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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: TSchirm on November 19, 2010, 11:45:00 AM

Title: Vaseline on leather? Squeeky boots
Post by: TSchirm on November 19, 2010, 11:45:00 AM
I read in the latest Traditional Bowhunter Dennis Kamstra's Old Timer article suggesting using vaseline to soften leather like boots, tabs, etc.  Has anyone tried this?  I just wondered about a petroleum product on leather.  

I have a pair of boots that are very squeeky.  I have tried sno seal which didn't change anything.  Just put on some Mink oil this morning, and so I'll see what happens.  I have seen members post about Montana pitch blend, but I have never seen that anywhere. It has really been talked up.  Does it soften and quiet boots?  These boots are so squeeky they drive me crazy.  They have been noisy right out of the box, and I have worn them periodically over a year now with no change. Any helpful ideas are appreciated.
Title: Re: Vaseline on leather? Squeeky boots
Post by: Gerardo on November 19, 2010, 11:47:00 AM
I think the mink oil will do the work, i havent tried Vaseline but mink oil has worked
Title: Re: Vaseline on leather? Squeeky boots
Post by: hunt it on November 19, 2010, 12:44:00 PM
Montana Pitch blend is good also - three rivers carries it.
Title: Re: Vaseline on leather? Squeeky boots
Post by: hunt it on November 19, 2010, 12:44:00 PM
Montana Pitch blend is good also - three rivers carries it.
Title: Re: Vaseline on leather? Squeeky boots
Post by: gjarcher on November 19, 2010, 01:10:00 PM
I've always used Sno-Seal waterproof leather treatment.
Title: Re: Vaseline on leather? Squeeky boots
Post by: Bill Turner on November 19, 2010, 01:14:00 PM
Montana Pitch blend can be purchased from "The Nocking Point" and is an excellent water proofer. Most leather workers(saddle makers) will tell you to save your money and use vegatable or canola oil to soften new leather products. Mineral oil is also worth consideration and almost as cheap.
Title: Re: Vaseline on leather? Squeeky boots
Post by: Daz on November 19, 2010, 01:16:00 PM
I've used Huberd's shoe grease for years, and have yet to find a better product. Every leather boot i own, plus my moose-hide plains style quiver get a once a year treatment.
Title: Re: Vaseline on leather? Squeeky boots
Post by: bro-n-arrow on November 19, 2010, 01:17:00 PM
I had the same problem. Took the nylon shoe laces out and lubricated them really good.Problem finally solved!
Title: Re: Vaseline on leather? Squeeky boots
Post by: Tav on November 19, 2010, 02:42:00 PM
I would stay away from Vaseline and anything else that will collect dirt. I have that darn squeaky boot problem also and have always wondered how to kill it.
Title: Re: Vaseline on leather? Squeeky boots
Post by: hvyhitter on November 19, 2010, 03:28:00 PM
Most boots squeak were the lacing flaps rub the top of the boot. Lube under there and it usually solves the problem.
Title: Re: Vaseline on leather? Squeeky boots
Post by: Bill Carlsen on November 19, 2010, 04:15:00 PM
Montana Pitch Blend...simply the best.
Title: Re: Vaseline on leather? Squeeky boots
Post by: Night Wing on November 19, 2010, 04:55:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Gerardo:
I think the mink oil will do the work, i havent tried Vaseline but mink oil has worked
Another vote for mink oil.
Title: Re: Vaseline on leather? Squeeky boots
Post by: njloco on November 19, 2010, 05:17:00 PM
Mink oil is very good, however I bought some Original Australian leather seal at the Outdoor show in Harrisberg PA. a couple of years ago and it works extremely well. I use Saddle soap and let it dry, then apply the Ausi. stuff and let it sit by the wood stove for awhile, then just buff it down a little. I work in railroad yards and it does not pick up dirt.

Seems to restore the leather and waterproof it, and condition it real well.

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Vaseline on leather? Squeeky boots
Post by: Spectre on November 19, 2010, 05:20:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Bill Carlsen:
Montana Pitch Blend...simply the best.
Sorry, Obenauf's boot dressing is the standard.
  :biglaugh:   This is one of those debates that could go on, and on, and on.

 But, seriously, Obenauf's.
Title: Re: Vaseline on leather? Squeeky boots
Post by: stalkin4elk on November 19, 2010, 05:23:00 PM
An old trick to stop new saddles from squeeking noise is to sprinkle non scented baby powder between the layers of leather. One or two apps does the trick.
Title: Re: Vaseline on leather? Squeeky boots
Post by: Day Dreamer on November 19, 2010, 06:15:00 PM
I've been using Obenauf's on my boots, not very happy. The stuff STINKS(smells bad). My next pair of leathers I'm gonna use beeswax
Title: Re: Vaseline on leather? Squeeky boots
Post by: nel on November 19, 2010, 08:29:00 PM
I've gone through a decent amount of Montana Pitch Blend and Sno-seal...I'd be hard put to say which ones better....except Sno -seal seems to be easier to get my hands on up here...
Title: Re: Vaseline on leather? Squeeky boots
Post by: snakewood3 on November 19, 2010, 08:44:00 PM
Toilet bowl wax ring. Obenaufs also works well, it is a beeswax product and that's what it smells like. It also depends on the way the leather was tanned on what you should use, veg tanned, chrome tanned or oil tanned.
Title: Re: Vaseline on leather? Squeeky boots
Post by: woodswalker on November 19, 2010, 11:04:00 PM
It has been said several times, but Montana Pitch Blend will soften and protect all your leather better than about anything.
Title: Re: Vaseline on leather? Squeeky boots
Post by: Montanawidower on November 21, 2010, 09:25:00 PM
I think any shoe conditioner mentioned above will work.  I had a bad squeeky boot develop this year while elk hunting.  Its not the product its the placement.  Hvyhitter is right, start looking for the shiny spots between the tongue and the lace flaps.  Really goop it one and let it soak in for a day.  Then wipe off the excess or apply more if its soaked in completely.  Almost guarantee it will stop it.