[TowerTalk] US Tower damaged by lightning - now cable lubing

[jimlux]

Kevin Normoyle wrote:
> If the cables don't need replacing at the rate "the field" is replacing 
> them, then why do we get any cable breaks?
> Are there other issues?
> 
> Most hams don't do much maintanence, from the cables on used towers I've 
> bought. So it's hard to understand an anecdotal story of "most cables 
> that are replaced don't need to be".
> 
> Worse is the problem with lack of bearing maintainence. I've seen 
> severely worn bronze bearings.
> And corrosion/wear on the aluminum pulley wheels, sometimes leading to 
> very hard to turn.
> 
> The cables that do fail, fail for some reason.

I'll bet it's because most hams don't actually crank their towers up and 
down very often, so the cable sits with the wrap around the pulley for a 
VERY long time, exposed to the elements, etc.