How do you remove dry concrete from metal tools?

I am trying to remove dry mortar from a stainless steel mud pan that was not cleaned by the previous owner. Maybe this is why I got it for so cheap? I have discovered that an angle grinder doesn’t work, really, and would like to know about some miracle non-toxic acid or something that removes concrete without much effort. Thanks to all you toolheads!

You’ve already turned it over and whacked the bottom with a hammer ? Concrete isn’t as flexible as steel.

This is a good idea. I tried it, but apparently the pan is not flexible enough to shed the concrete. Or the concrete is more flexible than you would think.:confused:

I have never tried this:

wear goggles, gloves - you should know the routine

how about a torch?

Different materials have different coefficients of thermal expansion - I’m gussing the metal will expand more than the concrete, causing the concrete to chip off.

Any acid concentrated enough to clean it quickly is an acid I don’t want to be near (and this boy uses nasty chemistry with some regularity)

good luck

Muratic acid 1 to 10 with water and a scrubbrush. Stronger solutions may be necessary.

The veritable hammer and possibly the trusty chisel. Last resort -
Home Depot, buy a new one dammit they’re practically disposable.