Any chrome? removal experts? Or 'how do i get this stuff off please'?

[slomo]

The removable spider from my cranks is starting to look tatty, so a refresh is in order.
I'm not exactly sure what is covering the aluminium, but it 'feels' like chrome to me.
In attempting to remove it (i keyed the surface) i have tried - and failed completely with:

1 - paint stripper - didn't touch it.
2 - baking soda - soaking and boiling - didn't touch it.
3 - vinegar - boiling - didn't touch it.
4 - oven cleaner - didn't touch it.

I'm reluctant to apply too much heat as the aluminium feels incredibly delicate/light to me - i'm always surprised at how well it holds up to years of abuse.
I'm reluctant to 'dremel' it for the same reason.
I'm very reluctant to use caustic - the last time i tried that it ate the part in question.

Any ideas what this stuff is please?
And if so, how do i shift it.

Thanks in advance.

 

[W7Ford]

I've had success using brick acid to dechrome something. I'm not recommending it in case it eats your part, but it might be worth researching.

 

[novocaine]

HCL.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

HCL.

Can you buy that over the counter in sufficient strength?

 

[novocaine]

nope, but I can get an old car battery and a pound of salt.

I'm about to end up on a register aren't I?

Can you buy that over the counter in sufficient strength?

note: DO NOT DO THIS AT HOME YOU WILL REGRET IT

 

[Chopper the ex Copper]

Drain cleaner.

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

nope, but I can get an old car battery and a pound of salt.

I'm about to end up on a register aren't I?




note: DO NOT DO THIS AT HOME YOU WILL REGRET IT

Probably pmsl

 

[yakboy]

Hydrochloric Acid is supposed to be the stuff. I've tried Sulphuric Acid but doesn't seem to have much effect

 

[novocaine]

Hydrochloric Acid is supposed to be the stuff. I've tried Sulphuric Acid but doesn't seem to have much effect

sulphuric acid won't touch it. doesn't bind with the chromium.

have a look at how to make HCL though.

then wind up on the register with me.

side note, don't use HCL, it will also dissolve the aluminium.

you could abrade it with shot potentially.

 

[yakboy]

Would HCL should be OK on steel though?