Hi, whats the best way to remove white corrosion from aluminium? I have some
aluminium and it has bolt holes in it with white corrosion in the holes, is
there a spray or liquid to soak it in then maybe use steel wool in the
holes?

Thanks

Gary
VK3LCD

"Gary Smith" wrote in message
...
Hi, whats the best way to remove white corrosion from aluminium? I have
some
aluminium and it has bolt holes in it with white corrosion in the holes,
is
there a spray or liquid to soak it in then maybe use steel wool in the
holes?

Thanks

Gary
VK3LCD

Drill the holes out larger. You can use a mild acid like in Aluminum jelly
but the corrosion gets into the metal and makes it extremely brittle. The
holes would crack out under stress.

In fresh aluminum, use NoAlox or some other type of antenna grease. I find
a little extra Vaseline in the mix helps. The idea is not to mess things
up, but just rub enough in to seal the pores of the metal.

In message , JB
writes

"Gary Smith" wrote in message
...
Hi, whats the best way to remove white corrosion from aluminium? I have
some
aluminium and it has bolt holes in it with white corrosion in the holes,
is
there a spray or liquid to soak it in then maybe use steel wool in the
holes?

Thanks

Gary
VK3LCD

Drill the holes out larger. You can use a mild acid like in Aluminum jelly
but the corrosion gets into the metal and makes it extremely brittle. The
holes would crack out under stress.

In fresh aluminum, use NoAlox or some other type of antenna grease. I find
a little extra Vaseline in the mix helps. The idea is not to mess things
up, but just rub enough in to seal the pores of the metal.

I think I've read that you should avoid using steel wool. Tiny pieces of
the steel become embedded in the aluminium. The 'dissimilar metal'
effect soon causes worse corrosion. It is best to use a non-metallic
scoring pad.
--
Ian

Drill the holes out larger. You can use a mild acid like in Aluminum
jelly
but the corrosion gets into the metal and makes it extremely brittle. The
holes would crack out under stress.

In fresh aluminum, use NoAlox or some other type of antenna grease. I
find
a little extra Vaseline in the mix helps. The idea is not to mess things
up, but just rub enough in to seal the pores of the metal.

I agree with the NoAlox but I reserve comment about drilling out the holes
until you clean it first to see if it needs drilling out.
You can pick up NoAlox, or Penetrox in the electrical dept of Lowes or Home
Depot, or at an Electrical Supply house like Graybar. It is used by
electricians when making electrical connections with Aluminum wire. It
contains an abrasive to cut through the oxide, and the grease to coat the
aluminum and keep O2 from it.

"Hal Rosser" wrote in message
.. .

I agree with the NoAlox but I reserve comment about drilling out the holes
until you clean it first to see if it needs drilling out.
You can pick up NoAlox, or Penetrox in the electrical dept of Lowes or
Home Depot, or at an Electrical Supply house like Graybar. It is used by
electricians when making electrical connections with Aluminum wire. It
contains an abrasive to cut through the oxide, and the grease to coat the
aluminum and keep O2 from it.

These compounds actually contain irregular particles of zinc which is a
superior metal for contact with aluminum. Hal is otherwise correct.

Ian is also correct about avoiding the use of steel wool with aluminum.
Invariably, you will get fine steel particles imbedded in the aluminum which
will promote the corrosion of the aluminum.

If screws go through the holes in the aluminum, use heavily galvanized
hardware to minimize future corrosion. For steel screws, heavy cadmium
plating is ideal, but due to its toxicity, is getting more difficult to
find.

73, Dr. Barry L. Ornitz WA4VZQ