Pickling Brass and Silver Wire

We are manufacturer of brass wire and need some help from you.

We need to know you the best solution for pickling brass wire and nickel silver (plated?) wire. Some people have said that sodium cyanide is best to remove tarnish and discoloring of the metal. Is this true?

Please also inform us if we should really use sodium cyanide for pickling because it is a dangerous chemical

Which lubricant is best for carbide drawing dies? What is the solution for removing residual oil and lubricant on nonferrous metal like brass and copper wire.
Thank you.

Degreasing Copper Wire
Please see WAI Forums Thread www.wirenet.org/forum/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=12&Topic=540

Copper Drawing Lubricant
I am not clear on who supplies drawing lubricants in your country so I suggest you contact Mr. Kyle Craft, Managing Director of RichardsApex AustralAsia at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The web site is www.richardsapex.com/worldop/australasia.html

Cleaning Silver and Brass
I personally would never use something as dangerous as sodium cyanide. Assuming you are electroplating the the nickel and silver on copper or bronze wire, I suggest you discuss this in depth with your electroplating machine manufacturer to get their latest cleaning recommendations. I am confident that there is something a lot more environmentally friendly and safe than something as dangerous as sodium cyanide. The MSDS for sodium cyanide is here www.sciencelab.com/xMSDS-Sodium_Cyanide-9927711

I am also confident that your electroplating machine manufacturer can also recommend strategies and simple coatings to prevent tarnishing and discoloring of inventoried silver and nickel plated wire.

Regards
Peter J. Stewart-Hay
Principal
Stewart-Hay Associates
www.Stewart-Hay.com
519 641-3212