Citric Acid Crystals

This is some new stock I have added to the “silver solder bank”. Available in 95gm. lots in screw top plastic containers for £2.50 each. If sprinkled into 4.5ltrs. of clean water in a suitable container it will make 4.5ltrs. of pickle. Do NOT add water to the crystals, or dump all the crystals in the water at once as you could cause a violent reaction with the potential to cause personal injury. Citric acid is an irritant to eyes, skin and the respiratory system. In the event of contact with skin wash thoroughly with clean water. In the event of contact with eyes irrigate thoroughly with sterile water. Seek medical attention if not relieved. Needless to say store out of reach of children and pets in a sealed container that the acid will not react with. Having said that, it is much safer than the sulphuric acid many of us have been using in the past. Unfortunately is also much slower acting and typically it will take 30 minutes to clean brazed joints. Wash in clean water after removing from pickle and before brushing. A nylon brush is usually adequate.
David Ward phone number 01454 415678 (answerphone service after 9 rings)

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About David

Born 08/11/1951 educated Cheltenham Grammar School. Did basic metal work to year 4 and Wood work to A level. Went to teacher training college to do metalwork, woodwork and technical drawing (in the blue print days!). Left in first year after one months teaching practice. Took temporary job at Serck Controls (fluid pipe line controls). Took career in insurance finishing in the corporate business unit in Bristol. After 37 years my job was exported to India and I was (compulsory) retired. Joined BSMEE at their stand at Ally Pally in 1990. Ambition was/is to build a steam locomotive. An awful lot seems to have got in the way, not the least my butterfly mind, several starts and no finishes! BSMEE has generally been a rewarding experience, and other societies I have generally found welcoming even on impromtu visits. I would recommend membership but like any voluntary organisation what you get out of it is directly proportional to what you put into it.

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