The snare cable I bought is 1x19 3/32" and when I handle it my hand turn black with oil or grease. Not a lot but more than I want and Im wondering if this will affect my success.

Before I bought this cable I use 7x7 and I find it much more flexible and a bit smaller in diameter than the 1x19. I like the 7x7 better.

Now to my question how to go about removing the petroleum from the cable. I boiled some this year in baking soda but that left a chalky residue on the cable and slowed down the cable slide. Im think if boiling it outside in some MEK and then water. Comments or ideas? h.h.

HH, I'm not too picky cable size I run 7x7x7/64", and 7x7x3/32". Never had problems with either. I cut most of my cable to length
with a specific hole in mind. I would NOT use any petroleum product to remove the oils. There seems to be some conflicting ideas now on the best way to treat snares. I LIGHTLY boil mine in baking soda. I have noticed on my own, and have also read that removing all the oils causes snares to rust if you do not use them in the same season. If you do boil them in soda, you have to work the locks briskly back and forth to knock off the residue, and free the locks up.

I know its a little late for you now, but I have read cold soaking in walnut hulls, and actually painting the snares way ahead of season seems to work. I think if I can get off my butt next summer, I'll make up a bunch, and camo them up. I'll also paint some up up for snow.

If I were you, I'd soak your snares in some unscented Dawn degreaser, and hot water. Rinse well, and boil them lightly in the soda. Just work em loose after they dry.

I use the 7x7 3/32" also. Would suggest wiping down those snares with rubbing alcohol to remove that stuff, then just hang them in a tree outside to air out. I've never needed to boil or treat snares, just keep them generally clean.