Binocular plastic/rubber gone sticky.

[LittleSister]

Some of the external parts of my trusty old cheapie binoculars have become sticky. These are the more 'rubbery' parts of the outside of the binos, including the focus wheel, but suspect these parts are more likely to be some sort of plastic than real rubber. Any suggestions whether/how this can be cured or reduced?

I wondered about trying to get the stickiness off with a solvent (white spirit? acetone?), but would presumably have to be very wary of getting any on the lenses. Or perhaps glasspaper?

These binos were bought for a modest price from Axminster Tools and Chandlery (as was) around 25 years ago, and have had a lot of looking through them, and miles under them, since. So it wouldn't be unreasonable for them to have come to the end of their life, but the optics (never briulliant, but useful) etc. still work OK, so it would seem a shame to chuck them out and also to have to find money for a replacement.

 

[sarabande]

it sounds as if the plasticiser in the mix is damaged by time/UV.

I tried dusting an old monocular with talcum powder to take up the stickiness. It seemed to lacquer the plastic adequately until it got rained upon. Then went slimy. :yuk:

 

[KAL]

I think you can get some stuff designed to clean up uv-damaged rubber or hypalon dinghies. Might be worth a try?

 

[Binman]

Had this problem with mine also, plenty of ideas on line, I used a rag and wipe over with white spirit, that sorted it, I carry them in my car glove box, the sticky hasn't returned, I think it is strong sunlight that does it, had mine 25 years take them abroad quite often, but never left them laying in the sun,always put back in a pouch, you won't damage the lenses, only wipe over the rubber elements.

 

[LittleSister]

Thanks all.

I'll try the white spirit and report back. May be a while.

Any other suggestions gratefully received.

 

[coopec]

Binos - soft rubber has gone sticky - YBW.com
www.ybw.com › ... › Forum › Practical Boat Owner's Reader to Reader
Jul 13, 2011 - This a pair of binoculars I keep at home. They have soft rubber/plastic body which has gone sticky - not left out in the sun. How can I get rid of ...

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?280324-Binos-soft-rubber-has-gone-sticky

 

[KellysEye]

>I think you can get some stuff designed to clean up uv-damaged rubber or hypalon dinghies. Might be worth a try?

Stickiness is definely UV damage in rubber dighies, the reason for buying a Hypalon dinghy is it doesn't get damaged by UV. However we had Avon Hypalon one and nobody mentioned the floor wasn't Hypalon, it got sticky and Avon replaced it free. Then Jane made a canvas cover for it.

 

[coopec]

This is an interesting link: it gives the life of different sorts of rubbers

https://www.oringsusa.com/html/shelf_life.html

 

[actionoptics]

I sometimes get binos and telescopes in for repair with sticky covers and talc works for the time it takes to dismantle, repair and rebuild but after an hour of handling, the stickiness returns.
To remove it, I use StickyStuff remover or similar from local hardware store. Usually leaves a shiny and smooth surface.
Yes, beware getting it near the lenses. It won't damage them but it does creep inside the bino.
A favourite binocular can be recovered with 'leather' like that found on cameras and more expensive binos.

 

[blxm]

Had a lot of success with alcohol wipes to remove the sticky residue. Another thing I have used is auto panel wipe, the solvent used to clean car surfaces prior to painting (just because I had it lying around and is usually OK with plastics). Can take a bit of physical effort to remove. I suspect any gentle solvent will do the trick. Just test a small area first!