"Dr. Rev. Chuck, M.D. P.A." wrote:

John Jones wrote:
Why? Is lactic acid useful for removing tool rust?

Probably, judging by the way it eats tooth enamel.

Ummm... Dr. Rev. Chuck might want to keep in mind that tooth enamel is
basically ROCK, that is, a non-metallic mineral, carbonated calcium
hydroxy-apatite if you want to get technical.

I see no reason that lactic acid's ability to dissolve teeth has
anything to do with its ability to dissolve rust, a metallic iron
oxide. Excepting that *any* acid might accelerate the process of iron
oxide - soluble ferrous iron.

Now, if you want to get into removing rust stains from teeth, rather
than from tools, this might be a relevant discussion but it belongs
on a different list.

Here's something more useful: a primer and collection of rust removal
methods for tools, including links and credits to the authors of the
info. Has anyone tried elctrolytic rust removal?? This might actually
be useful to the original (now long-lost) author of the question...
http://www.metalwebnews.com/howto/rust/rust.html

Anita

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