Removing those sticky weights
 

What do you do to remove those self adhesive weights from models without tearing the film ?

Thanks

RE: Removing those sticky weights
 

Use a sharp blade to remove the lead from the adhesive strip. Then go to a local auto part store and get some adhesive remover. Apply it and let it soak in. It will gradually loosen the adhesive. Do NOT allow it under the covering seams due to obvious result.[:@]

RE: Removing those sticky weights
 

wd40 or something similar will loosen them. you can use acetone, rubbing alcohol will make the adhesive loosen but not as good.

RE: Removing those sticky weights
 

or you can crash your plane and rip it off in fury ;) works like a charm.

In the future, place the leads inside the airplane so you dont have to deal with what you are dealin with right now.

RE: Removing those sticky weights
 

Sometimes you just can't.[&o]

RE: Removing those sticky weights
 

If you can work a piece of dental floss under one edge, you might be able to "saw" through the adhesive then use a solvent of some sort to remove the residue.

RE: Removing those sticky weights
 

It's really odd that you cannot get them off when you want to, BUT, they fall off by themselves when you want them to stay on. I bought a liquid called "Goo Gone" at the hardware store. It is supposed to dissolve sticker glue, gum, etc. It works pretty well. It smells like WD-40.

RE: Removing those sticky weights
 

Carrell beat me to it. I use Goo Gone(GG) for stuff like this all the time. The best thing is that in my experience, GG doesn't seem to affect the heat activated adhesive in covering. I've used it a number of times to remove sticky weights and decals and nearby covering seams which got wet with GG showed no sign of a weakened bond.

RE: Removing those sticky weights
 

How do you get them to stick in the first place! [:@]

RE: Removing those sticky weights
 

Down here the absolute best stuff i found for removing self adhesive tape is what we here in Australia call Shellite. It's called Coleman camper fuel in the US.

I put some onto a paper towel and wipe the foam tape and/or adhesive residue. It takes about 20-30 seconds to soften the tape so it comes right of .


Try it with caution on your covering as i have never used it on covering film and have no idea if it will damage the covering at all.

RE: Removing those sticky weights
 

I always use lighter fluid (vm&p naptha) to remove adhesive residue. I haven't tried it on covering material yet, so test it first. Cheaper then goo gone, it always works.

RE: Removing those sticky weights
 

I've found flying the plane is the best way to remove them.. Damn things are always missing when I land.. Flew better with less nose weight anyway.

Honestly though try sawing through the foam backing with sewing thread.. I'm not nuts.. it works..
When I built plastic models we used sewing thread to cut open doors and trunks on model cars.

RE: Removing those sticky weights
 

The best thing to do is to use anything oily - it can be WD-40, cooking oil, butter, ANYTHING.

As you carefully peel it off (By hand, or with a knife, or whatever) the oil will stop it from re-sticking as you go.