New idea or old hat ?

[woodbutcher]

I have a set Campagnolo Chorus hubs laced to Ambrosio Formule 20 rims which l have had for ages and since l now want them for my latest build l need to fit new tubulars. Problem is that the old glue is rock hard and stubborn as hell.
To cut a long irritating story short l have been struggling to remove it, and l tried all sorts of methods before l came to the conclusion that since the old glue was probably oil based maybe a degreaser would help break it down. The only such substance to hand was washing up liquid . So l applied the stuff liberally over the rim and left it overnight . Eh voila, as they say around here, it works, the glue is soft enough to scrape off and that done l dosed the rims again with washing up liquid and tomorrow l will have glue free ...sparkly clean rims , l hope.
Anyone got other methods to recommend ?

 

[Ian H]

Unless it was a complete lumpy mess, I'd probably have left it and put new glue over it.

 

[raleighnut]

I'd have used white spirit.

 

[woodbutcher]

I'd have used white spirit.

Tried that....the glue just laughed at it and stayed put !

 

[Cycleops]

Bit nasty but thinners might work, but it could take a while.

 

[woodbutcher]

Bit nasty but thinners might work, but it could take a while.

Tried that as well.....nope no effect ! Washing up liquid worked a treat . Mind you it is Swedish groen sappa

 

[Drago]

I'd have reached for the angle grinder.

 

[woodbutcher]

I'd have reached for the angle grinder.

"Bad ass"

 

[BalkanExpress]

Unless it was a complete lumpy mess, I'd probably have left it and put new glue over it.

I tend to do this.

Some suggest using a heat gun to soften the old stuff.

 

[Nibor]

soaking in WD40 often softens old glue.

 

[rrarider]

My competitive cyclist friends who used tubs, normally used acetone to remove the glue from their rims. Nail varnish remover is acetone and it dissolves most plastics (and I guess rubbers), so be careful where you put it.

 

[woodbutcher]

I tend to do this.

Some suggest using a heat gun to soften the old stuff.

Hmm l got into trouble doing that. According to my partner , her hairdryer was not a suitable piece of equipment. , it only got a little bit sticky, lot of fuss about nothing

 

[Racing roadkill]

My competitive cyclist friends who used tubs, normally used acetone to remove the glue from their rims. Nail varnish remover is acetone and it dissolves most plastics (and I guess rubbers), so be careful where you put it.

This is the answer. It turns the previously cured cement into a powder, which then comes off very easily.

 

[Stompier]

This is the answer. It turns the previously cured cement into a powder, which then comes off very easily.

No it doesn't!

Acetone softens the glue, allowing it to be wiped off/picked up by a rag. It doesn't turn it into powder. That would be remarkable, from a chemistry point of view.

Having said that, another layer of new glue will re-activate the old glue anyway. If there's not much glue on the rim anyway, then Id probably just leave it on.

 

[velohomme]

Cleaned mine by rubbing with petrol and a rag.