Will sulfamic acid, saltwater and metal nails explode in a container?

I have some nails to rust... I used some water, sea salt and sulfamic acid in a glass jar. I sealed it and now I am very worried it will explode. I have put into a metal trash can in case it does. It has been this way now for about 36 hrs in the shade in the back yard. What do I need to do to open that jar safely?

Scott McPherson
artist - Fort Worth, Texas
August 9, 2009

Hi, Scott. You have not created an explosive product like gunpowder, but you may have created a situation where the jar could dangerously burst from the pressure, because the acid acting on the nail will release hydrogen gas.

Drape a bath towel or large dish towel over it which will catch any glass if there is a problem. Wearing leather gloves, carefully unscrew the lid.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Ted is available for instant help
or longer-term assistance.
August 9, 2009

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