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How to remove tape goo from handlebars?

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How to remove tape goo from handlebars?

Old 05-14-08, 10:44 PM
  #26  
Torchy McFlux
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Originally Posted by jbonamici
Oven cleaner might work
Originally Posted by pachuco_cadaver
blowtorch to burn the goo away, and sterilize the bars at the same time so no crawleys underneath the new tape.
Why don't you guys just go all the way and recommend detonating some C-4 on it? That would clean it real good.
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Old 05-15-08, 09:32 AM
  #27  
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Old 06-26-15, 08:43 PM
  #28  
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Hi Fellas,
Been following this topic and felt to contribute to the forums with something.
Attached below are my before and after handlebars pics.
For tape goo removal and cleaning I used a $3 Nail Polish Remover from CVS Pharmacy, and a regular sponge.

I hope you like the results!

Attached Images
File Type: jpg
WP_20150625_18_35_10_Pro.jpg (96.2 KB, 187 views)
File Type: jpg
WP_20150625_18_35_24_Pro.jpg (93.4 KB, 185 views)
File Type: jpg
WP_20150626_08_13_30_Pro.jpg (102.3 KB, 184 views)
File Type: jpg
WP_20150626_08_13_49_Pro.jpg (101.4 KB, 188 views)
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Old 06-26-15, 08:58 PM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by ozai
Hi Fellas,
Been following this topic . . .
For seven years?
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Old 06-26-15, 10:28 PM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by AnkleWork
For seven years?
lol
give and take..
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Old 06-27-15, 06:52 AM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by due ruote
Oven cleaner might work, although admittedly I've never tried it. I'm in the wrap-over-it crowd. I also don't worry about the residue on my tubular rims, so at least I'm consistent.
Oven cleaner is caustic and will attack the aluminum. Steel bars should be ok though.

I use solvents starting with mild (orange degreasers) and step up in strength until something works. Soaking and patience helps.
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Old 04-05-16, 11:23 PM
  #32  
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Steel wool works pretty well
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Old 04-06-16, 10:06 AM
  #33  
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Originally Posted by jens5
Goo-be gone
Almost. Goo Gone
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Old 04-06-16, 10:25 AM
  #34  
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My patented Zom-B-Gone failed to work?
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Old 06-15-20, 06:03 PM
  #35  
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Nail Polish Remover aka Lacquer Thinner aka Acetone works great.

Originally Posted by ozai
Hi Fellas,
Been following this topic and felt to contribute to the forums with something.
Attached below are my before and after handlebars pics.
For tape goo removal and cleaning I used a $3 Nail Polish Remover from CVS Pharmacy, and a regular sponge.

I hope you like the results!

Attachment 461016Attachment 461017Attachment 461018Attachment 461019

Works great... Nail Polish Remover is also sold as Lacquer-based Paint thinner and Acetone........ usually in larger quantities
Use gloves and in ventilated space.
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Old 06-15-20, 06:14 PM
  #36  
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Originally Posted by himespau
My patented Zom-B-Gone failed to work?
Failed twice, apparently.

Any kind of regular oil will soften tape goo, if you wait overnight, including cooking oil. Then you can scrub it off with soap and water if you want. The harsh solvents might be preferable if you really need it to be done in 2 minutes, which I rarely do. Admittedly, I'm on a mission to reduce the quantity and variety of chemicals in my house. Surely I don't need the entire Merck Index just to maintain a bike.

Otherwise, leave it on there, so the new tape sticks better. It's like sourdough bread, where you need leave a bit of the starter to make the next batch.
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Old 06-15-20, 08:45 PM
  #37  
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Originally Posted by antchen
I obtained an old bike that had handlebars on.. I unwrapped the tape and there was this gooey film left all over. I tried goo gone and it didn't seem to work so well. any suggestions for a fast way to remove this stuff??
brake cleaner may work
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Old 06-16-20, 06:37 AM
  #38  
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Well, it's been 12 years since the OP asked for advice. I'd assume that the situation is resolved (or dissolved!) by now.
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Old 06-16-20, 08:47 AM
  #39  
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Originally Posted by Chieftan
A piece of Duck Tape works...just keep blotting the stick residue. If you don't mind the fumes, 3M Adhesive Remover(Home Depot carries it) will take that stuff off in seconds with little effort. Of course, it'll probably give you cancer too.
But consider all the ducks that have to die to make the tape...
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Old 06-16-20, 02:05 PM
  #40  
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Someone, here, suggested a pink school eraser. Been using it on new and old tape residue... most excellent!
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Old 06-17-20, 11:31 AM
  #41  
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I just recently cleaned tape l goo off my drop bars with isopropyl alcohol. That was goo from electrical tape used to hold cable housing, not from the actual bar tape. I was eventually successful using that plus several paper towels.

However, I’m thinking that moving down the list to something more non-polar like acetone, paint thinner, or perhaps stripper would be quicker, if also a bit nastier.

Otto
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Old 06-18-20, 07:49 AM
  #42  
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On bare metal I would use methylene chloride paint remover. It would dissolve anything paint/glue literally in a couple of minutes. Unfortunately the EPA nannies banned the stuff...said it was too dangerous for public use. Ha! I used the stuff for decades and never brained my damage.
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Old 06-18-20, 08:05 AM
  #43  
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Originally Posted by Fissile
On bare metal I would use methylene chloride paint remover. It would dissolve anything paint/glue literally in a couple of minutes. Unfortunately the EPA nannies banned the stuff...said it was too dangerous for public use. Ha! I used the stuff for decades and never brained my damage.
Its the liver you should be concerned with methylene chloride usage.
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Old 06-18-20, 10:24 AM
  #44  
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Originally Posted by Mr. 66
Its the liver you should be concerned with methylene chloride usage.
Well the joke's on the EPA because the alcohol took care of that.
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