>From all the Tower Talk responses, I have concluded the following:
1. Regular examination of the cable (at least twice a year) is
mandatory to detect any significant number of loose cable strands or
significant rusting.
2. If either is the case, it is time to replace the cable. Rusting
more likely occurs where water can collect (as underneath the pulley
wheels).
3. Lubricating the cable twice a year will greatly extend its useful
life because the lubricant soaks into the cable and discourages internal
binding. especially when the cable turns around the pulley wheels.
4. Pulley wheels do not need to be lubricated if they were sealed at
the factory, but they need to be regularly inspected for any binding or
wear.
5. Greasing the crank-up moving parts on a regular basis helps keep
the tower raising run smoothly and puts less stress on the cables.
6. With regular maintenance/inspection and depending on location, the
cable can last many years.
Any additions, corrections, or disagreements?
Fred Hurd (W4PKU)
From: Fred Hurd [mailto:fred.hurd@cox.net]
Sent: Thursday, June 13, 2013 7:02 AM
To: 'towertalk@contesting.com'; 'grants2@pacbell.net'
Subject: When To Replace Tower Cable???
This seems to be a constant question for those of us who have crank-up
towers. How can you tell when it is time to replace the cable? Some say that
it's too late when rust appears as the cables weaken from the inside out.
Is that true? Others say if you lubricate the cable twice a year it will
last forever? Is that true? Does anyone know the truth?
Fred Hurd (W4PKU)
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