[TowerTalk] Crank up Winch Cable Replacement

[jcowens1 at comcast.net]

You are very likely to get a response from K7LXC on this one. I agree with him that unless the cable shows some indication of imminent breakdown (broken strands, excessive corrosion, etc.) it is probably still ok. My Triex 72 ft crank up had the original winch cable on it when it blew down 3 years ago. It was over 20 years old. My current US Tower 72ft motorized tower, which is about 15 YO, still has the original cables on it. 

I have purchased a replacement cable set and will put them on some day. I inspect the cables regularly and they always look fine to me. I believe that UST recommends every 3 years, but that is probably out of concerns for liability. On the US Towers, you have the option of stopping the tower resting location at different points and that helps extend the cable life by shifting the pully stress points on the cables. 

I apply wire rope lube (spray on) to all my winch cables and that helps extend the life many years.Be sure and use this stuff.

John Owens - N7TK