Telrad Base Removal from OTA

[gfletcher]

Hi Guys

What is the best method to remove a Telrad Base from a telescope OTA without damaging the OTA paintwork?

Graham

[Stephen]

Any solvent is going to be worse on the OTA than the sticky pads.

My suggestion : rip it off and use Sticky Stuff Removed on the left behind residue.

[Rob_UK_SE]

I would suggest carefully pulling fishing tackle across the pad from underneath. This will help to detach the plate as it will cut straight through the sticky pad. If you can keep it low to the OTA you will have minimal material left behind. Next, comes the less easy bit... removing any gum left behind.

Best regards,

Rob

[Moonshane]

I use dental floss (minty but I don't think it matters!) as a saw and then clean off residue with iso alcohol or lighter fluid - the latter is best but check a small area of paint first to ensure no issues. never had a problem myself.

[jabberwocky]

Use a hair dryer, I did this today and it takes about a minute for the pads to release and they retain their stickiness so they go straight onto another scope.

[billhinge]

Tip tip jabberwocky, the thought of not being able to get it off without leaving a sticky mess was what put me off attaching it to my C11

[Moonshane]

that's an excellent tip - thanks! that said, it might have an effect upon a flocked tube I suppose.

[cotterless45]

Gently eased it away on a warm day, by putting slight upward pull on the base.

Vinegar 's a handy sticky remover.

Nick.

[jmelquist]

@Moonshane !!!!!!

It's like 4.5yrs later, but you and your "minty" floss win!  I was actually pretty worried I had ruined my OTA (resale value-wise) until I pulled out some dental floss and zip - it came off like magic!  I actually hollered in excitement!  Much thanks!  (sleepy neighbors not quite as grateful, but...)

-Jas

[SonnyE]

4 hours ago, jmelquist said:

@Moonshane !!!!!!

It's like 4.5yrs later, but you and your "minty" floss win!  I was actually pretty worried I had ruined my OTA (resale value-wise) until I pulled out some dental floss and zip - it came off like magic!  I actually hollered in excitement!  Much thanks!  (sleepy neighbors not quite as grateful, but...)

-Jas

Jas, I say... pizz on em (neighbors).

They'll fall back asleep.

We have this stuff called Goof Off. Seems to work on gooey crud. I don't know if it is available to you.