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

[Bob K6UJ]

I think the term "lubrication"  is a misnomer for tower cables.
Conventional lubrication with oil or grease should NOT be used on the cables because it does attract dust and grit.

They should be "treated" with a product like PreLube.  Prelube is formulated to wick into the cables and provide anti rusting and anti corrosion.
It does not leave a wet or sticky coating like oil or grease.  

The recommendations for lubricating the cables have been for "treating" the tower cables and not lubricating them.   

I have had to replace the cabling twice on my motorized crank up towers when left dry.  I live in the San Francisco bay area and rust corrosion 
are big players in promoting a short life span to the cabling.   12 years ago I began doing Prelube yearly maintenance on my cables and they still 
look like new.  

Bob
K6UJ


 
On Sep 3, 2012, at 8:43 AM, VE6WZ_Steve wrote:

> 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.
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