Getting tree sap off of straps

[TAlexander]

To get the big clumps off before using the chemical agents, I have used screen door screen and a heat gun. We use solder wick at work to remove excess solder from electrical parts. It is the same principle. Just lay the screen over the sap and hit it with the heat gun. The sap will come through the screen, let it solidify a bit on top and pull it off. **Caution: Sap is flamable.

[RootCause]

I have a lot... I mean A LOT of sap on my brand-spanking-new straps from Paul at AHE. I can't seem to get the gummy stuff off.

(At the risk of sounding lazy.....) Why bother? These are items that get worn with use, and you'll be cleaning up the sap so that you can.... get more sap on them next trip?

I do clean my gear after each trip before putting it in storage, but I've never gone to great lengths to get tree goop off my straps. One concern I have is that the solvents would weaken the strap, so I just pull off the big chunks and move on.

[Trout]

The sap is not only extra weight, but all of the other parts of the straps become sticky.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll try'em.

[SkyPainter]

Take the gunked-up straps and FREEZE them. Then , while frozen, whack 'em with a hammer. Most of the sap will just burst-off into little pieces, and a quick stiff brush (not wire!) should scrape off all but a small percentage of the stuff, which you could then thaw and dilute/wash off.

Good luck!

Pine pitch makes a nice glue, seals DIY wooden implements and bowls, and can help with torches.

[Oxblood]

Try a citrus based degreaser like simple green. Fill a bucket, add some smple green, then soak the straps. The d-limonene detgreaser is a pretty good solvent, and if diluted further than the strength in the spray bottles ought to break down the pitch without harming the straps.

[chad]

Hi All, Long time lurker. This is a great forum!!!

Sap and tree straps,

Maybe try soaking straps in a kerosene silicone mix like a diy tarp?
Just make the mixture a bit thicker?

Just my two cents worth (or less)

Am trying this as I type.

Chad

[beep]

Simplest solution is to use turpentine or mineral spirits. Since turpentine is actually made from pine sap, it's a good "sap solvent".

[jduck1]

Believe it or not mayonnaise or peanut butter. I have not used them on strap material but mayonnaise will remove even dry/hardened sap drops off your car without harming the finish. I have used mayo and PB several times to remove sap from people’s hair with great success as well.

As far as a chemical you can buy WD40 also works well. I carry a small compact can in my travel kits as it also helps reduce the sting and swelling after being stung by bees/wasps along with it’s 101 other uses.

[Salty]

Believe it or not mayonnaise or peanut butter. I have not used them on strap material but mayonnaise will remove even dry/hardened sap drops off your car without harming the finish. I have used mayo and PB several times to remove sap from people’s hair with great success as well.

As far as a chemical you can buy WD40 also works well. I carry a small compact can in my travel kits as it also helps reduce the sting and swelling after being stung by bees/wasps along with it’s 101 other uses.

I think bears like peanut butter sandwiches with mayo.

Salty

[jduck1]

Just add a little honey and that strap will turn the tree into a licking post That would be something to wake up to