I cleaned out a friends barn and found a Reinsman stamped draw bit.  I want to keep it and use it, but I feel like the cotton ropes that run through it are dry and will possibly break.  Has anyone ever conditioned their ropes to keep them soft and pliable? Or is there a way to change them? 

It's very easy to replace the rope headstall on a draw gag.

Just get quarter inch nylon rope .

Tie a ring with a overhand knot..then put the gag bit on..then tie another ring with a overhand knot..you can adjust to the horse by moving the knots.

Here's a picture to demonstrate what I'm trying to say. Please notice I also added rubber washer on each side for the draw bit to rest on. I made this rope headstall for this antique Dr Bristol 3-piece French gag..

put a new rope on.   YOu don't want one breaking in a run