it to my tools). Only thing I will use this stuff on is things like stanchions and other stainless steel or gelcoat items where the rust comes off easily with this and quickly. Then I rinse like mad. Don't leave it on for more than a few minutes. Things like chain and tools need to be soaked in this stuff for hours and that will degrade the metal and make it weak.
Use vinegar on any metal that needs strength. Soak it at least 24 hours and then the rust comes off with ease. You can use a power washer or run it through sand or whatever, but it will ALL come off easily...even a paper towel if you want to do each link.
With that said, I totally agree...with others. Do not waste time in removing the rust. If it is rusty, most likely it has had enough stress-loading that the chain should be replaced anyway. Many cruisers replace theirs automatically every 3-4 years, no matter how bad it is rusting.
Don't go cheap when it comes to something that keeps your boat off a concrete wall or rocks.
Use vinegar on any metal that needs strength. Soak it at least 24 hours and then the rust comes off with ease. You can use a power washer or run it through sand or whatever, but it will ALL come off easily...even a paper towel if you want to do each link.
With that said, I totally agree...with others. Do not waste time in removing the rust. If it is rusty, most likely it has had enough stress-loading that the chain should be replaced anyway. Many cruisers replace theirs automatically every 3-4 years, no matter how bad it is rusting.
Don't go cheap when it comes to something that keeps your boat off a concrete wall or rocks.
LMAO
I have been trained in safe use of HCL... this is BAD stuff. I use it in my swimming pool to lower pH, ONLY.
I would dump the old HCl on an ant bed.
Oh no I forgot...
Pour on Coke and even beer. Lay the chain in the grass and let the Ants eat the sugar and "jerk their chain" to make the ants mad and they will bite the chain and leave FORMIC ACID.
Then when you are full of Coke and Beer and nobody looking... relieve yourself on the ants, Uric Acid.
Now you run to get toilet bowl cleaner, Oxalic Acid and Tile Cleaner, Carbolic Acid to try to remove the smell and use them.
Then the Admiral gets mad at your drunk, sugar high antics and embarrassing the family and she buys you a stainless steel chain. with YOUR, credit card. Then she doesn't buy Alloy 20 grade stainless chain and you get stress corrosion cracking. She screams at the family wondering where her gallon of Vinegar, Acetic Acid went.
Finally your red neck buddies in your poker club ask you "Hic, wars dat chain to drag widt mah ATV thru da san, hic?"
In frustation, you kick your burnt out, new battery charger to the trash and rub your singed eyebrows from lighting your celebration cigar and getting a hydrogen flash explosion.
Oh well...
Jim...
PS: By a heavy duty polymer rode and don't anchor in coral.
How long is your chain? I would not think you are running an all chain rode. If you can replace your chain for under $50 I would just go ahead an replace it. Trying to slow down corrosion is a job not worth doing.
Brilliant! And guilty as charged. I especially appreciated the formic acid suggestion...You reminded me of a rant I had a few years ago when someone on here asked about using a pressure washer .... and by the time the thread got to page three people were losing toes and fingers.... this is what happens when it is cold outside and we have nothing to occupy our spirits....LMAO
In frustation, you kick your burnt out, new battery charger to the trash and rub your singed eyebrows from lighting your celebration cigar and getting a hydrogen flash explosion.
Oh well...
Jim...
PS: By a heavy duty polymer rode and don't anchor in coral.
Thanks