Grip Cleaning Question.

Jerry · 11-01-2003, 06:38 PM

I read before were Murphys soap can be used to clean up wood grips. My question is do you hurt the value by doing so. I have a minty 1936 S/42 all matching with spare mag and tool. The grips are a litle dark...dirty and some oil stains.
What do you think?

Herb · 11-01-2003, 06:58 PM

I think that is a call you have to make. I personally do not think that it will hurt the value, others think that it will destroy some of the 'history' of the Luger. I have had good results by just taking them to the sink and using hot water and 409, or something similar, and a stiff tooth brush and scrubbing them real good works great. If they are loose fitting I have also soaked them in hot water in a bowl, holding them down with a cup for a couple of hours. Eventually they will dry out again and the fit will become loose as it was before. If they get a 'greyish' color after they are completely dry a little linseed oil scrubbed in with that tooth brush brings back the color. Lets see what some of the other guys say, my method may seem radical to some but it works.

Edward Tinker · 11-01-2003, 07:10 PM

I agree, use Herbs toothbrush

A light cleaning can never hurt, but unless nasty, I usually leave well enough alone.

Ed

Jerry · 11-02-2003, 01:53 PM

These are in the light cleaning category one has some oil staining. They look fine but could use a little improvement.More concerned on messing the value up.Its a real nice rig.Thanks for the replys.

G.T. · 11-02-2003, 03:05 PM

Trapshooter! Don't do it! Although I respect the opinions of the other members... my basic feeling is that a gun that has the grips cleaned, also would be suspect of other alterations if you someday wish to realize a maximum return on your unit! Collectors look for red flags, and freshened up parts is one of them.... best of luck to you, in any event! til...lat'r....GT

saxman · 11-07-2003, 11:23 AM

In any event, please do not use water on the grips. A safe way to clean them is to take them off the pistol and scrub them with a toothbrush and Clenzoil. Let the Clenzoil soak in after cleaning, to preserve the grips and prevent cracking. The result will be cleaner but not 'stripped' wood that still looks it's age. In fact, Clenzoil is the perfect CLP for any old gun, including the Luger.

Thor · 11-07-2003, 01:00 PM

I have come to believe that the Murphy soap cleaning is probably NOT the best idea as the water can soften the checkering and then you scrub it with a brush which can tend to crush the tops. I trust all my cleaning and recheckering to Hugh Clark now. I think he cleans them and drys them before he recheckers, I dont know what method he uses for cleaning.

Jerry · 11-07-2003, 08:09 PM

Thanks for all in the input.I think I'll just leave them as is...

11-01-2003, 06:38 PM	#1
Jerry Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2003 Location: Florida Posts: 126 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 6 Posts	Grip Cleaning Question. I read before were Murphys soap can be used to clean up wood grips. My question is do you hurt the value by doing so. I have a minty 1936 S/42 all matching with spare mag and tool. The grips are a litle dark...dirty and some oil stains. What do you think? __________________ Jerry

11-01-2003, 06:58 PM	#2
Herb User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Utah, in the land of the Sleeping Rainbow Posts: 1,457 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I think that is a call you have to make. I personally do not think that it will hurt the value, others think that it will destroy some of the 'history' of the Luger. I have had good results by just taking them to the sink and using hot water and 409, or something similar, and a stiff tooth brush and scrubbing them real good works great. If they are loose fitting I have also soaked them in hot water in a bowl, holding them down with a cup for a couple of hours. Eventually they will dry out again and the fit will become loose as it was before. If they get a 'greyish' color after they are completely dry a little linseed oil scrubbed in with that tooth brush brings back the color. Lets see what some of the other guys say, my method may seem radical to some but it works. __________________ Utah, where gun control means a steady trigger pull

11-01-2003, 07:10 PM	#3
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,916 Thanks: 1,995 Thanked 4,507 Times in 2,081 Posts	I agree, use Herbs toothbrush A light cleaning can never hurt, but unless nasty, I usually leave well enough alone. Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

11-02-2003, 01:53 PM	#4
Jerry Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2003 Location: Florida Posts: 126 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 6 Posts	These are in the light cleaning category one has some oil staining. They look fine but could use a little improvement.More concerned on messing the value up.Its a real nice rig.Thanks for the replys. __________________ Jerry

11-07-2003, 11:23 AM	#6
saxman User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 301 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	In any event, please do not use water on the grips. A safe way to clean them is to take them off the pistol and scrub them with a toothbrush and Clenzoil. Let the Clenzoil soak in after cleaning, to preserve the grips and prevent cracking. The result will be cleaner but not 'stripped' wood that still looks it's age. In fact, Clenzoil is the perfect CLP for any old gun, including the Luger. __________________ You can lead 'em to the water, but you can't make 'em drink.

11-02-2003, 03:05 PM	#5
G.T. Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Chandler Arizona Posts: 3,486 Thanks: 1,284 Thanked 3,583 Times in 989 Posts	Trapshooter! Don't do it! Although I respect the opinions of the other members... my basic feeling is that a gun that has the grips cleaned, also would be suspect of other alterations if you someday wish to realize a maximum return on your unit! Collectors look for red flags, and freshened up parts is one of them.... best of luck to you, in any event! til...lat'r....GT

11-07-2003, 01:00 PM	#7
Thor User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Posts: 4,583 Thanks: 958 Thanked 970 Times in 276 Posts	I have come to believe that the Murphy soap cleaning is probably NOT the best idea as the water can soften the checkering and then you scrub it with a brush which can tend to crush the tops. I trust all my cleaning and recheckering to Hugh Clark now. I think he cleans them and drys them before he recheckers, I dont know what method he uses for cleaning. __________________ Thor's Luger Clinic http://members.rennlist.com/lugerman/ Ted Green (Thor Yaller Boots) 725 Western Hills Dr SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124 915-526-8925 Email thor340@aol.com ----------------------------------- John3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

11-07-2003, 08:09 PM	#8
Jerry Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: May 2003 Location: Florida Posts: 126 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 6 Posts	Thanks for all in the input.I think I'll just leave them as is... __________________ Jerry