The easy-peasy way to remove oxidisation from aluminium.

[JonTom]

Hey folks!

Apologies if this is old news - but I was recently reading about the cleaning properties of oxalic acid and thought I'd test it out on some well-used DX cranks.

Oxalic acid is primarily used for bleaching wood and brick and is available at hardware stores. It's also a rust remover. And in this case, it removed the oxidation from aluminium.

The results are below. The crank on the right was dunked in a bucket of mild solution for 3 hours. Other than a quick scrub with washing up liquid and a scouring sponge to get the acid off, that's how it came out. Not bad, eh? I might give it a few more hours before I polish it.

I read of guys using it to remove rust from old frames and the paintwork and decals are unharmed. Although, still worth a test patch just to be sure.

 

[badnewsbrown13]

Any idea where to get hold of it in the UK? Looks like it could work a treat

 

[JonTom]

I found it by searching Google but B&Q or Homebase would be good places to start.

The brand I used here in Aus is called Diggers and is $28 (£15) for a 2kg container.

 

[Rampage]

You can buy it here:
http://www.atomscientific.com/search.php?search=Oxalic

Probably worth reading the MSDS before buying it.

How would you describe the finish it's the left crank in?
Bright?
Polished?

 

[hamster]

It's not available so easily these days, hardware and chemists don't usually stock it now as it is toxic.

 

[FluffyChicken]

If you just want to scrub some in like scrub it over them cranks, then bar keepers friend as it also has a gentle abrasive in.

You can of course buy the chemical on ebay, chemical supplies...

Its not Toxic in its classification, it is Corrosive (eyes) and a Danger ! Hazard if swallowed or on the skin. As are many things though.

Their is a slightly worse dihydrate which has increased danger to the skin and eyes.

 

[JonTom]

Hey Rampage,

These cranks are from a bike I bought recently that had been neglected for a very long time. Both cranks were rough, scaly, and very dull.

I'd describe the finish now as much much smoother, and definitely brighter and more shiny. But there are still signs of oxidisation, though very slight. I'll give them a few more hours in the bucket, then a polish.

 

[Tc]

£4 on ebay is the one I use

http://bit.ly/1aaIWNR