Broken tap in copper boiler

Ideas please

We have managed to break a 10ba tap in the back head of a new 31/2 gauge loco boiler, is this dissolvable with some acid ? I am shore this has been covered before but I can not find it on the forum. the tap is in a blind bronze bush which is proving very tough.

Thanks Paul

Use this site - look for the keyword 'broken' alum seems to be the product you are looking for.
**LINK**
BobH

Brick or patio cleaner should do, they contain hydrochloric acid in sufficient strength so see that off. From builder's merchants everywhere

Regards

Brian

Alum will certainly do it. Build a little bund around the site with blue tack/plastacine and keep it topped up with liquid as the water evaporates. Not that fast but certain, keep poking the black residue to clear debris. Had the same problem with M3, just a little patience required.

Having developed an allergy to deodorants I was recommended alum crystal stick which I have now been using for years. I do not have a problem with BO or BA ( bothersome axillaries ) and I am pleased to say my armpits have not dissolved (unlike my brain).

Once you have removed your busted tap Paul I for one would be very interested how you got on - good luck!

Rik

Paul,

I've recovered a brass part before (with a broken M2 tap in it) by leaving it overnight in citric acid. Tap turned rusty and basically dissolved. Suggest you try your usual brazing pickle.

Regards Tom

Thanks all.

I have just bought some brick cleaner for removing mill scale as recommended by Jason and others, I will try that.

Paul

Will that stuff work on HSS taps ?

Should do.

Neil

Just to up date you all the Brocken tap came out yesterday as black mush, the long time is probably due to the size (10BA) very little room for the alum to flow round and clear debris and the fact it was left in the conservatory very cold this weather! Just got to modify fire hole door hinge to fit new bolt holes.

Thanks again Paul

Thanks for the good news update.

Jim

Glad you've succeeded in it's removal. I have just this week removed a piece of broken 10ba Tap from a through hole in 1/8" of copper on my boiler. Took 4 days using sulphuric acid (ex car battery 30 years ago), probably quicker, but I could only use very little at a time in a small 'bunded' area. Very pleased also with the results of the process.