Use of HCL to dissolve severe corrosion from NiCad or Alkaline Batteries or oxidation

[Sridhar Ayengar]

Chuck Guzis wrote:
> On 7 Jan 2007 at 10:12, Lyle Bickley wrote:
> 
>> 1. I've only been able to buy gallon sized containers of the 30% HCL (Muriatic 
>> Acid). That is very unwieldily to handle. A polyethelene containter with a 
>> small "spout" (available at drugstores) is an easy solution. Just be careful 
>> when transferring the acid from the gallon container to the poly container - 
>> use a poly funnel - HCL is "nasty" stuff.
> 
> Another caution--DO NOT STORE THE CONTAINER IN YOUR WORKSHOP OR 
> WHEREVER YOU KEEP YOUR EQUIPMENT!  Muriatic acid is hydrogen chloride 
> gas dissolved in water and tends to "fume".  Which means that if the 
> cap on the container is slightly loose or the container is cracked, 
> you'll be in for an eventual surprise.  
> 
> I kept a gallon of muriatic stored in my workshop and thought the cap 
> was screwed on tightly (it wasn't).  After about 2 weeks, I noted 
> that all of my cast-iron shop equpment was coated with a fine 
> dappling of rust.  My HCl is now stored in a weatherproof container 
> out-of-doors.  I can't imagine what such fumes might do to the 
> innards of a disk drive.
> 
> For a somewhat tamer substitute, one might try sulfamic acid--a 
> powder dissolved in water and normally used for cleaning masonry (as 
> is muriatic acid).  You can often find it at stores that deal in 
> ceramic tile supplies.

I don't believe it'll fume when stored under mineral oil too.

Peace...  Sridhar