win a ball from Bowling.com

Author Topic: methanol  (Read 5611 times)

12XSECH

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 379
methanol
« on: October 26, 2015, 05:58:07 PM »
Anyone use methanol for cleaning bowling balls? Its the same as naphta (sp) Methanol is a form of alcohol just like ethanol...Just curious..

 

tommyboy74

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1829
Re: methanol
« Reply #1 on: October 26, 2015, 06:22:42 PM »
I've never used it so I really can't say how it works.  However since Methanol can be classified as a fuel, it is likely banned from use as a cleaner. 

The list of substances that are not approved as a ball cleaner are below:
http://usbcongress.http.internapcdn.net/usbcongress/bowl/equipandspecs/pdfs/Non_approved_cleaner_polish.pdf
Current Ball Arsenal
Heavy:
MOTIV Jackal Legacy
MOTIV Mythic Jackal

Med-Heavy:
MOTIV Trident Odyssey
MOTIV Forge Fire
MOTIV Covert Revolt

Medium:
MOTIV VIP ExJ Sigma
MOTIV Sigma Sting
MOTIV Pride Solid

Medium-Light
MOTIV Venom Shock
MOTIV Tribal Fire

charlest

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 24523
Re: methanol
« Reply #2 on: October 26, 2015, 08:12:00 PM »
Anyone use methanol for cleaning bowling balls? Its the same as naphta (sp) Methanol is a form of alcohol just like ethanol...Just curious..

The only similarity between methanol and naphtha is their extreme inflammability. They are completely different compounds.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naphtha. Methanol is methyl alcohol, CH3OH. Both are highly toxic and poisonous. Do not let them touch your skin at all, ever. Don't even consider them for cleaning bowling balls.
"None are so blind as those who will not see."

BallReviews-Removed0385

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 0
Re: methanol
« Reply #3 on: October 27, 2015, 01:27:06 AM »
Anyone use methanol for cleaning bowling balls? Its the same as naphta (sp) Methanol is a form of alcohol just like ethanol...Just curious..

The only similarity between methanol and naphtha is their extreme inflammability. They are completely different compounds.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naphtha. Methanol is methyl alcohol, CH3OH. Both are highly toxic and poisonous. Do not let them touch your skin at all, ever. Don't even consider them for cleaning bowling balls.

+1  In addition to the health hazards, I'd be afraid that something so strong may damage the coverstock, if not immediately, certainly over time.

12XSECH

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 379
Re: methanol
« Reply #4 on: October 27, 2015, 07:31:51 AM »
Alcohol and ethanol are both fuels and they are not banned. Im only asking because I saw it on the ingredients of one cleaner...I dont want to say which one, but it is very good.

BallReviews-Removed0385

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 0
Re: methanol
« Reply #5 on: October 27, 2015, 07:55:39 AM »

Being one of many ingredients (where it's diluted) is a different story.  What percentage is it?  Probably quite small.

Using it straight is how we interpreted the question.  Use at your own risk.

kidlost2000

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5789
Re: methanol
« Reply #6 on: October 27, 2015, 08:51:50 AM »
Fire cleans all
…… you can't  add a physics term to a bowling term and expect it to mean something.

charlest

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 24523
Re: methanol
« Reply #7 on: October 27, 2015, 08:56:14 AM »
Alcohol and ethanol are both fuels and they are not banned. Im only asking because I saw it on the ingredients of one cleaner...I dont want to say which one, but it is very good.

Denatured ethyl alcohol has been one ingredient in many of Storm's cleaners for many years now. But, as notclay, has said, being one of many is far, far different than being used by itself. Methanol (methyl alcohol) is one of the ingredients in denatured alcohol that make it, "denatured". Treat it with much respect and keep it off your skin.
"None are so blind as those who will not see."

12XSECH

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 379
Re: methanol
« Reply #8 on: October 27, 2015, 03:16:39 PM »
One of the companies, maybe Motiv or Storm advertises that their cleaner is based on cleaners that remove oil from concrete. If anyone finds this ad, please post it here.

12XSECH

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 379
Re: methanol
« Reply #9 on: October 27, 2015, 03:26:28 PM »
Its the Motiv site. It says power gel scuff is based on cleaners that remove oil from concrete. That has to be strong stuff. I really dont think any cleaner can damage a ball unless its acid or something. Most companies will say "its not designed for bowling balls" but formula 409 wasnt made to clean car tires either but it does. The thing is, people see Methanol and they freak out. The cleaner I was talking about has Methanol in it. I dont know the percentage but it cleans awesome. If the creator of this cleaner sees this he can post the name of it. I dont want to look like im pimping a product.

DOWNTOWN

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 221
Re: methanol
« Reply #10 on: October 27, 2015, 07:03:19 PM »
Only one that I know uses it is "that purple stuff" for $13 for 4 oz.

Strapper_Squared

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4231
Re: methanol
« Reply #11 on: October 27, 2015, 10:58:34 PM »
PhD in Chemistry.... So I can weigh in on this one.

Methanol is not likely to be the "active" ingredient in cleaning lane oil from the surface of a ball (although it may help remove duct tape residue, excess super glue, etc.).  It is likely included to help the cleaner dry more quickly...  Similar to the addition of isopropyl alcohol in the water/simple green mixtures.

Chemically, methanol and naphtha are completely different.  I wouldn't recommend using either on a cover stock as they would likely pull plasticizers out, making the cover more brittle (over time). 

Your best bet would be a specifically designed product or a mild detergent-type cleaner (providing any residue can be removed and doesn't build up on the surface).

Scott
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+