Removing caulking-Chem majors-This is your time to post! :p

[That guy]

The previous owner of my bike decided to put mirrors on the actual handlebar ends. The screw-in location for the stock mirrors was filled with caulking.  My question is, does anyone know of a solution that will help me get this caulking out of the holes? I tried digging it out but i dont want to scratch the threads. This is a good one for you Chemistry buffs! Thanks in advance.

[davipu]

do you have the bars off the bike?

[That guy]

no i dont. the clip-ons are still on.

[pnaberhaus]

Hey guy,
What happens when you try to remove it with a dental pick, tweezers or small X-acto blade? Won't it pull out in one glob? I understand your need to preserve the threads. If the small tool(s) don't help, try freezing it in your refrigerator, then removing it(works with candle wax), OR use "dry ice" on the mirror mounting base if you're leaving the handlebars on the bike. BE CAREFUL with "dry ice" and bare fingers, you might want to try good, old-fashioned ice cubes first. BTW, the aforementioned "advice" has not been personally tested by myself, but it won't cost you anything and won't harm your bike. Good luck!

[oppy00]

Do you know what kind of caulk it is?  That might help the Chem people who are smarter than me tell you what to use as a solvent.  

They don't really teach practical chemistry to undergrads :x .  Hell, all I really wanted to know was how to blow stuff up anyway.

[That guy]

I dont know what kind, but the color of it is sort of a transparent milky

[Bob Broussard]

Check out some paint stores for caulking remover. Maybe Orchard Supply. It helps soften up the caulking, but you still have to dig it out.
I don't think the stuff will have any affect if it's silicone caulking.
Just dig out as much as you can and see if putting a mirror on will clean the caulking off the threads. Or use a tap if you have one.

[ktrim]

white vinegar will usually soften normal bathroom type caulk.  give it try,  worse case your bike smells alittle strange