Old lead tape

[Znak]

Had a friend drop off a 7 year old racquet with lead tape that seems melted into the frame it's that old. Any removal tips? I want to avoid damage to the frame and/or inhaling anything toxic that I don't have to. Thanks.

 

[esgee48]

Wipe the frame down with 91% alcohol. The wipe down the regions where the lead tape is sticking to the frame with mineral spirit. You can use a razor to lift an edge or corner of the lead tape. Once the mineral spirits can reach the adhesive, it will start to dissolve the adhesive. Take your time and do this in a ventilated area.

Or you can leave the mess alone and just tell your friend to remove the mess. "That will teach them start taking care of their equipment!" Guess this is better than receiving a frame with mold growing on the overgrip.

 

[Znak]

Wipe the frame down with 91% alcohol. The wipe down the regions where the lead tape is sticking to the frame with mineral spirit. You can use a razor to lift an edge or corner of the lead tape. Once the mineral spirits can reach the adhesive, it will start to dissolve the adhesive. Take your time and do this in a ventilated area.

Or you can leave the mess alone and just tell your friend to remove the mess. "That will teach them start taking care of their equipment!" Guess this is better than receiving a frame with mold growing on the overgrip.

Thanks for the tip! Does mineral oil just break down the adhesive? I'll have to pick some up I don't have any at home.

Haha you should see the state of the grip, I was pretty grossed out to find what was under his double overgrip

 

[esgee48]

Mineral oil dissolves the adhesive, but can still leave a mess once the tape is removed. Just continue to wipe the area down until clean. As for toxic residue, call the EPA for abatement. I once gave a client his old stuff back in a sealed plastic bag and asked him how such a nice fellow could be so toxic.

Most pharmacies sell the stuff cuz it is also a good makeup remover.

 

[1HBHfanatic]

Had a friend drop off a 7 year old racquet with lead tape that seems melted into the frame it's that old. Any removal tips? I want to avoid damage to the frame and/or inhaling anything toxic that I don't have to. Thanks.

-inhaling lead tape is not much of a concern on its own
-you are creating lead pieces by scraping it off, not FINE PARTICLES that they become air born!?
-lead "pieces" will break off and fall to the ground
-doing this cleanup outdoors will mitigate the risk even further

 

[Znak]

Thanks for the advice gang

 

[Bambooman]

Mineral Spirits and Mineral oil are not the same thing.

 

[esgee48]

Correction noted. Use mineral spirits.