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Old 09-24-2010, 12:25 PM
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Default Grip Refinishing question - leather hammer handle

My old Estwing hammer accidentally got wet for long enough that the leather grip swelled and got soft. I thought it was a goner but after drying it's not too bad. The handle is back to being firm and tight but the finish is cracked and looks bad. I buffed it with steel wool but it still needs a top coat. Originally it had some kind of a hard finish like lacquer or varnish. That's what I need to redo.
FWIW Estwing doesn't fix or rebuild them.

Thanks,

Jeff
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Old 09-24-2010, 05:40 PM
kscardsfan kscardsfan is offline
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Try a shoe repair/leather store and see what they can tell/recommend/sell you. My shoe guy is a pro.
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Old 09-24-2010, 05:45 PM
Cooter Brown Cooter Brown is offline
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Had the same issue with an old Estwing. I sanded the grip nice and smooth and put Renaisance wax on it. I think I ended up with a couple of coats. Looks good and has lasted well.

Most any varnish you put on it would eventually crack and flake off. The wax is easy to renew and should look good for a long time.
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Old 09-24-2010, 06:16 PM
gregintenn gregintenn is offline
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Apply a coat of your wife's floor cleaner/wax, like Mop n Glow, with a damp sponge. when it dries, apply clear shoe polish and buff.
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Old 09-24-2010, 07:19 PM
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Use Tennis racket grip tape(rubbery feel) many colors, wrap it real tight it stretches or tennis racket head tape(like skate board tape black)
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Old 09-24-2010, 08:21 PM
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Thanks for all the help. Since I had sandpaper and Renaissance Wax on hand I went that direction. 3 grits of sandpaper, 2 coats of wax and it looks wonderful! Good for another 30 yrs.
Estwings are such nice hammers that I felt like I had to apologize to it.

Jeff
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Old 09-24-2010, 09:49 PM
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Jeff, you are right Estwing makes great hand tools.
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Old 09-24-2010, 09:51 PM
m1gunner m1gunner is offline
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IIRC, The product you wanted is called "Leather Kote" by Fiebings. It is a finish/sealer used on leather. Inexpensive, and doesn't crack. Available from leather products suppliers.

If what you have is working, go with it. I have used LPS 3 in the past to seal both wood and leather with good results. The shop paid for it, so my cost was nothing.
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Old 09-24-2010, 11:55 PM
Jim in Wisconsin Jim in Wisconsin is offline
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I knew Norm Estwing when I lived in Rockford Illinois. He was a pretty quite fellow, but got excited about the tools he made, especially the steel. He passed away not too long ago.
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