Safely Removing Cadmium Plating

[Bubba Fett]

I have a few older tools (pliers, sockets, ratchets) that as far as I can tell (via researching Alloy Artifacts, etc.), have cadmium plating. In some cases, the plating is flaking, and I would like to remove the plating altogether, as safely as possible. This means no wire brushing, no sanding, or any other abrasive methods, since cadmium is highly toxic.

So I'm thinking chemical is the way to go. But seeing as I have limited (none) experience with removing plating via chemical process, I thought I might seek advise. What chemicals are effective without damaging the steel? Are some chemicals safer than others? Recommended safety precautions?

Lastly, once I am done, how can I safely dispose of the chemical?

 

[ecotec]

This seems like a bad idea. I would keep them until I got a replacement and then throw them away.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Problem is these were my Dad's and maybe his Dad's so they do have sentimental value.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Take a grinder outside, stand up wind, wear a mask and old clothes or a cheapy plastic suit and have at it. Shop vac yourself off after.

 

[Chris_Hamilton]

Phosphoric acid (Ospho) or chromate solution (Caswell Plating has it) with 15% nitric acid. The latter is the preferred method. The former is slower but works.

I would not grind it for many reasons, nor would I media blast it in a cabinet.

 

[tamaraw]

From a quick google search, it seams the most common way is chemical stripping with an acid or other solvent bath. The problem is that afterwards, you have a vat of toxic cadmium-laced liquid.

I'm all for DIY but it probably makes more sense to talk to a shop that does cadmium plating. They should be experienced with stripping as well and be equipped to safely handle the waste, might also have some other options for re-finishing after the tools have been cleaned too.

 

[AA/FC]

I'm sure as long as you don't eat the chipped off plating you'll be fine. If these tools have sentimental value do you still plan to use them on a regular basis? If not, is there really much to worry about since you wont be handling them often? If I was in your shoes, I'd completely forget about their plating and keep them as-is. There really isn't much to worry about in my opinion. To each his own, though....

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Wet sand with gloves.

 

[Skyman]

Given that this sounds like more of a sentimental thing than a practical one, do you intend to use these tools, or are they simply in the "heirloom" category? If the latter, I'd suggest you consider simply leaving them as they are, and storing or displaying them however suits you.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Thanks for the replies.

I may use muriatic acid, followed by a baking soda solution to neutralize the acid. I'll probably wait until a nice warm day so I can do it outside with fans, a respirator, gloves, etc. I might look into zinc plating or black oxide in the future.

The tools will probably end up going to my nephews, but I don't feel right giving them something that's potentially dangerous.

 

[Chris_Hamilton]

Thanks for the replies.

I may use muriatic acid, followed by a baking soda solution to neutralize the acid. I'll probably wait until a nice warm day so I can do it outside with fans, a respirator, gloves, etc. I might look into zinc plating or black oxide in the future.

The tools will probably end up going to my nephews, but I don't feel right giving them something that's potentially dangerous.

No need for baking soda. That won't actually balance the ph. Just water rinse very well. Scrubbing in soapy water (Dawn) then rinsing would be more than sufficient.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Sometimes a long soak in evaporust will take it off,usually if I didn't want it to.

 

[paulsomlo]

Electrolytic removal?

 

[Ricky Joe]

Post removed due to offense taken by other member.

 

[desertdog256]

Quote deleted

Edited

 

[Ricky Joe]

That’s not remotely funny and borders on creepy.

Sorry to offend. I’ll remove the post.

 

[Steve_P]

Muriatic acid will strip cadmium plating. It might take a few minutes to get going, but it will remove it.

 

[kbeefy]

I accidentally removed what I believe was cad plating from some bolts by letting them soak in Pine Sol for too long.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I thought about trying Diet Coke first, since I already have some on hand, it's cheap, and safe. I've read the phosphoric acid in it can strip chrome and cadmium, though it will take longer than muriatic acid. Regular Coke should also work, but the sugar will make it sticky.