Leather care question

[mtnman31]

I have an older sling that is starting to dry and crack (also a pair of gloves). What is the best way to prolong the life of the leather? I have some saddle soap on hand. Is it a decent product or do I need something better? Also, does the rough side of the sling require anything different than the smooth side?

[JDL]

Neatsfoot oil, or still better, Lexol.

[Heavy lead]

I always keep some neetsfoot oil in a spray bottle for such things, works great.

[DLCTEX]

Drying is the enemy of leather, Neat'sfoot oil keeps it supple. Saddle soap for cleaning, and supplies some oil, but more lanolin is better (Primary ingredient of Neat'sfoot). Be warned that petroleum based oils will damage leather.

[hiram]

Watch out for Neatsfoot Oil Compound -- its not 100% neatsfoot oil

[waksupi]

Saddle soap and Lexol are the best. Neetsfoot will cause the stitching to rot.

[Pepe Ray]

As a lumber mill laborer I can give some 1st hand advice.
(gloves were mentioned)
I have done some jobs that could wear out 2 pair of work gloves in one shift.
Just because the Company provided the gloves was no excuse to be wasteful.
For Hard Duty a treatment of Snow Seal rubbed in thoroughly and replaced as it wore off, would prolong the life of ,even a pair of Chink gloves, for a couple of shifts.
I use it for all applications not related to cosmetic grades of leather.
Pepe Ray

[Ricochet]

I use olive oil. It's brought back several old dried, brittle slings like new.

[missionary5155]

Greetings
I totally agree with Ricochet. Down here in Peru this is the preverbial end of the pipeline. One day I was reading through the Bible and Olive oil is stated as the remidy for all sorts of things. So I thought why not today...
So I raided my wifes cabinet and slopped some pure Italian on my drying out army boot. Then a belt. Now any ole piece of leather. Works good on drying skin. Mix it 50/50 and works great as a BP lube inmy 1892 src 44-40. That same mix makes good chap lip/skin protector.
There may be better products.. but they do not seem to get to me down here.
God Bless you !

[cajun shooter]

Lexol which is sold at many places that carry tack.

[Ricochet]

Yeah, I use olive oil for all sorts of things myself. Best guitar string and fretboard lube ever.

[monadnock#5]

If you go with the Neatsfoot oil, be careful not to overdo it. If the leather gets saturated, it won't ever dry out.

[DLCTEX]

I got 5 years out of my last pair of Red Wings using Neatsfoot oil and had no problems with stitching. This is almost daily wear in rough work environment. The soles finally wore out.

[Kuato]

I use Ballistol to keep my slings & holsters looking good. Don't use it on suede tho.

[montana_charlie]

An old guy I know trades and sells used horse tack, so he comes in contact with LOTS of mistreated leather. He likes Lexol, but he is just as happy with canola oil.
I have a suspicion that olive, canola, or any clean vegetable oil is useful. Just stay away from the 'machine oils'.

And, no leather should ever be saturated with anything...if you can prevent it.
CM

[Ricochet]

Canola works fine, I've used it on slings as well. It dries after a while, and if there's excess on the surface (there shouldn't be), it'll get sticky. I just like olive oil. It has the highest viscosity and the least tendency to get sticky of the common fatty oils. I've never had it go rancid and smelly.

[flhroy]

I once had a pair of boots needing some TLC and some Felix Wonder Lube sitting in front of me at the same time. Guess What? That stuff works pretty darn good on leather too.

Take Care

roy

[Rico1950]

Let's not forget about Pecards