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

[Steve Maki]

I wonder why crane companies keep their cables (on million dollar 
cranes) lubed religiously?

On this particular topic, I would not place much faith in the 
manufacturer's edicts, unless you're looking for a reason to keep busy 
replacing the cables more often than otherwise needed.

-Steve K8LX

On 9/3/2012 11:43 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. _______________________________________________