Bought some washers and leather pump cups for Tilley lamps. instruction for the leather pump cups is to "soak / lubricate" before use. But does not say with what? Any advice greatly appeciated
any oil will do, but I use cheap cooking oil. Neatsfoot oil is the best, but expensive. Give the Tilley leathers a good soak. If you ever need more leathers, there are better quality ones available from The Fettle Box, The Base Camp (links on the home page of this site), and from Sefaudi or Kerry460 through The Trading Post (Member Services) facility on the CPL home page. Cheers Tony
I read in an instruction guide that castor oil should be good - and checking the web, I noticed that it is supposed to have good qualities for allowing the pump to work in very cold or warm weather. As a small bottle will last for very long, I don't find the price of, as I remember it, about 10 £ per liter to be scaring me. I bought 1/4 liter and it will last for years, I imagine.
I use any plantoil ex. sunflower, grapeseed, canola. It is cheap and you always have it in the kitchen. This oil is also acid-free and wont spoil rubber-seals if it gets down there. It even contains a little amount of water that makes the leather even more soft. Flowerpower Claus C
Regular engine oil here. Alway available, and work well. A small glass jar with an inch of oil. Take out the entire pump and just place it in the jar with the leather part in the oil and let it sit for as long as it takes.
I use cheap olive oil. I also rub on and wipe off enamel finishes, especially before selling. Just enough to make the tank or hood look good.
Ok thanks, plenty of choice then. Might just use steam oil asI have a fair amount of it. Since it contains animal fats it should be compatible with leather.
