Rust eater strength

[Lee Nowell]

Hi all

In a previous post about getting rid of rust, some of you suggested phosphoric acid. Finally getting around to sorting out my BBQ and looking on eBay seems like there is a wide variety of strengths available from 30% to 85%. Anyone know what impact the strength has? Eg does it work quicker / impregnate deeper / etch the metal etc. Trying to work out what strength to get.

Also are there any advantages in getting a branded rust eater instead?

Thanks

Lee

[tabbypurr]

yes, if you like to pay more. Not otherwise afaik.

[tabbypurr]

and your first question... youtube shows an assortment of rust eating chems, many of which are far cheaper than phosphoric acid.

slivki show did a vid comparing several. soda didnt work ketchup worked, all off coke: just a little removed toilet cleaner: just a little removed lemon juice: 75% removed vinegar: 100% removed. best, quickest, cheap

Someone else claims to have removed rust with potatoes!

NT

[Rob Morley]

I've used acid-based rust remover (phosphoric and hydrochloric) with variable results in various applications. Then after seeing many recommendations online I bought some EvapoRust; bloody marvellous stuff

- no risk of dissolving what you're trying to clean, no worry about splashing acid where you don't want it, no attached residue of converted rust, just a black powdery precipitate that rinses away to reveal shiny steel. For a BBQ I'd probably just attack it with a wire brush on a grinder, then apply a coat of oil every so often to keep the rust away.

[Lee Nowell]

Thanks very much both. I used vinegar on some screwdriver bits I left out in the rain. A good soak for a few days and it did the trick. With. BBQ soaking will be a bit more tricky but. Look at the YouTube video and also the magic stuff you recommend.

Thanks

Lee.

[alan_m]

I use the stronger 85% strength.