[Antennas] Acid + copper

[Jay Eimer]

Coffee pot cleaner is acidic.  So is toilet bowl cleaner or vinegar.
Any acid will clean the wire, at the risk of removing the "top" layer of
copper from the wire (really, it may already be removed, when it
tarnished).  The trick is "how much".

A stronger acid (reagent grade nitric, for example) will completely
dissolve 12 gauge wire in a few seconds.  On the other hand, diluted
vinegar may take WEEKS to remove enough for it to be clean.  A "happy
middle" is the trick, and leave it in no longer than necessary.  And
neutralize it with a baking soda solution as soon as possible.

Straight vinegar may be enough for light tarnish (with a short soak) and
minimal damage to the wire.

For stranded that's "green" all the way through, straight nitric or
hydrochloric may be "faster", but your 12 gauge may be 18 gauge if you
leave it in too long.  Then again, if it's green all the way through,
it's probably not worth saving.

Jay
AD5PE
(an ex-chemistry major - many years ago)

-----Original Message-----
From: antennas-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:antennas-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of James
Sent: Monday, November 15, 2004 07:22
To: antennas at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Antennas] Acid + copper 


 

A while back was posed a question re: cleaning antenna wire. 

One suggestion  was to use acid.  Last night "BING" a light turned on.
The acid will weaken the copper.  

Why not make a large pot of 'coffee pot cleaner' and boil the copper
wire in that.  It will be shinny clean.  Then you can take a small rag,
wet with U V blocking polyurethane (they use it for boats) and coat the
wire before re-installing the antenna. 

 

73 

KV4FE 

JIM 

 

Joan & Jim 

On The River 

 


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