3M Eraser Wheel for trim adhesive removal

Dean Jenkins

Dean Jenkins

Promoted Users
I searched and saw that Eraser Wheel's had been mentioned in a few threads, but didn't see a thread specific to them.

I'm re-painting my 2002 Suburban and pulled off the factory fender flares, side moldings and mirror covers.
Massive trim adhesion tape and residue left over.
No amount of heat, scraping, goof-off, IPA, lacquer thinner etc. would get it off. That is some sticky, persistent stuff!

I searched here and on Google and found that folks are using an "Eraser Wheel." In looking at the pictures I just didn't get it. How could a "soft wheel" peel off this stuff?

But, I ordered the 3M unit from Amazon, not really very cheap (~$30) but so many people said it works, I thought I'd check it out.
It arrived tonight and I gave it a try.

Wow! I'm still scratching my head over the physics of the whole thing. I don't know why it works, but man, it works!
Made short order of the tape and residue. About 30 minutes for 4 doors and 4 fenders, and they were ready to DA.

I'm re-painting so I wouldn't have minded if the paint was damaged a little, but the amazing thing was that the paint wasn't scratched or anything al all. Could've buffed and waxed it and it would've looked good.

So many products make big claims . . . it is so nice to come across something that actually works :)

Here is a 1-minute video I shot of the Eraser Wheel working.
Not a great video, but it shows how it works. I'm trying to run the drill with one hand and hold the camera with the other, so the wheel chattered a bit. Doesn't do that with a firm two-handed grip.

I so appreciate all the tips I find here, so when I find something good, I want to take a minute and share it.
 
Good idea to follow up with solvent W&GR to make sure are traces of glue are removed. The erasers also remove vinyl decals and stripes.
If you do need to preserve the original finish be careful not to stay too hard in one spot and build excessive heat. That could turn a clear over white yellow and it will stay that way.
 
Doesn't do well either over refinish paint either. It will rip the paint (refinish) right off if not careful. OEM harder to damage, but still possible. Low RPM's is the key. We had a helper at one shop (think he was texaskings helper's cousin :)) who couldn't do anything right. No awareness whatsoever. I watched him literally smoke one of those Astro's trying to take pinstripes off. He had the drill going so fast the pad was smoking. No damage to the car thankfully but it was a while before we let him use one again.:)
 
3M makes a "adhesive remover" No. 08984 in a quart can
that works real good for final clean up of residue.
I've been using the same can for 15 years.
Hope they still sell it.
 
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