self amalgamating tape, removal

[simonfraser]

i have SA tape round 8mm dyneema halyard outside of this is the sleeve of a larger rope, all this to stop slippage in a rope clutch. now the clutch is being changed etc.

needless to say the SA is stuck nicely round the halyard. any suggestions as to what i can clean the dyneema up with without damage ?

 

[Chrusty1]

White spirit if you are feeling nervous, or Acetone should do it ok, after all it doesn't affect sail cloth, and sail maker use it to remove the "gum" left by sail numbers, which is a contact type adhesive.

 

[Skyva_2]

Did a quick Google and read that S/A tape is not resistant to petroleum based solvents. Whether that would really shift it might be worth an experiment?

 

[Malish]

I've always just removed it by cutting a couple of slits in it with a sharp knife then pulling hard, often with pliers to get a good grip - it comes off cleanly

 

[Anonymous]

Agree about cutting. Def. not chemicals. I've never removed it from lines but often from cables without nicking them....just get the sharp tip of the scalpel under the tape and with the blade working towards you - i.e. away from the cable/line - make a good nick. That might be enough to peel it like a banana, or just keep going. Should be possible to remove cleanly without nicking the line.

 

[charles_reed]

I have found no solvent to move self-amalgamating tape, neither acetone, trichlorethylene, toluene, cellulose thinner or xylene and only cutting does the job.

Suggest you get one of those crook unpickers and ease it under the tape to cut it off. Once started it's fairly easy to unpeel.

If you haven't one, the wife will know where to get one - sold by all dressmaking shops. A very nifty gadget and one I always have on the boat.

 

[Chrusty1]

I thought he was refering to the residue left behind by the tape? Must have misunderstood.

 

[charles_reed]

[ QUOTE ]
Did a quick Google and read that S/A tape is not resistant to petroleum based solvents. Whether that would really shift it might be worth an experiment?

[/ QUOTE ]

Indeed over several months, by which time the solvent has evaporated leaving an horrid goo behind, which is REALLY difficult to remove.

I'd suggest that information is to wise you up to not try mending your petrol can with it, I mean what's wrong with chewing gum?

 

[simonfraser]

thanks all, a sharp carefull knife/unpicker it is then.

 

[pau1gray]

I once put WD40 on some SA tape and it dissolved the tape nicely. Tried it with the tape we now have at work and a.n other brand of WD40 and nothing happend - so I'd say give it a try you might get the result you were after.

 

[simonfraser]

good point, i shall keep the can handy sunday.