Telescope Grease

Any suggestions for how to get the goopy Chinese grease off of a telescope focuser? I usually take a little bit off at a time with my hand and and then inadvertantly swipe it on my shirt or pants. But, there has to be a better way.

DANGEROUS STUFF, but brake cleaner will remove grease and probably paint.

A bit messy but safer, WAL-MART, RED LABEL 91% ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL. Will be a bit slow and yes messy, but seems to cut most greases and lubricants without too much effort, may affect some paints. Works great on bicycle parts that over greased with what ever they use over there for grease.

YMMV,
bill

Lee Spain said:

Any suggestions for how to get the goopy Chinese grease off of a telescope focuser? I usually take a little bit off at a time with my hand and and then inadvertantly swipe it on my shirt or pants. But, there has to be a better way.

I use charcoal lighter, it works great and usually you have some around. It doesn't normally attack paint if only wiped on and off, but be careful none the less. It dries quickly and is pretty clean.