Based on a web search some weeks ago, a better way to strip Cadmium plating ia a
solution of Ammonium Nitrate. This chemical will not attack the base metal, but
just removes the Cadmium. I wanted some black metric hardware to repair a lathe,
and used this method, followed by a commercially available gun blackening
solution and it worked great.
Ammonium Nitrate can easily be gotten in small quantities at most drug stores,
as the "Instant Cold" packs, which are Ammonium Nitrate and water. When the pack
is activated, the water dissolves the nitrate, and it gets cold. The USED packs
are just fine for removing plating, BTW, so ask your friendly EMT or sports
coach for a freebie. They're only good for one use and are disposable. (Read the
ingredients to make sure of the chemicals, just to be sure.
Rinse the parts well and dry immediatly, or the clean, bare metal will rust at
once. BTW, the parts should be well de-greased before stripping the Cadmium.
John
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