[TowerTalk] Tristao Tower Lubrication

[K7LXC@aol.com]

In a message dated 02/29/2000 4:15:53 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
mark.cherry@quickstart.com writes:

> I have a 4 section (75' total) Tristao crank-up tower.  I will be bringing
>  it down in the next month to replace the rotor and antenna.  It has been up
>  only a year, but I feel that I should lubricate all moving parts.

      While it's only been up a year at your place, that tower is probably 20 
years old. Best practice is to lube the cables twice a year. I don't know if 
your pulleys have sealed bearings or what, but if they don't the pulleys 
should be lubed too. 

       BTW, you're due for a cable/pulley replacement - it's way overdue. 
What condition is the cable in? Rust - deep or suface? Any broken strands? 
Any permanently bent cable (cable that's taken a set)? Those are all 
indicators of cable replacement. 
>  
>  What lubricant is recommended for the pulleys, cable and winch, which is a
>  ratchet up/friction brake down model.
>  
      Cable (wire rope) manufacturers recommend a product designed for moving 
cable with certain properties. A recommended one is PreLube 6. It stops 
squeaks, removes moisture, prevents rust and penetrates the cable strands. 
Champion Radio Products handles it. A rough rule of thumb is one can per 
application. 

>  Also, what might be used on the guides that nest between sections?

      Good question. US Tower products come with a really tenacious grease 
but I don't know specifically what it is or where to get it. I suspect the 
heavier the grease, the better. 

Cheers,   Steve    K7LXC
http://www.championradio.com

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