Sling restoration

Fazer · 06-07-2008, 10:45 PM

I recently picked up a box of rifle slings. All are pretty soiled and oil darkened. Included were a few K98 slings. What's the best way to clean them up. Is it possible to get them back from being almost black. Or do I just wipe them down and call it quits. Thanks.
Chip

Mauser720 · 06-07-2008, 11:12 PM

Chip -

On the K98 slings, you can use regular saddle soap and just follow the directions on the container. An old toothbrush is useful for this purpose. You should be able to get some saddle soap wherever shoe polish is sold.

After they dry, you can see if they are still flexible. Some people use Neatsfoot Oil (usually also available wherever shoe polish is sold) to restore the flexibility of leather. However, the problem with Neatsfoot Oil is that it will also darken the color of the leather. Depending on what color leather you have to start with, this may or may not be a problem.

Another choice for treating the leather (if it has to be treated after you clean it) is Kiwi brand "Leather Lotion." There are some other more expensive things you can try, but Leather Lotion is readily available, practical, won't darken the leather, and it's effective.

Mauser720 - Ron

06-07-2008, 10:45 PM	#1
Fazer Patron LugerForum Patron Join Date: May 2005 Location: Perth, West Oz Posts: 93 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 5 Posts	Sling restoration I recently picked up a box of rifle slings. All are pretty soiled and oil darkened. Included were a few K98 slings. What's the best way to clean them up. Is it possible to get them back from being almost black. Or do I just wipe them down and call it quits. Thanks. Chip

06-07-2008, 11:12 PM	#2
Mauser720 User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 535 Thanks: 18 Thanked 49 Times in 33 Posts	Chip - On the K98 slings, you can use regular saddle soap and just follow the directions on the container. An old toothbrush is useful for this purpose. You should be able to get some saddle soap wherever shoe polish is sold. After they dry, you can see if they are still flexible. Some people use Neatsfoot Oil (usually also available wherever shoe polish is sold) to restore the flexibility of leather. However, the problem with Neatsfoot Oil is that it will also darken the color of the leather. Depending on what color leather you have to start with, this may or may not be a problem. Another choice for treating the leather (if it has to be treated after you clean it) is Kiwi brand "Leather Lotion." There are some other more expensive things you can try, but Leather Lotion is readily available, practical, won't darken the leather, and it's effective. Mauser720 - Ron __________________ Mauser720 - Ron "Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it."