Objective To study the effect of descaling parameters on oxide scale spalled and its pickling speed. Methods The hot-rolled strip was descaled by the self-designed descaling and tension leveler by adjusting the screw down amount and the tension, the test samples with different process parameters were analyzed and the surface and the interface morphology of samples were observed by metalloscope to analyze the shell-off ratio and the cracking of the oxide scales and compare the scale breading effects by tension and by compressive stress. And the method of first zero potential differential value was used to determine the pickling rate to explore the influence of stretch rolling parameters on pickling rate. Results The spalling rate of oxide scale increased with the increase of the amount of screw down and tension, but the former parameter reflected a stronger effect. When the screw down amount and the tension remained, the pickling time decreased with the increase of elongation. When the value of elongation was similar, the bigger screw down amount led to less pickling time. When elongation reached about 1. 36% , the pickling time was maintained at the lowest saturation valued around 24. 3 s. Conclusion In conclusion, oxide scale mainly spalled under compressive stress and the pickling time decreased rapidly. Cracking mainly occurred under tension and the effect of tension on increase of pickling rate was weaker than that of compressive stress. It was more beneficial to improve the pickling rate by improving the screw down amount.