Old 04-03-10 | 03:44 PM
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cycleheimer
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Joined: Nov 2008
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From: New York Metro Area
Originally Posted by wrk101
The main active ingredient in CLR is 8% to 12% Lactic Acid. So don't use it if your goal is to avoid handling hazardous chemicals. Like most of the household cleaners, it also contains other chemicals (propylene glycol n-Butyl ether (1-2%) and Lauryldimethyl Hydroxysultaine (2-5%)) which may or may not be helpful in treating painted parts. I would heed Jim's advice above.

But if you are using it because it comes in a pretty handy ready to use package, that makes a lot of sense and is probably worth a try.

As far as a tub for oxalic, I often use a small kitchen trash can to do forks. I have recently switched to an even smaller plastic bin to conserve on supplies. I need to take a picture of it, as I have a fork, a headset, and several steel brake parts in it right now. I only do a kiddie pool sized bath a couple of times a year.

Lime out is kind of interesting, its a mix of phosphoric acid, citric acid, and an unnamed surfactant (soap).
I'm using it on English chrome plated parts from the 1950's. I don't know if it is the quality of the chrome plating, or the CLR, but the rust is going fast.

Thanks for posting the informative response. Rust on these old bikes is a big hurdle, and one to clear with as little damage as possible.
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