USE RESPONSIBLY! RUBBER/NITRILE GLOVES ARE STRONGLY SUGGESTED. READ ALL WARNINGS BEFORE USING. THIS STUFF ISN'T FRIENDLY A coworker introduced me to Muriatic Acid when I was trying to solder a corroded wire. Flux wasn't helping at all. A quick dip and stir for about 5 seconds in the acid made a world of difference. The wire went from an unsolderable, corroded headache into almost new condition. Below are before and after pictures, and a comparison of new wire verses cleaned wire. Dirty: Cleaned: New is lower left, cleaned above and right: This stuff is also cheap. I've found it for $5 a Liter, and that should last a long time just cleaning the odd wire.

You are correct on the cleaning properties and should see how well it cleans concrete. Only caution I want to give you is please make sure that all of the acid has been removed before soldering due to the poisonous and highly deadly gas vapor given off when heated. Alcohol does a good job at this but the wire needs to be stiped 1/8 to 1/4 inch longer than the dip length due to the natural tendancy of wire to wick liquids.

I quickly run the open flame from my soldering torch over the cleaned area. When the purple flare is gone, so is the excess acid.

I gotta get some of that! Looks good!

They have gallons for ~$11 and some replacement for ~$7

http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-Ou...&storeId=10051

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/GRE...4&ci_sku=5KPY1

also known as hydrochloric acid

i use phosphoric acid, the kind used for metal etch/paint prep, for soldering often. works wonders. seems to lower the melting point of the solder too, more likely it is improving its flowability. the solder flows so nicely and the joints look great.

phosphoric acid also gives off little fumes compared to muriatic acid, not as cheap though

Good to know, thanks!

Also works for getting rid of snakes.

bones and all right

phosphoric acid is also supposed to be good for adding phosphor to soil ie: good for grass

havent tried it myself though