Removing Strong Adhesive Holding Metal Bracket on Metal Window Frame

BatmanBeer on 18/12/2018 - 13:19

Strata has installed window safety locks on my windows (apartment rental) to comply with legislation, however they went about it the difficult way by drilling in as well as using some sort of strong adhesive to insert a metal L-bracket into the window frame. Obviously this is limiting airflow and causing the rooms to get really hot.

I've contacted them and they agreed I can replace it with my own locks as long as they are compliant with legislation (i.e. can be opened or closed fully, as long as it can be locked at 12.5cm).

My problem is I can't seem to get the bracket off because of the adhesive. Screws were easy to remove. I'm not sure what glue they used, and even prying the bracket with the back of a hammer (bracket doesn't bend easily and isn't separating from the frame). What options do I have to get rid of the adhesive that is holding the bracket firmly in place? Will dripping acetone (i.e. nail polish remover) along the edges loosen it?

I'd like to try and not ruin the green-painted metal window frame. Thanks in advance!

The L-bracket looks like this, but is thicker: https://www.bunnings.com.au/pryda-40-x-40-x-230mm-heavy-duty…

Home & Garden

Comments

  • cansydint on 18/12/2018 - 13:21
    +1

    could try fishing line, similar to how you would debadge a car

    Keep the line tight and work it down between the bracket and window

    • BatmanBeer on 18/12/2018 - 13:32

      The bracket has a bit of a gap so I'll give this a go… but will the fishing line even be strong enough?

      • bobbified on 18/12/2018 - 13:42

        Fishing line should be strong enough if it's double sided tape or something similar.
        Use it like a cable saw and pull it side to side as you go down.

        Alternatively, try a heat gun (or hairdryer).

        • BatmanBeer on 18/12/2018 - 13:44

          I don't think it's tape. There's seeping glue residue coming out of the edge of the bracket.

          • bobbified on 18/12/2018 - 13:56
            +1

            @BatmanBeer: I think your only other alternative is the heat gun.

            • BatmanBeer on 18/12/2018 - 14:23

              @bobbified: I thought heating gun as well but I'm trying to find alternatives before spending $40+ on one.

              • bobbified on 18/12/2018 - 14:48

                @BatmanBeer: You could try a hairdryer, but it'll take a bit longer. Heat the bit of the metal L frame that's got the glue on the other side of it (not the glue itself).

              • D C on 18/12/2018 - 17:11

                @BatmanBeer: Some adhesives, like super glue or various tapes will release at around 100c, maybe earlier.

                You'll probably need to heat the bracket up to around 200c or more though, for that you'll want a heat gun with a rectangular nozzle to focus the heat onto the bracket and not damage anything else.

                The glue will gradually weaken, so jam a screwdriver behind the bracket until it pops off.

  • askme69 on 18/12/2018 - 13:28

    Eucalyptus oil or orange oil.

    • BatmanBeer on 18/12/2018 - 13:32

      I've got De-Solv-It. Is that similar?

      • [Deactivated] on 18/12/2018 - 14:30

        Works on the same basis. It is a solvent/emulsifier.

  • BOGOF on 18/12/2018 - 13:38

    Acetone (nail polish remover) should dissolve the glue.

    • pjetson on 18/12/2018 - 16:32

      And probably the paint that he doesn't want to affect.

      • BOGOF on 18/12/2018 - 18:05

        If OP provides a MS Paint diagram of where the bracket is in relation to the frame, it may be possible to mask/protect the frame whilst acetone is dabbed on the glue edge using an ear bud/Q tip?

  • dasher86 on 18/12/2018 - 14:14

    you can also try heating up the metal bracket + any of the above.

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