With tongue in cheek, David, I didn't know Muriatic Acid = Hydrochloric Acid. Muriatic acid is what people here call the product used to clean the mortar off brickwork; and it is what a bricklayer recommended I should use for a small job in my basement. I asked for it at the local hardware and the attendent got it for me without any hesitation.They both only added to wear protective glasses and gloves. J. Denys Bourque Saint-Jacques, NB CANADA