Recently I embarked on a project to build a removable fence across my driveway.
Building bolt-down fence posts means welding galvanized steel posts to mild steel plates.
It's dangerous to weld on galvanized steel due to gasses emitted. Also, the welds are rarely clean and strong.
I found a trick though.
Muriatic Acid will immediately destroy any galvanized cladding in a matter of minutes.
Warning - do this outside and be careful of the vapors.
I just pour an inch or so of the muriatic acid in a plastic container, then drop the fence post in. 60 seconds later, pull the post out and rinse well with water.
Be aware that the steel will flash rust, so make sure you weld, then paint/prime quickly.
You can also use MA as a derusting bath for any ferrous metal.
MA has not proven itself to be destructive at all to steel. I have left some parts bathe in it for a month and all I got out of the container was perfectly clean steel.
Additional Caveats
Always wear hand and eye protection
Do NOT do this indoors.
Do NOT breathe the vapors as they are quite corrosive
Do NOT get it (MA) near any nonferrous metal as it will immediately start to consume it..
Photos below of fence project and various tests of Muriatic Acid
((Apologize that they are not in the right order))View attachment 116315
View attachment 116315
Building bolt-down fence posts means welding galvanized steel posts to mild steel plates.
It's dangerous to weld on galvanized steel due to gasses emitted. Also, the welds are rarely clean and strong.
I found a trick though.
Muriatic Acid will immediately destroy any galvanized cladding in a matter of minutes.
Warning - do this outside and be careful of the vapors.
I just pour an inch or so of the muriatic acid in a plastic container, then drop the fence post in. 60 seconds later, pull the post out and rinse well with water.
Be aware that the steel will flash rust, so make sure you weld, then paint/prime quickly.
You can also use MA as a derusting bath for any ferrous metal.
MA has not proven itself to be destructive at all to steel. I have left some parts bathe in it for a month and all I got out of the container was perfectly clean steel.
Additional Caveats
Always wear hand and eye protection
Do NOT do this indoors.
Do NOT breathe the vapors as they are quite corrosive
Do NOT get it (MA) near any nonferrous metal as it will immediately start to consume it..
Photos below of fence project and various tests of Muriatic Acid
((Apologize that they are not in the right order))View attachment 116315