[TowerTalk] Preserving Guy cables

[Bob Moore]

Steve-

There can probably be much debate on what is best.  I am no expert at this.
One of my job duties involves in working with ski areas.  Ski areas, which
deal in long lengths of large diameter haul ropes and also smaller ropes
typically use Caster Oil.  They will apply a small drip as the lift is
running, then also manually worked it into the sides so 100% of the exterior
is oiled plus a drip to penetrate to the core.  This is part of the summer
maintenance program.  I know of ropes that have been in service for over 30
years and are in good shape.  The theory is that it also will soak into the
fiber center core of the rope and slowly release during use to keep each
wire lubricated.  The diameters and type of ropes we use usually don't have
a fiber (or synthetic) core, but the theory's are the same and if it is a
working rope some lubricant needs to be applied, which will also protect it.
If I had a crankup tower I would be using Caster Oil to keep the rope in
good shape.............Bob, K6NV

-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces at contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces at contesting.com]On Behalf Of K7LXC at aol.com
Sent: Saturday, January 06, 2007 3:52 AM
To: towertalk at contesting.com; kc8hz at hotmail.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Preserving Guy cables



In a message dated 12/31/2006 5:06:48 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
towertalk-request at contesting.com writes:

>  As we all know, steel rusts. Ziebart has made a big business  in
preserving
cars from rusting. Their primary ingredient is linseed oil.  I have been
thinking about soaking the coil of guy in a bucket of warm  linseed so it
seeps into the nooks and crannies of the cable. This should  effectively
passivate the cable for quite a few years.

    Umm, not really. I don't know of any  wire cable manufacturer that
recommends that so I won't either. There are  commercial tower companies
that have
techniques and tools to lubricate big  cables on big towers but there's
nothing
required for ham tower guys.

    Galvanized EHS will last for 20-30 years if left  alone so I wouldn't
worry about it. Besides, the linseed oil will get washed  out in less than a
year
so you're really not accomplishing anything. I sure  wouldn't want to work
with those slippery, slimy guy wires anyway.

Cheers,
Steve    K7LXC
TOWER TECH


_______________________________________________



_______________________________________________
TowerTalk mailing list
TowerTalk at contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/towertalk
--
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.16.6/617 - Release Date: 1/5/07 11:11
AM

--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.16.6/617 - Release Date: 1/5/07 11:11
AM