handling and looking after helmets ..

[trevor87bikes]

Is there anything I should be careful of when handling lids and what's the best way to preserve them .....do people try to avoid handling them with bare hands cheers

[Eabe]

Store them dry, I handle them with cotton gloves. I also use renwax fore preservation.

[jerryrehr]

Get the books on helmets they will answer a lot of common questions for you and then some. They are called helmets..... lids are on garbage cans.
Jerry

[trevor87bikes]

Sorry jerry I thought it would be ok to ask on here ......thought no one better to ask than you lot ....

[jerryrehr]

No insult just a little yank humor M8.

Jerry

[keifer kahn]

Hi Trev,

Well actually I don't think you will find a lot in books on storage or preservation of Helmets,

Anyway the following works for me,

I use Nitrile gloves for handling.I prefer these over white cotton as white cotton can leave fibres behind on the helmets surface with rough texture.(I know its semantics but that's what I prefer.

Nitrile is "Inert" powder free vinyl and is preffered nowdays by museum conservators over cotton due to the fact the Nitrile don't accumulate contaminants and moisture like white gloves over time.Also you can buy a box containing a hundred pairs and simply use a brand new pair every time.

I don't apply any surface protectants and I use a dehumidifier to ensure a stable 50% humidity environment.Also there is no need to apply protectants if the humidity is stable.Rust doesent start till 65% humidity, so if you keep it under that, you will be ok.

I use an animal hair shaving brush (Very soft boar bristles) for the occasionall dustoff..

I also use acid free card as a surface buffer for whatever I have my lids sitting on and use an acid free card support to stop inner liner sag. Especailly where the drawstring area is and.especially with dry liners because when they start to sag, the leather can tear.

Regards KK

[ROBB]

You can also find lids on Jam jars and all sorts of containers . best to use asbestos gloves and tarmac lotion on your calves when handling your helmet. Rob

[Mr. Blades]

As for me I just handle them when I want to. I don't wash them or anything else. Maybe dust with a cloth rag while doing normal house work. I figured if they survived combat conditions then normal handling won't matter. They are helmets.The only thing I discourage is putting them on your head. It's what I had to tell a friend the first time I showed him my collection!

[Darrell]

As for me I just handle them when I want to. I don't wash them or anything else. Maybe dust with a cloth rag while doing normal house work. I figured if they survived combat conditions then normal handling won't matter. !

My thoughts as well .... all these gloves and such ...

Kinda like washing your hands in a public washroom then grabbing that grubby door on the way out.

[keifer kahn]

I always wear gloves in public washrooms, don't you??


Seriously though, I know I don't like buying items and discovering greasy fingerprints and youd be amazed at the damage residue off human fingers can do over time.

Each to their own.

[trevor87bikes]

Cheers for the replies people