[TowerTalk] Which type of cable for a crank-up tower?
Bob K6UJ
k6uj at pacbell.net
Fri Dec 2 15:26:03 PST 2011
I agree 100% with NOT using grease on the cables.
There is a parallel with using grease on drive chains that are exposed to the weather.
Just like on cables, the grease attracts dust and grit form the air and works it way inside the chain bearing surfaces
causing accelerated wear and rusting.
I am a competitive bicyclist and never use grease on my racing bike chains. Standard practice for bike chain
maintenance is to use one of the available spray on chain lubes. They are formulated to wick their way in to the inner
surfaces providing lubrication and inhibit rusting. The outside does not become oily and sticky to attract dust and grit.
A chain will last at least three times longer if lubed using one of these products. Prelube for cables basically provides the same protection/lubrication.
Bob
K6UJ
On Dec 2, 2011, at 2:22 PM, K7LXC at aol.com wrote:
> In a message dated 12/2/2011 11:40:47 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,
> gm3sek at ifwtech.co.uk writes:
>
>>> What I've learned is that you don't want to use a heavy grease
> because
>>> it traps water and contaminants and will cause the cable to rust from
> the
>>> inside out. Also the grease will attract particulates and the grease
> will
>>> turn out to be somewhat abrasive.
>
>> Now which should I follow, Steve: that advice, or the LXC Prime
> Directive to do what the manufacturer says?
>
> Ah. The real manufacturer is the wire rope manufacturer so you should
> follow their advice. My experience with them is to use a light lube such as
> PreLube 6. There are other applications and suitable materials so the
> ultimate choice is up to you. That's the nice thing about TT - you can decide
> whose advice is worthwhile and whose isn't.
>
> And - as always - the advice here is worth what you pay for it - hi.
>
> Cheers,
> Steve K7LXC
>
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