[TowerTalk] Crank-ups.....do NOT lubricate your cables from US tower

[VE6WZ_Steve]

Over the years on this list there has been a persistent thread suggesting it is essential to lubricate your crank-up tower cables.

See the link below for a .pdf FAQ document from US tower wherein it is stated twice NOT to lubricate the cables. Below I also cut-and-pasted the relevant Q & A's.  There may be those who will argue that lube is a must, but I would suggest following the advice of those who build the towers.....even if they don't build the cable.

As a US tower owner for 14 years, I have NEVER put lube on my cables and they have remained in excellent condition. They have been replaced twice, but NOT because of any noticeable wear, but only as a precaution as per the manufacturers advice.

73, de steve ve6wz.

http://media.wix.com/ugd/80a87f_733e85ff06fb2ff07fce3bfef55c918a.pdf?dn=US%2BTower%2BFAQ.pdf



QUESTION : Cable replacement and maintenance.

ANSWER : We recommend that you replace your cables every three years, with regular inspection of

the cables. You need to look for any rust, broken strains and/or kinking. We do not recommend

lubricating the cables as can cause a more serious damage to them.



QUESTION : Can the cables be lubricated?

ANSWER : We do not recommend lubricating the cables. The lubrication only attracts dirt and debris

causing cuts and scarring into the cable resulting in a shortened cable life span.