Ballistol

Does anyone have experience using Ballistol on old handcuffs and other restraints? My concern is what effect could it have on the patina. Thanks in advance.

Spencer

I have not used it, nor have i even heard of it. But a quick browse of their website, i noticed where it says that it "cleans and protects metals." Being a metal cleaner and used down the bore of a rifle that has been fired, i would think this will eat anything like patina or gunpowder residue, etc. I dont think this product will save the patina. Just a gut feeling on what I have read from their website.
-Richard knip-

Thanks Richard

This stuff has been around since Moby Dick was a minnow and is a top seller in gun stores and can be used on leather, wood or metal but I’m real hesitant to use it on vintage cuffs.

Spencer

I advise against it. There's supposedly a high amount of water in it; the protection against rust is poor, also its water displacement. There are certainly uses for it, but I wouldn't use it on guns or cuffs. Try W 18 instead, a NATO gun oil.

Thanks for the input and I will look into W 18

Spencer