Anyone messed up their pipes with easy off?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,232
Likes: 9,270
From: Georgia
Easyoff f's cheap chrome and powder coating as in those Sportster pics. Never Dull will scratch if you scrub hard enough as will OOOO steel wool.
I've always had good luck with Blue Away powder. It too will scratch if you mix it too thick and use a lot of pressure. They make a liquid cleaner and polish also but I've found the powder to be better.
I've always had good luck with Blue Away powder. It too will scratch if you mix it too thick and use a lot of pressure. They make a liquid cleaner and polish also but I've found the powder to be better.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
But, but, but somebody on the internet said it was a good idea! 
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,181
Likes: 488
From: Central California
Easy off will strip anodizing right off, and etch the aluminum in the process. It's a great thing to do if you want to get anodizing, clear or otherwise off to polish aluminum. I used it to strip a set of Porsche wheels prior to polishing and accent painting. Probably what happened to that Sportster. It's also great to use to clean and etch aluminum prior to welding!
If there is still plastic residue, it's probably best to follow advice in previous posts. Get it hot, and used something softer than steel to try to rub it off. Patience is the key. You can still rub to hard and damage the chrome.
Sometimes the best course of action is no action at all. Many times trying to remove crap will make it worse. Eventually, it might burn off.
If there is still plastic residue, it's probably best to follow advice in previous posts. Get it hot, and used something softer than steel to try to rub it off. Patience is the key. You can still rub to hard and damage the chrome.
Sometimes the best course of action is no action at all. Many times trying to remove crap will make it worse. Eventually, it might burn off.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,871
From: Upstate New York
I've used Easy-Off to remove boot marks for years and never had a problem. Some precautions are necessary. First, the stuff eats aluminum. NEVER spray it directly on the pipes or anywhere near your bike. Overspray will etch anything made of aluminum instantly. Spray a bit on a clean cloth and rub it on the chrome pipe. Try it COLD first. Don't leave it on the pipes and walk away, just use the dampened cloth to rub off the marks. Remove any excess with lots of cold water.
As for steel wool, sometimes it works and sometimes it will scratch. It depends on the quality of the plating.
As for steel wool, sometimes it works and sometimes it will scratch. It depends on the quality of the plating.
Last edited by Uncle G.; Feb 8, 2017 at 08:20 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,741
Likes: 1,598
From: Danbury CT
To clear things up Easy-Off comes in a cold or no fume formula. Blue/silver can iirc. That's the one you use for pipes and leave it on overnight. Do not use Easy-Off for hot Ovens. That is corrosive.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,417
Likes: 56,983
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Easy off will strip anodizing right off, and etch the aluminum in the process. It's a great thing to do if you want to get anodizing, clear or otherwise off to polish aluminum. I used it to strip a set of Porsche wheels prior to polishing and accent painting. Probably what happened to that Sportster. It's also great to use to clean and etch aluminum prior to welding!
If there is still plastic residue, it's probably best to follow advice in previous posts. Get it hot, and used something softer than steel to try to rub it off. Patience is the key. You can still rub to hard and damage the chrome.
Sometimes the best course of action is no action at all. Many times trying to remove crap will make it worse. Eventually, it might burn off.
If there is still plastic residue, it's probably best to follow advice in previous posts. Get it hot, and used something softer than steel to try to rub it off. Patience is the key. You can still rub to hard and damage the chrome.
Sometimes the best course of action is no action at all. Many times trying to remove crap will make it worse. Eventually, it might burn off.