Old engine oil for boots

Advice
#36

Like I said,
;^)



But, seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever heard nor seen any quality boot maker recommending the application of either drying oils or motor oils as leather treatments. In fact, I’m sure both are strongly discouraged.

#37

If you saw my boots, you’d see …

– Last Updated: Jan-27-11 10:05 PM EST –

... that there was no chance for any harm being done. They were pretty well shot, so in their worn-out and leaky condition, linseed oil really did provide temporary improvement in weather-proofing, and the color was better too!. I wouldn't recommend doing this to a good pair of boots though. I think you are probably correct about what's "proper" treatment for leather boots.

I have some boot oil sold and recommended by the Red Wing Shoe company. The stuff costs an arm and a leg, so I can see why people might look for alternatives.

#38

Used snake oil is the best.

#39

So how do you make boots out of
old engine oil ?

#40

tktoo
Gloves are worn at Ford because warm oil seeps into the skin and is very hard to wash off.



Yes, vaccines cause autism, but motor oil is not injected into the bloodstream. Skin is fairly good armor.

#41

Bear grease and beeswax
Wringing out a mink gives a feller a fine product, but it just ain’t sporting to pick on somethin’ that size.



I find a bear that’s got into some honey. Then, I wring that bear. When I’ve got enough grease out of him, I wring out the bees and mix that wax and grease together.

#42

Vaccines don’t cause autism, but
if you keep soaking your hands in dirty engine oil, you will be sorry. Just google and check all the warnings.



Still, I must congratulate you on a relatively serious topic choice.

#43

Old Tugs
In years past fuel oil was stored against the wood hull, and bilge oil was allowed to accumulate against the wooden hull. These hulls are preserved to these modern days as a result! This doesn’t account for the years of bad practices and horrible pollution.

#44

Good ol Omi Daiber

#45

A serious answer
A fun thread,but as a living history participant who wears leather moccasins a lot.I searched for the best leather waterproofing I could find. I mix melted beeswax and mink oil(the pure natural stuff)about 1 to4 radio,heat it and my boots,and brush it in.Best treatment I have found.

Turtle

#46

Most “mink oil” isn’t actually mink oil
It’s typically made from fat from other, more common farm animals. You can still find the real stuff, but you really have to look for it.

#47

Wood is cellulose, primarily.
Skin is protein. That said, yes, a hide stored in a vat of petroleum distillates will stay somewhat preserved, though you’d probably want to avoid spending any time with it, much less use it to make a pair of durable shoes.

#48

or work the fryer at burger king

#49

Skin is not a good barrier against
hydrocarbons or most chemicals.They are easily absorbed and quickly transported all over your body.

#50

here you go

– Last Updated: Jan-28-11 9:35 AM EST –

Here's an MSDS sheet on 'waste oil'.

Read Section 3 and then decide for yourself if it's something you think you should use to preserve an article of clothing to which your skin is exposed.

http://www.safety-kleen.com/msds/81451rev9-20-07.pdf

#51

This has got to be one of the stupidest
Things I have ever seen posted on p-net. Putting used engine oil on your boot is bad on many levels. There are lots of cleaner, more effective alternatives.

#52

Lots of times when I have been splitting
or cutting fire wood out in the rain, and my leather gloves get a thourough soaking, I’ll squirt some thin weight motor oil or 3 in 1 oil on them when I am through, and they won’t harden up like they would if I just let them dry out.

My hands haven’t fallen off yet, and I am older then most of you.



Some of you need to see what the old farmers use as a preservative on their fence posts !



Jack L

#53

beeswax is better
since many plastics and many rubber materials break down in oil.



Interestingly enough, I worked at a shop where our boots were constantly soaked in oil, and people constantly complained how the oil would wreck boots so quickly. Not to mention its poisonous, and if you don’t want to eat it, don’t put it on your skin.

#54

Old farmers used DDT too.
It is not just a coincidence here that the area around sweet corn fields have a higher incidence of cancer.

#55

leather stuff
http://www.huberds.com/



this stuff works and is relatively inexpensive. no one in their right mind would ever use used motor oil. what a crock.



steve