Rawhide Mallet Flaking?

[FatSmitty]

I have a Garland rawhide mallet that I've had for 5 or 6 years now, but it has only been used maybe 25 to 30 hours. The striking surface is starting to "flake off" or crush up and come off in tiney specks that get in my work. Is this normal wear and tear? What is the expected life span of rawhide mallets? Is there something that I can do to reface or surface the mallet to get more service out of it? I've considered oiling the faces of the mallet, but I am concerened that it would ruin the mallet-i.e. make it mushey, or not be firm enough to strike a good impression. Any thoughts or advice is welcome.

Thank you,

Nevada

[THein]

I have a Garland rawhide mallet that I've had for 5 or 6 years now, but it has only been used maybe 25 to 30 hours. The striking surface is starting to "flake off" or crush up and come off in tiney specks that get in my work. Is this normal wear and tear? What is the expected life span of rawhide mallets? Is there something that I can do to reface or surface the mallet to get more service out of it? I've considered oiling the faces of the mallet, but I am concerened that it would ruin the mallet-i.e. make it mushey, or not be firm enough to strike a good impression. Any thoughts or advice is welcome.

Thank you,

Nevada

Smitty,

I've used the same rawhide mallet for forty years. When it starts flaking the pieces I take a damp sponge and give it a swipe. Go have a cup of coffee and get back at it. Usually takes care of it for quite awhile.

Terry

[FatSmitty]

Thank you Terry! I'll give that a try, I'm glad that I don't have to buy a new mallet.

Nevada