Danger ?

Largebore

Largebore

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Megs Wheel Brighter says that the dilution can be up to 4:1

I have some very stubborn spots that I cannot get out with clay, iron-x or any of the other wheel cleaners...

What can I expect if I use it straight up and apply with a toothbrush in the small area that is being so stubborn ?

I would not do the whole wheel as the edges of the wheels have been scuffed and their are some wounds to the wheel so I am concerned about the clear coat.
 
I haven't used the stuff but have read enough about it on here to know that you don't want it anywhere on your skin. Even spraying it can be hazardous if a gust of wind blows any back at your face.

just be careful with the toothbrush, bend the bristles the wrong way and it could sling product back at you.
 
embolism said:
I haven't used the stuff but have read enough about it on here to know that you don't want it anywhere on your skin. Even spraying it can be hazardous if a gust of wind blows any back at your face.

just be careful with the toothbrush, bend the bristles the wrong way and it could sling product back at you.
Click to expand...


Good point. Thanks

I have had the bottle for about a month and did not have the courage to try it yet. Been exhausting all other possibilities to get the wheels clean.
 
What kind of wheels? I wouldn't let it sit too long either. Spray, agitate and then rinse immediately.
 
Besides utilizing the proper/adequate PPE...

-Make sure you have some calcium gluconate gel (and access to plenty of water)
on hand for the urgency in treating any exposures to HF.

For example...Something like this:



-Good Luck! on cleaning those BMW wheels...

-Hope the CC on them is not 'pitted'
when you do get 'em all cleaned-up.

:)

Bob
 
FUNX725 said:
Besides utilizing the proper/adequate PPE...

-Make sure you have some calcium gluconate gel (and access to plenty of water)
on hand for the urgency in treating any exposures to HF.

For example...Something like this:



-Good Luck! on cleaning those BMW wheels...

-Hope the CC on them is not 'pitted'
when you do get 'em all cleaned-up.

:)

Bob
Click to expand...


Now you really got me worried ..
 
View attachment 12834 One area of concern, albeit minor, is the sticker covering the wheel centercap. It is composed of a metalic 'sticker' that will lose its chrome like lettering if exposed to acids.

The sticker appearantly is laminated chrome layer, blue layer, white layer, and black layer.

The letters B,M,W, and the chrome border circling the image will be affected if exposed, but not the blue, white or black colorings (layers).
 
Oh come on guys. Seriously?

Just were nitrile gloves, long sleeves, and some sunglasses or protective glasses.

Use a foaming sprayer so that the mist doesn't go flying in the air.

It's not as dangerous as these guys are making it sound. I've used it straight on extremely bad wheels. Like the others guys said, don't let it sit very long.

Wheel brightener is a very mild acid. Just don't go drinking the stuff.
 
Try not to get any on that center cap. Vegas is right about that. Some BMW are like that.
 
I have been using it for as long as it has been available. Never had any problems. I do a ton of BMW beside owning several. You will not have any problems
 
statusdetailing said:
Oh come on guys. Seriously?

Just were nitrile gloves, long sleeves, and some sunglasses or protective glasses.

Use a foaming sprayer so that the mist doesn't go flying in the air.

It's not as dangerous as these guys are making it sound. I've used it straight on extremely bad wheels. Like the others guys said, don't let it sit very long.


Wheel brightener is a very mild acid. Just don't go drinking the stuff.
Click to expand...

It's not "very mild", it's an HF-based cleaner. HF and ABF cleaners are unlike regular acids like sulfuric, hydrochloric, etc. They require specific substances to neutralize, why do you think they make special HF kits like that? You do what you want with your own body, but please don't tell people you don't know how to handle a chemical that people like myself and FUNX have industrial experience with and understand the hazards of.

PS "One of HF’s most insidious properties is that skin contact at lower concentrations may not produce pain or burning sensations until hours after the exposure. Because of the ability of HF to produce severe delayed tissue damage without necessarily producing pain, all skin, eye, or tissue contact with HF should receive immediate first aid and medical evaluation, even if the injury appears minor or no pain is felt."

Quoted from this site: Hydrofluoric Acid Safety
 
statusdetailing said:
Oh come on guys. Seriously?

Just were nitrile gloves, long sleeves, and some sunglasses or protective glasses.

Use a foaming sprayer so that the mist doesn't go flying in the air.

It's not as dangerous as these guys are making it sound. I've used it straight on extremely bad wheels. Like the others guys said, don't let it sit very long.

Wheel brightener is a very mild acid. Just don't go drinking the stuff.
Click to expand...

^^^^Being lucky a few times doesn't certify one in HAZMAT...IMHO!!^^^^

____________________________________________________________________________________________________


-Just think...How many 'at-home-detailers' have, and will actually use, the PPE that's required for their personal safety...
and even those around them, and the environment as well?!?!

-When listing the strength of an acid...HF Acid is down the list somewhat.
BUT...It attacks and destroys the calcium in your body (think bones, for example)


-How about:Straight from the horse's mouth:

From: Meguiar's D140 MSDS:

3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

Most important hazards: This product is for use by professional car washes and detailers only and is NOT
intended for home use.
Harmful if swallowed.
Harmful; may cause lung damage.
Corrosive. This product contains chemicals listed on Canada WHMIS. See Section 15.


RISK
Risk Codes Risk Phrases
• Toxic if swallowed.
• Causes burns.
• Risk of serious damage to eyes.
• Toxic to aquatic organisms.

SAFETY
Safety Codes Safety Phrases
• Keep locked up.
• Wear suitable protective clothing.
• In case of insufficient ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment.
• Wear suitable gloves.
• Wear eye/face protection.
• To clean the floor and all objects contaminated by this material, use water
and detergent.
• This material and its container must be disposed of in a safe way.
• Keep away from food, drink and animal feeding stuffs.
• Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
• In case of accident or if you feel unwell IMMEDIATELY contact Doctor or Poison Control Center

-Now don't get me wrong here---I really like Meguiar's car-care products...
But, IMHO, extra precautions should/must be taken under advice...when using D140.


AND...@SetecAstronomy: Excellent Post you presented in regards to HF...Thanks!!!

:)

Bob
 
Mike lambert said:
I have been using it for as long as it has been available. Never had any problems. I do a ton of BMW beside owning several. You will not have any problems
Click to expand...

Mike, I've also used this product for years, and continue to do so, as have many here likewise.
But the bold print in your quote may prove to be erroneous.
I would not have posted the wheel (or the post itself) if I personally had not had this issue in the past.

If the acid leaches the chrome, the lettering and outline are still there...just not chrome. Also, more than likely, the customer would not even notice.

The wheel is not compromised, just the chrome portion of the multi-layer sticker adhered to the plastic centercap.
 
I'm guessing that most cleaners strong enough to clean brake dust off a wheel is going to ef you up if you drink it or get it in your eye ball. You have to be careful with any chemical that strong.


What is a safe but strong alternative (and cost effective) to wheel brightener?


I eat Meg's wheel brightener for breakfast.
 
statusdetailing said:
I'm guessing that most cleaners strong enough to clean brake dust off a wheel is going to ef you up if you drink it or get it in your eye ball. You have to be careful with any chemical that strong.


What is a safe but strong alternative (and cost effective) to wheel brightener?


I eat Meg's wheel brightener for breakfast.
Click to expand...

There is nothing as effective as HF/ABF wheel cleaners. I use (when conditions dictate) an acid wheel cleaner, which is not HF/ABF-based. From your user name it would seem you are a professional. Professional or not, you can eat whatever you like for breakfast, but bear in mind that there is a full spectrum of members here, from no-common-sense newbs to seasoned professionals.

If you are a professional, and/or a mobile detailer, your cavalier attitude towards dangerous chemicals IMO is a regrettable situation were I one of your employees or a customer who might encounter leftover WB in my driveway, which might be my children's play area.
 
statusdetailing said:
Oh come on guys. Seriously?

Just were nitrile gloves, long sleeves, and some sunglasses or protective glasses.

Use a foaming sprayer so that the mist doesn't go flying in the air.

It's not as dangerous as these guys are making it sound. I've used it straight on extremely bad wheels. Like the others guys said, don't let it sit very long.

Wheel brightener is a very mild acid. Just don't go drinking the stuff.
Click to expand...

I agree somewhat here. I own a plating company and work with every industrial acid and cyanide you can think of.

IMO Hydrofluoric acid is one of the WORST acids to get burned with since it is not an apparent burn but will continue to damage tissue and start to eat bone.....not pleasant.

I have emergency equipment at my facility and tubes of calcium gluconate and we have never had to use them. I use industrial strength chemcials the stuff you guys buy from AG is now where near them. If they are, then I'm sure the EPA would be very interested in your waste treatment practices.

You do not have to worry too much about this as long as you wear protective equipment. Long sleeve, nitrile gloves, and glasses are all recommended. If a little spray gets on you skin it is no big deal. Rinse it off right away with soap and water really well. Your skin has oils on it for a reason.

I'm just trying to give you some facts and I'm not recommending anything. Don't use anything your unsure about or feel unsafe with. It's only a car.
 
Setec Astronomy said:
There is nothing as effective as HF/ABF wheel cleaners. I use (when conditions dictate) an acid wheel cleaner, which is not HF/ABF-based. From your user name it would seem you are a professional. Professional or not, you can eat whatever you like for breakfast, but bear in mind that there is a full spectrum of members here, from no-common-sense newbs to seasoned professionals.

If you are a professional, and/or a mobile detailer, your cavalier attitude towards dangerous chemicals IMO is a regrettable situation were I one of your employees or a customer who might encounter leftover WB in my driveway, which might be my children's play area.
Click to expand...


Hey man, I'm not trying to offend you. I'm just kidding around. Sorry to offend you. Yes, I'm a full time professional and I have a shop. I just thought it was kinda funny; you guys made it sound like the stuff was going to melt his face off or something.

I will admit that I've been tossing around the idea of switching to a different, safer, wheel cleaner. I've had this conversation with some other guys as well, and from what I understand, the dangers are long term with HF...bone problems etc.

You said you use a non HF, acid wheel cleaner. What do you use, and is it safer, health wise?

I really do appreciate your advice and I'm truly sorry if I offended you.
 
I got to respect Setecs advice. Got to get rid of this stuff. Donate to local pro.
 
clean your wheels first then donate the rest

and never let your wheels get to the point where you need WB again...
 
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