Tree Sap Removal
 

Put one of my lock-ons in my backyard pine tree to start practicing at 20 ft. I used my new Summit buck-steps (cam-strap type), along with a couple of screw-ins near the top. I set it up yesterday, and today - noticed that the tree sap from the pine was coming out of where I had the screw-in steps near my stand. The sap (a bunch) has run down the tree, and is all over my locking cams and straps on the buck-steps (all 4 of them[:@]). I have placed them in hot soapy water - and they are still sticky as h#$$. Any ideas on how to get this superduper sticky stuff off of my straps/cams without ruining them, or should I just get new straps[:o][&o]?

RE: Tree Sap Removal
 

Know anyone with a pressure washer? During the summer before I hang my stands I'll take them down to the shop my dad works at and pressure wash our stands. Paint seems to hold up good.

RE: Tree Sap Removal
 

Try using some mineral spirits and then wash with soapy water and rinse well.

RE: Tree Sap Removal
 

Good question... we have to use something that isn't going to effect the integrity of your straps... making them weak and such. We also need something that isn't going to leave a lasting odor. I would try a controlled blast of trusty ol' WD-40. It will remove just about anything that leaves a sticky, nasty residue behind and not damage your gear. Cleans off commercial adhesives and even road tar from your car, all while being very economical. Be sure to wash it out well afterwards with soap, removing any lingering odor and so it doesn't create a slip hazard on your stand.

RE: Tree Sap Removal
 

Soak with mineral spirits or turpentine. Worry about deodorizing later.

RE: Tree Sap Removal
 

Acetone which is found in fingernail polish remover works wonders!

RE: Tree Sap Removal
 

mineral spirits

RE: Tree Sap Removal
 

next time use a hand held torch to seal the areas were you trimmed off the branches works great

RE: Tree Sap Removal
 

Considering that pine tree sap is used to make commercial grade turpentine, and that the sap is very good for starting your campfire, I don't know if I would try to seal off pine tree sap with any type of flame. Might result in another "burning bush." :D

RE: Tree Sap Removal
 

All very good suggestions - thanks:D. I will do all of the above and report back.

RE: Tree Sap Removal
 

I use goo-gone. Works great for me.

RE: Tree Sap Removal
 

Try brakleen from an auto parts store. It is cheap and evaporates very fast so the smell should be gone in no time. If you have any plastic to clean try it on a small, nonstructural area just to make sure there is no reaction 'cause it can be hard on some materials.

RE: Tree Sap Removal
 

Dry gass will take it off. I used to use it to get pine pitch off cars years ago when I use to detail cars. I don't know what it'll do to the straps though?

RE: Tree Sap Removal
 

Brake clean... now there's a good idea. Comes in an aresol can, inexpensive and like Dave said, it evaporates in seconds. It doesn't harm plastic / rubber brake components (caliper seals, etc), that it touches so it should be safe. It may fade your finish, but that isn't hard to deal with. Man, I should have thought of brake clean. Good one Dave.

RE: Tree Sap Removal
 

have never set one on fire yet!

RE: Tree Sap Removal
 

OK guys - I tried the pressure-washer deal. I went to one of the better quality PW stations with the tire cleaner, engine cleaner, hot water, ect. (you know - the ones that charge $1 for 3 minutes[:o]). To my complete suprise - the tire cleaner melted that stuff away like it was sugar! I simply rinsed it off with water following a good douching with the chemical and it worked great. Now I just need to de-scent it with baking soda;).

RE: Tree Sap Removal
 

Try putting the sap covered stuff in the frezzer over night ,usly chips right off and no smell . Oh put steps in a bag ,the wife will be pissed if she finds the sap on the ice cubes!

RE: Tree Sap Removal
 

I was also going to say goo-gone, or some type of citrous based cleaner. Wouldn't hurt to try Simple Green either. That stuff seems to clean everything, from grease, to dirt, to sticky stuff.

peashooter

RE: Tree Sap Removal
 

Womans hair spray will take it right off, i've used the aerosols plus the stuff thats in the pump spayers,,try it you'll be amazed, might try keeping a bottle of it when your out and about, that is the handiest stuff to clean arrows when you get pitch or sap on them.

RE: Tree Sap Removal
 

Sounds to me like you got the job done....Congrats.