Rust removal via chemical means

TrailBeast said

(Muriatic) Hydrochloric acid is a lot faster. :D
The fumes are dangerous though, so you need a well ventilated area to use it.
It can be gotten at most any hardware store by the gallon jug, and is the same stuff they use for concrete and construction block cleaning.
I use it to remove the rust from our swamp cooler panels every year so we can repaint them because it not only removes the rust down to clean steel, but removes all the mineral deposits at the same time.

Click to expand...

Muriatic acid is some bad **** to work with, plus if your using it in an area where other parts are bare metal, it will cause flash rust from its fumes. Better use some serious PPE in the form of gloves, eye protection, respirator etc. It is also hard to dispose of. Molasses and water mixture can be dumped in the ground, and doesnt require any special PPE. i suspect vinegar can be dumped in the ground too. Muriatic acid will continue to keep attacking the metal if you dont neutralize it good enough. My vote is for something that works a bit slower but is easier to work with, less hazardous.