I found my old leather bag that we used to keep farm tack in. It has become very hard but not yet brittle. What's a cheap way to get it back pliable?

Thanks for your help.

-- Kenneth in N.C. (wizardsplace13@hotmail.com), March 28, 2002

Answers

Hi Kenneth..An old cutting horse trainer always had great soft leather tack. When I asked him what he used..he grinned and told me to go buy some cookin oil..and put the tack in it and soak it for a while and then remove and wipe..wipe..wipe. I had a pair of reins that I found and I put them in a pail that I poured ..I think it was Crisco oil..in. Let them soak over night..could not believe the difference in them. Do not know if this helps..but its worked for me. Good luck!

-- Sher (riverdobbers@webtv.net), March 28, 2002.

Oops Kenneth..forgot to mention that I would not use this on suede.

-- Sher (riverdobbers@webtv.net), March 28, 2002.

if it's to big to soak it, wipe on a pretty heavey layer inside and out2 or three times and again the next day till it seems not to want to take anymore.

I hadn't heard of using veggie oil but I suppose it may be easier to get than neats foot oil, which is what is usually used on leathers.

Also be prepared for it to darken the leather.

-- Novina in ND (homespun@stellarnet.com), March 28, 2002.

10W 40. Works like a charm.

-- Judy in IN (whileaway3@cs.com), March 28, 2002.

Leather New is great stuff...definately worth the money. It lasts quite a long time too because you don't need a lot of it, even for dry leather. You can buy it at any tack store.

-- Rebekah in BC (rebekah_swinden@hotmail.com), March 28, 2002.

Neats foot oil is by far the best stuff for dried leather. Other oils will work, but can have side effects.

-- Kevin in NC (Vantravlrs@aol.com), March 30, 2002.

Mink oil, found in a tin next to the shoe polish, waterproofs and softens.

-- mitch hearn (moopups@cutlink.net), March 30, 2002.

I used to work for a lady who's friend restored antique saddles. She used Murphy's Oil Soap (the goopy kind) to clean them and then applied alot of pure neatsfoot oil. I've used this on my own tack for years now with great results. And it's cheap!

-- ellie (elnorams@aol.com), March 30, 2002.

Saddle Soap ! That is what it is made for. Saddle soap has been used for eons to soften and clean leather. Used to be available in shoe repair shops. Works great.

-- Tom in OK (tombasin@alltel.net), March 30, 2002.

Ok I've heard of mink oil, saddle soap and neats foot oil But I have not heard of using WD-40.

This old bag used to be in the barn. For years we kept plow parts in it. I'll have to see if I can get any neats or saddle soap. As to side effects as long as it softens up and we can get some use out of it that'll be fine.

Thanks for the input.

-- Kenneth in N.C. (wizardsplace13@hotmail.com), March 31, 2002.

I vaguely remember my grandfather cleaning such a leather bag by pouring hot soapy water, probably saddle soap, into the bag and scrubing it down inside and out, then oiling it after it had dryed just enough for the oil to soak in, it seems like it was on a fence post near the back door most of the day.

-- Thumper/inOKC (slrldr@yahoo.com), March 31, 2002.