Author: Chris P
Date: 2013-09-23 23:36
Weak acids like vinegar won't cause any problems with brass or nickel silver - it will remove mineral deposits and oxidisation and you won't have any worry about eroding the metal away, but only keep the 8ve inserts or whatever immersed until all traces of mineral deposits have been dissolved. You'll see fizzing and bubbles rising which will stop once the calcium deposits have dissolved.
I don't know what CLR is, but test it on a copper coin before using it on your 8ve inserts to see what it does. If it leaves the coin clean and not pitted, then it should be fine on nickel silver or brass.
I've pickled oboe/cor 8ve inserts in Brite-Dip which is a strong acid used after soldering keywork to remove flux deposits and remove oxides from non-ferrous metals (copper, brass, nickel silver and solid silver), but prolonged immersion will erode the metal so only use it until the bubbles stop.
Commercially available kettle descaler (formic acid) is also safe, but with any stronger acids, only keep the item immersed until any fizzing or bubbling ceases, then rinse thoroughly in hot water afterwards to neutralise any trace of acid.
Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.
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