Torch plastic degradation

[Dustydog]

This is weird. One of my torches seems to be disintegrating before my eyes. The plastic is sticky like treacle. No amount of washing with soap etc will improve it.
Before I bin it had anyone any idea why the plastic is going sticky? No external sources responsible

 

[Mr Plodd]

Made in China?

 

[otherclive]

I have one of the wine openers and it has rubber on its handles. That goes sticky over time, but it can be rejuvenated with warm water washing.
No idea why your torch should do the same. Lenser for Fathers Day?

 

[Dustydog]

I have one of the wine openers and it has rubber on its handles. That goes sticky over time, but it can be rejuvenated with warm water washing.

View attachment 8135

Tried that Clive. No difference It must be ten plus years old. I guess it’s the plastic polymers leeching out. One for the bin!

 

[toad a caravan]

Maybe to stop it being dropped 🙂..I wonder if chalk or.telcum powder may help? As per punctures on push bikes

 

[Jcloughie]

We have had a couple of items that have gone this way. I think it is just certain (soft feel) plastics. Not found anything to fix it to date.

John

 

[JTQ]

Tried that Clive. No difference It must be ten plus years old. I guess it’s the plastic polymers leeching out. One for the bin!

I think you are right, its the polymers leaching out, and that I assume means a worrying health risk and so for me and mine past time to have binned it.

 

[ProfJohnL]

I have had several different items exhibit the same problem, Its always been with plastics that have "rubberised" surface finish usually to aid grip. The only solution I have found is to laboriously scrape the surface off until you get down to a hard plastic. I have several hand held wireless microphones, (mainly of Chinese origin so I assume its choice of plastics they use)) microphone stand locking rings, torches (Similar to Dusty's) - all very annoying

 

[Niall_McIntosh]

I have had some rubberised articles go sticky over the years. One thing that has worked for me is to use a paste of Bicarbonate of Soda, and rub the sticky parts.