So I had some very rusty/oily bolts and nuts. Vinegar was not up to the task, so I went to the hardware store and got some "good old" hydrochloric acid. Found a container in the shed which I thought was stainless steel. Dropped in bolts. Mixed some strong hydrochloric and poured it over the bolts. Then I thought, gee that's strange, the solution instantly turned bright green. Then all hell broke loose. Turned out the old oily container I found in the back of the shed was actually made of aluminum. (Mental note for future: ALWAYS double check the container before pouring the acid!). Then came the inevitable grey/black clouds of billowing smoke and the noxious fumes which sent me scurrying. Nothing I could do but wait for the reaction to subside and then went in with the garden hose to dilute the mess. Poor old container looks like its been zapped with a ray gun. Good thing I had enough smarts to mix it outside of the shed and not inside, or I would have had a hell of a mess. Another good thing, all of the rust was gone from the nuts and bolts!
