[TowerTalk] Crank-UP Tower Cables.

[K7LXC@aol.com]

In a message dated 12/17/00 12:09:11 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
john@gm4nhi.demon.co.uk writes:

> The motor cycle chain lubricant on the other hand is also very thin when
>  applied, but the carrier evaporates and leaves the grease behind. Many
>  greases and oils are soluble in water. You may have found that some
>  mineral based grease turns white after being subjected to water. The
>  grease in the motor cycle chain lubricant is specifically designed to
>  exclude water and is based on calcium or lithium. Any place that sells
>  motor cycles will carry it. I have found it to be  ideal for lubricating
>  wire ropes that are subjected to the extremes of weather.

    What you don't want is a lubricant that leaves grease behind. The grease 
will attract and keep particulates and other contaminants on and in the wire 
cable. Even if the grease/contaminants are just on the outside of the cable, 
it will work its way between the strands as the cable is moved over the 
pulleys. 

    Motorcycle chain lubricant is for motorcycle chains and wire rope 
lubricant is for wire rope applications like crank-up tower cables. I doubt 
that either of these products say that they are intended for other 
applications. They are specifically formulated for their intended uses based 
on many factors and, as always, the LXC Prime Directive is "DO what the 
manufacturer says".

Cheers,    Steve     K7LXC
Champion Radio Products

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