What Is Baseball Glove Oil Made Of?
Contents
If you’ve ever wondered what baseball glove oil is made of, you’re not alone. Many people are curious about the ingredients in this popular product.
Introduction
Baseball glove oil is a necessary part of the game. It keeps your glove in good condition and prevents the leather from drying out and cracking. Although there are many commercial products on the market, you can also make your own baseball glove oil at home.
There are a few things you need to know before you start making your own baseball glove oil. First, it’s important to choose the right kind of oil. Second, you need to be careful not to over-oil your glove. Third, you need to take into account the weather and how it will affect your glove.
The most important thing to remember when choosing an oil for your baseball glove is that it needs to be one that won’t go rancid. This means that you should avoid using any kind of cooking oil, as they will quickly turn rancid and make your glove smell bad. The best oils for baseball gloves are those that are chemically stable, such as neatsfoot oil or lanolin.
When you’re ready to start making your own baseball glove oil, the first thing you need to do is put some of the oil into a container. It’s important to use a container that has a lid so that you can store any unused oil for later use. Next, take a clean cloth and dip it into the oil. Make sure that the cloth is completely saturated with oil before you begin rubbing it into the leather of your glove.
As you rub the oil into the leather, be sure to pay special attention to areas that seem dry or cracked. Once you’ve treated all of the dry areas, put on a thin layer of oil over the entire surface of the glove. Be sure not to over-oil your glove, as this can cause the leather to become soft and pliable, which will make it more difficult to catch balls.
After you’ve treated your baseball glove with oil, it’s important to store it in a cool, dry place when you’re not using it. If you live in an area with high humidity, it’s especially important to store your gloves in a climate-controlled environment when they’re not in use. By taking these simple steps, you can keep your baseball gloves in good condition for many seasons to come.
The History of Baseball Glove Oil
glove conditioners or oils have been around almost as long as baseball gloves themselves. The first versions were likely just animal fats or lard, which were likely effective in softening the leather, but didn’t do much to protect it from the elements. In the early 1900’s, Massachusetts-based advertiser J.F. Hilliard created a “wonderful elixir” he called Hilliard’s Famous Glove Oil. It was made from a combination of neatsfoot oil (a natural oil derived from cattle bones and hooves), whale oil, and petroleum jelly, and was promoted as being able to “ soften, preserve and waterproof ” gloves.
The Different Types of Baseball Glove Oil
Most people think that baseball glove oil is just one single product. However, there are actually several different types of baseball glove oil, each with its own specific purpose. In this article, we’ll take a look at the three most common types of baseball glove oil and what they’re used for.
Mineral Oil: Mineral oil is the most common type of baseball glove oil. It’s cheap and easy to find, and it does a decent job of keeping your gloves soft and pliable. However, it can also cause your gloves to dry out over time, so it’s not the best option if you’re looking for long-term protection.
Neatsfoot Oil: Neatsfoot oil is a bit more expensive than mineral oil, but it’s worth the extra money. Unlike mineral oil, neatsfoot oil actually penetrates the leather of your gloves, providing long-lasting protection against drying and cracking.
Lanolin: Lanolin is a natural grease that comes from sheep’s wool. It’s very thick and oily, so it does an excellent job of waterproofing and protecting your gloves. However, it can be a bit difficult to find and it’s quite pricey, so it’s not the best option if you’re on a budget.
The Benefits of Baseball Glove Oil
Oil helps keep the glove soft and pliable. When you first get a new glove, you’ll notice it’s pretty stiff. That’s because the leather is new and hasn’t been treated yet. Applying oil to your glove helps break in the leather and makes it more flexible. This allows you to form a pocket more easily and make quicker, smoother catches.
How to Apply Baseball Glove Oil
Most people put baseball glove oil on their gloves to soften them. The oil helps to preserve the leather, keeps the glove supple and makes it easier to close the glove around the ball. There are a few different ways that you can apply baseball glove oil to your glove.
You can put a small amount of oil on your fingers and work it into the leather. You can also use a cloth or brush to apply the oil. Another way to apply baseball glue is to put some on a paper towel and then rub it into the glove.
It is best to apply baseball glove oil after you have used your glove. This will help the oil to soaked into the leather and will help to keep your glove in good condition.
Conclusion
The two most common oils used in baseball glove oil are neatsfoot oil and lanolin. Neatsfoot oil is derived from the feet and bones of cows, while lanolin comes from sheep’s wool.
