Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
10/13/2025 7:18:51 PM EDT
Gents.

I came across this old pot at work and I am trying to get the debris out of the small pits in the aluminum.

I tried boiling vinegar in it,  along with scrubbing and it will not release.

If you dig at it with a pick it will come out but that would take forever.

Any suggestions?

3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
10/13/2025 7:42:25 PM EDT
[#1]
Smelt it down.  Sand cast a new lower..

No way to clean that out without acid.

Maybe soak with 30proof vinegar. For a week.
SOCIALISM COMMUNISM AND FACISM ONLY WORK WHEN BOOT HEEL OF A POLITICAL CLASS IS ON THE NECK OF THE WORKING CLASS, PICKING POCKETS FOR THE LEISURE CLASS
Fighting Commies since 1969
10/13/2025 7:57:54 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote History
Originally Posted By douglasmorris99:
Smelt it down.  Sand cast a new lower..

No way to clean that out without acid.

Maybe soak with 30proof vinegar. For a week.
View Quote


It's a cool pot. I hate to throw it away. Ill try heavy vinegar.
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
10/13/2025 7:59:11 PM EDT
[#3]
The black pits are aluminum oxide and aluminum hydroxide, you need to remove it mechanically (i.e. sander or grinder). Trying to use chemicals just makes the pits deeper.
10/13/2025 8:03:47 PM EDT
[#4]
Aluminum is not really a long-lasting material or proven to be completely safe for being in your body.

I would suggest looking for something iron. Even if you have to look in a thrift store. I found an amazing sauce pan in 1 for about $10. Still works great 10 years later.
11/12/2025 7:39:55 AM EDT
[#5]
Bead blast it.
Support Team Ranstad, Damnit!
11/12/2025 8:53:39 AM EDT
[#6]
Get a sonic water bath cleaner thingy and some soap and water.  Take one apart and use the guts if you can't find a drop-in model.

That's aluminum oxide.

A few things to know:

-aluminum is a surface oxidizer, if you clean them out it will come back, same as if you scrub it hard
-those pits will hold food and may have whatever someone used the pot for in there
-cooking stuff that has acidity will cause those to release the aluminum oxide in unpredictable ways and may cause off flavors in your food

Use the pot as a chip/popcorn bowl or like the others said, grind it so the pits are gone (then don't cook acidic food in it).
Mercy on the criminal is cruelty to the innocent.
11/13/2025 7:23:42 AM EDT
[#7]
Thanks, guys.

I used it for Halloween candy this year. Not sure what I'll ultimately do with it, but I can't throw it away.
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton
12/5/2025 1:20:35 PM EDT
[Last Edit: gearjammer351][Edited] [#8]
Quote History
Originally Posted By TOTHEMAX:
Thanks, guys.

I used it for Halloween candy this year. Not sure what I'll ultimately do with it, but I can't throw it away.
View Quote


I have this problem sometimes.

I take metal pans that can't be used in the kitchen anymore out to the garage. I'm always soaking some parts in rust remover or solvent, and they're great for that.
The hardest thing to explain is the glaringly evident which everybody has decided not to see.
12/23/2025 9:44:52 PM EDT
[#9]
Drill a few holes in the bottom and use it for a planter.  Extra points if you grow tomatoes or peppers so the pot can help grow food after helping cook food.
12/23/2025 11:38:36 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Jambalaya:
Drill a few holes in the bottom and use it for a planter.  Extra points if you grow tomatoes or peppers so the pot can help grow food after helping cook food.
View Quote


Not a bad idea...
3-7-77
Proud Member of the Leather Head Mafia
“In my opinion, the M1 Rifle is the greatest battle implement ever devised” - George S. Patton

Sign up to continue the discussion

Create a free account to share your thoughts, follow topics, and connect with the AR15.COM community.

Already a member? Sign In