any leather experts around ?

625

March 25, 2003 12:47

I've picked up a couple of old leather slings that I'd like to salvage. I'm guessing they're 1940's vintage. They display the expected cracking outside the sling swivel areas, but they are "flaking" pretty heavily on the underside. I'm not sure whether to soak (immerse) them for a while, or try to rub some oil into them. I'm afraid rubbing might tear 'em up worse. Suggestions would be appreciated as to procedure, and type of oil.

Thanks, Jay


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  kingjoey

  March 25, 2003 12:52

  Go to a pharmacy or Walmart and get some "Bag Balm". It'll be over with the lotions and shampoo. It's for chafed hands and cow teats, but it restores leather better than anything else I've tried. Rub a little on the leather and let it soak in (may take a few hours) and keep adding until the leather softens. Don't use glycerine on something that dry either.
  
  Love them Beavers
  

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  jjmitchell60

  March 25, 2003 13:21

  Also use "neets feet oil" that you can get at any hardware store. I use it on saddles and everything else leather that I have. Soak the slings in it.

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  kingjoey

  March 25, 2003 13:27

  Ditto, that works good too.
  
  Love them Beavers
  

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  trsmith5

  March 25, 2003 14:20

  I know how to add holes to an existing belt[:D]
  seriously though, I'v e always used mink oil or bag balm like kingjoey suggested.
  
  I'd probably think twice before I put that sling on a high dollar rifle. That would be awful to have it break while you have it shouldered and it hits the ground.

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  jjmitchell60

  March 25, 2003 16:28

  Bag balm and mink oil does work as well as neets feet oil but I use the neets feet oil due to price and the amount of leather that I take care of. I have 6 saddles, 15-20 bridles, and a host of leather halters. If you want something that works better than anything I have ever seen use bear grease/oil. A friend of mine wound up with 5 gallons of it one year and we used it on our hunting pouches, leggings, & any thing else leather. It water proofed and made the leather real soft. My son put it on his Red Wings but could not stand the smell, of course the smell could have been his feet![:D] The bear grease was great but real expensive, around $20 a pint! We got it for free though.[8D]

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  nmyers

  March 25, 2003 16:53

  I use Pecard's leather dressing, and am pleased with the results on old leather.
  
  However, in your case, I don't think anything can salvage those slings.
  
  Neal

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