A Different Kind of Sticky: Need Advice

[Beck]

I bought an old Scotch reel of tape just to get the precision reel. These are my favorite take-up reels because the center hub has a soft rubber layer that grips the tape nicely without any need for stringing the tape-end through a slot.

I ran into a little problem with this one and I'm hoping someone might have a solution. There is tape residue, about one layer thick of old tape stuck to the hub. I tried baking it and soaking it in hot soapy water, but it seems married to the rubber on the hub. This is the style with rivets instead of screws so it's kind of hard to get to.

Lacquer thinner has been my weapon of choice for various sticky situations, but I'm afraid of damaging the rubber on this thing.

Has anyone seen this and found a method of removing the tape without damaging the rubber?

Thanks,
Tim

[regebro]

Originally posted by Beck
I bought an old Scotch reel of tape just to get the precision reel. These are my favorite take-up reels because the center hub has a soft rubber layer that grips the tape nicely without any need for stringing the tape-end through a slot.

I want that to! Where can I get them? Or rather, do all Scotch reels have this rubber layer? Or is is just some types?

(No, sorry, no idea of how to get rid of the tape).

[BillyFurnett]

I don't know... Maybe sprinkle some baking soda (or something)on it so that the stickiness has something to bind to (That can be washed off) and then try to use some fine sandpaper to scrape down to a clean layer of the rubber.

Maybe put it on your machine in fastforward and use something to scrape it off as it going around like a lathe.

Ever tried Goo Be Gone?
(I'm not sure how it'd treat the rubber, but it might be worth a look at.)

What about good old Tascam rubber cleaning solvent or a bit of diluted nail polish remover?

I have no idea.

[Derek Verner]

Are you sure it is tape residue? Certain bacteria attack rubber and leave the surface gummy. Try Caig.

Note: Cut an old bicycle tire into 1/4" bands and convert any reel to the kind you want.

[The Ghost of FM]

If you have some, try the Caig Caikleen RBR.

If it can clean caked on oxide off a pinch roller, which is made of rubber, perhaps it will work it's magic on your rubberized hub?

Cheers!

[regebro]

Originally posted by Derek Verner
Note: Cut an old bicycle tire into 1/4" bands and convert any reel to the kind you want.

I thought of solutions like that (but I was thinking ruibber band, not tire), but that will narrow when it stretches and generally be a lot of pain to get there in the right shape and width, so no thanks.

But I WAS pondering another thing. I think you can buy "liquid rubber" and paint on to make a thin rubber layer. That might work. Or?

[Derek Verner]

I meant to say inner tube not "tire."T he reel hub is close to the relaxed size of the resulting rubber band, so it should fit widthwise. If not, compensate when cutting.

[regebro]

I realized you ment inner tube.

[Beck]

UPDATE:

To answer the question, it's an actual layer of tape. When I took all the tape off, this last turn was stuck to the rubber. It looks like a whole piece of tape, polyester and all, so it's not just residue. Yet, I cant get a razor blade under it, nor can I rube it off with a solvent -- weird.

I'm beginning to wonder if maybe someone baked this tape at too high a heat and bonded the tape to the rubber. This is a new one on me.

Since my original post I've also tried alcohol, Goo Gone, acetone and Paint thinner. I'm getting dizzy but have some great riffs running through my head along with voices telling me to kill Don Lepre.

I may have to break down and buy some Caikleen RBR. I haven't needed it because I still have an old bottle of TEAC rubber cleaner from 1979 -- it goes a long way. I don't have enough to waste on this reel though. I may also try an abrasive of some kind.

I would just toss the reel, but it's in such perfect condition otherwise that I hate to do it.

If you're looking for one (minus the sticky tape of course) they are the old AGFA 6-rivet reels, also later used by Scotch/3M after they bought the design from AGFA. They're the nicest take-up reels if you can find one. No tape rub and a breeze to spool tape onto. I have another one with no problems like this.

These are not the newer AGFA style that they sold to BASF/EMTEC.

Thanks for the input

[regebro]

Originally posted by Beck
If you're looking for one (minus the sticky tape of course) they are the old AGFA 6-rivet reels, also later used by Scotch/3M after they bought the design from AGFA. They're the nicest take-up reels if you can find one. No tape rub and a breeze to spool tape onto. I have another one with no problems like this.

These are not the newer AGFA style that they sold to BASF/EMTEC.

6-rivet? Hmm, so not these then:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...&category=1602
But look at these Realistic (thats Radio Shack, right) copies of the above:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...&category=1602
Sure looks like it's not all metal there... But it's probably just the hub that is plastic.

[Beck]

Originally posted by regebro
6-rivet? Hmm, so not these then:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...&category=1602
But look at these Realistic (thats Radio Shack, right) copies of the above:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...&category=1602
Sure looks like it's not all metal there... But it's probably just the hub that is plastic.

No, the one I'm talking about is a 10 1/2" reel for 1/2" tape.
Here's one --

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=3072426538

The 7" reels in your links are really nice for that size. I would grab one if that's the size you need. the Realistic was made for Radio Shack by Scotch -- they're the same thing, but for the logo.

[regebro]

Yeah, I need a new take-up wheel, mine is all wobbly.

Since all the take-up reels I can find on the web have these litle slots to wind the tape through, I guess this is true for all 7" reels.
I guess I have to resort to rubberbanding anyway.