Sticky binoculars.

[Crowblack]

Had a pair of 7x50 Kunos bino's on the boat for some years now - probably about 14.

Their rubberised coating/cover has gone sticky - have tried to clean it off with just soapy water but no joy.

Although they are the boats second pair they have been useful and would like to keep them going.

Is it just something that happens with age and I've just got to put up with it or is there somathing more appropriate/aggressive I can use to remove the sticky layer.

Anyone know of a remedy ?

 

[vyv_cox]

Unfortunately it happens to many 'rubber' coated items. I have had the same on memory sticks, a hairdryer, torches, electric razor, etc. Might be worth trying wax polish.

 

[Charlie Boy]

Happened to mine too, bugger all I can do about it I think except perhaps a new pair.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

Is it just something that happens with age and I've just got to put up with it...

Unfortunately yes. Two causes - first plasticisers migrate to the surface and these are sticky, and secondly the polymerisation starts breaking down so you end up with the small unpolymerised molecule. This is caused by atmospheric oxygen and UV.

 

[Daydream believer]

Anyone know of a remedy ?

Stop the kids eating jam sarnies whilst playing with the binos

 

[Deleted member 478]

I'm sure I read it on here: a dusting of Talcum powder will sort it.

 

[Skylark]

Had a pair of 7x50 Kunos bino's on the boat for some years now - probably about 14.

Their rubberised coating/cover has gone sticky - have tried to clean it off with just soapy water but no joy.

Although they are the boats second pair they have been useful and would like to keep them going.

Is it just something that happens with age and I've just got to put up with it or is there somathing more appropriate/aggressive I can use to remove the sticky layer.

Anyone know of a remedy ?

Fairly common, sadly. My boat bins succumbed to this ailment a few years ago. I tried pretty much every type of solvent known to alchemists but to no avail.

The only solution is to scrape it away with pen knife blade. Very time consuming and the result looks dreadful……but not sticky.

I’ve had to do it to an infrared temperature gauge, too.

 

[sailorbenji]

Try Dunlop 65 Lemon Oil - available on amazon. It helps greatly with sticky car plastics.

 

[Clancy Moped]

I've not done this, but it sprang to mind, dust lightly with talcum powder????

Edit: beaten to it. #6

 

[rjandhl]

Quick fix is to cover the sticky area with clingfilm.

 

[rjandhl]

Try wrapping in cling film.

 

[Clancy Moped]

I wonder if lighter fuel would work, I used to get the sticky residue of CD cases left behind after the price sticker was peeled off with it.

 

[Deleted member 478]

I wonder if lighter fuel would work, I used to get the sticky residue of CD cases left behind after the price sticker was peeled off with it.

I think our Talcum Powder solution would be safer.

A forum search for "Talcum" would suggest that our suggestion has merit

 

[penberth3]

I wonder if lighter fuel would work, I used to get the sticky residue of CD cases left behind after the price sticker was peeled off with it.

It wouldn't. Once it's started the material will continue to break down. No idea why manufacturers use this stuff, stupid idea.

 

[KevinV]

It wouldn't. Once it's started the material will continue to break down. No idea why manufacturers use this stuff, stupid idea.

It's very tactile, feels like a quality product, is grippier than hard plastic and imparts some bash protection. On top of that it limits lifespan, great idea from a manufacturers point of view. I avoid it for "forever" things, but it's great on things that automatically have a limited lifespan.

 

[Pearldiver]

Had a pair of 7x50 Kunos bino's on the boat for some years now - probably about 14.

Their rubberised coating/cover has gone sticky - have tried to clean it off with just soapy water but no joy.

Although they are the boats second pair they have been useful and would like to keep them going.

Is it just something that happens with age and I've just got to put up with it or is there somathing more appropriate/aggressive I can use to remove the sticky layer.

Anyone know of a remedy ?

Had something similar on bike handlebar grips. Surgical spirit worked pretty well.

 

[Porthandbuoy]

The sticky rubber is probably a very thin coating over the body of the binos. Remove it with methylated spirits and lots of paper towels and cotton buds. It worked for me.

 

[Mistroma]

I've had a few successes with a kitchen cleaner. It makes a point of removing grease but can't remember the name. Might be Jif power & shine or something close. I rub it in and work it onto the plastic. The top layer runs off using nails or a pad. The underlying plastic isn't sticky.

Worth a try. I'd previously tried a whole range of solvents with minimal improvement. I just wish I could remember the correct product. It is sitting in my kitchen a few thousand miles away.

 

[NPMR]

fender cleaner and a stainless steel scrubber (as used on pots and pans etc) seemed to do the job on the rubber that went horribly sticky on our RIB. Sadly it does reappear as it seems to be degradation from UV.

Also meths is worth a try.

 

[Crowblack]

Thanks for the responses, have given Mistroma's suggestion a go - although it wasn't Cif Power and Shine but Cif Lemon Cream Cleanser.

Well you want it to smell nice don't you !

Just a brief test on one side as I'd got it in stock - - - can report it seems to work.

Rubbed a tiny bead with kitchen towel over a reasonably flat area - - the sticky gunge came off leaving a smooth surface behind.

Maybe the stickyness will come back but in the meantime seems to work.

Will report back if it works with the rest of it.