A Safer Pickle Pot

Looking for a safer pickle to clean your copper pieces after soldering? Try this simple and effective recipe.

Pour plain white vinegar into a snap-lock container. Add table salt one tablespoon at a time, stirring until fully dissolved. A common ratio is 1 tablespoon of salt to 1 cup of vinegar.

You'll know the solution is fully saturated when the salt no longer dissolves.

You can heat the solution in a pickle pot (such as Product ID: CLN-586.00), but heating isn't required.

As a weekend warrior, I keep the solution next to my soldering station and use it cold-it works great for removing fire scale.

Drop your cooled copper pieces into the solution and let them sit for about 5 minutes.

Remove them with stainless steel tongs or tweezers, then wash with soap and water.

For stubborn fire scale, scrub gently with a brass brush.

Do not leave pieces in the solution too long it can begin to etch the surface.

Once the solution becomes bright blue, it's saturated and will lose effectiveness.

To dispose of it safely, neutralize it by slowly adding baking soda. Add a little at a time, letting it bubble before adding more.

When fully neutralized, the solution can usually be rinsed down the kitchen sink but always check with your local regulations before disposal.