how to remove concrete

[LynAdam]

While clearing my neighbors garage I came upon old tools. Is there is something which will remove old concrete/cement from metal tools. I have a spade and shovel but the previous user allowed concrete to set on the tools before cleaning them.

I have investigated and thus far found acid cleaners -http://landscaping.about.com/od/supplies-to-build-patios/a/muriatic-acid-safety.htm

and green friendly removers 1. http://www.concrete-dissolver.com/

2. http://www.buddingco.com/Speedy-Clean-Concrete-dissolver-p/0000100.htm

Any idea of how to best to remove would be helpful thanks.

 

[Cyberbear]

I found a muriatic / water 50/50 mix to work pretty good. Add the acid to the water slowly, not the reverse, the acid don't like it. Pour the mix into a plastic bucket and let it soak until the concrete washes off. It helps to remove as much concrete by mechanical methods prior to the acid bath. Neutralize the acid with a water rinse and a soapy water wash. Oil the exposed steel against rust. Be careful to not splash the acid on skin or in eyes and rinse everything well with clean water.

 

[TooMuchHair]

Good job for a pneumatic "needle scaler". For occasional use, even a cheap one from Harbor Freight usually works pretty well.

 

[ssdave]

I have a needle spray tip for my pressure washer that moves the jet around rapidly in a small pattern. It will take off concrete from steel, for that matter, it will erode solid concrete surfaces. Electrolysis also works to some extent, but not as well as it does with paint or other coatings.

 

[Warrenator]

Tap it all over with a hammer. The concrete is brittle, tbe steel is not. No new tools needed, sorry.

 

[hefnerconstructionlc]

I second the hammer. Just strike with a few blows to knock the concrete off. Then you can also take scrap concrete and rub it against the remaining concrete to sand it off. But it all depends on what kind of tool you have whether you are ok scratching it or not.

 

[Stuart in MN]

If there's huge chunks of concrete on the shovel, knock them off with a hammer. If it's just small amounts, go dig a few holes and the concrete will eventually wear off.

 

[p_mori7]

Wire Wheel.

 

[davidhansen]

I third the hammer. It almost always works for me. Sometimes it leaves behind some staining or very small pieces, but it does a good job without a lot of money or hassle.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... I'd start with my ole estwing framin' hammer, 'n finish it off with my angle grinder mounted wire brush,...

 

[matt_i]

A "rub brick" will also work if you have it. Just a coarse stone is all. Personally I'd start with the hammer. You don't have to whale on it and ding it all up, just put it on something solid and tap gently.

 

[Chaz]

Put the tools in a small concrete mixer with some pea gravel. Let it run for about an hour... You'll be amazed. I know you think I'm shitting you, but this is what I do and it works amazingly well.