Tool

How do I remove the glued on felt from an old antique tool and die tool chest?

I have my grandfather's old wooden tool and die tool chest that I want to use as a jewerly box. The felt lined drawers are dirty, oiley and badly worn. How do I go about removing that old lining which looks like a felt of some kind. Is there some kind of solvent that I can use to help loosen it? Has anybody done this procedure before?

Public Comments

1. Hmmmm, sounds like you have a very interesting item there, I love old tool chests. I was going to tell you to just soak the felt lining with water, as it probably is old hide glue that will dissolve, but on second thought, that may harm the old wood in the chest drawer bottoms. Maybe try very carefully, to wet just small sections at a time and see if the glue loosens. Then again, maybe the best thing to do, if the lining is glued down tight, is to just cover right over it with new lining. Good luck and would like to know how you make out and if I come up with more ideas will try to get back to you. PS: you will have to wait till the water soaks into the felt, a slow process.
2. Remove as much by hand first, then use an iron (if it is small enough) or a blow dryer, set at high. You want to be able to soften the glue, that is most likley what the felt is stuck down with. Once you have that off, use mineral spirits ( you can get it at any hardware store) to clean it. The iron will probally work the best though. Set it on high and press the "steam" button a few times, you really want steam to loosen up the glue. Good Luck!
3. Before I tried something that might ruin it, I'd contact Gerstner.
4. Agree w/ gentlere. Probably an animal glue that should respond to water. Problem is, so will the wood. Moisten it a little at a time w/ slightly soapy warm water. No quick way to do it . Best regards