[TowerTalk] Pre-Lube ?

[Grant Saviers]

Yes, but I think the ingredients are proprietary - check the MSDS.

Wire rope strands rub against each other when traversing sheaves so 
lubrication is important.  Also corrosion protection for longevity. 
Pre-Lube has a high carrier solvent content and wicks quickly into the 
cable, and leaves minimal residue on the outside to collect dirt, bugs etc.

In other applications, the cable lubes I have used basically leave a lot 
of grease on the surface, not good.

My trick for getting the spray on the cable is to slit a cheap plastic 
funnel so it can wrap around the cable.  Then the spray is contained and 
runs down the cable 3 feet or so.  I do this from a boom lift with the 
tower retracted (HDX589), all of the cables at each level then drop down 
the 3 feet and repeat.  If doing this climbing probably starting at the 
bottom and moving up makes more sense.  Obviously, don't climb an 
extended tower and block one that is retracted.

It takes about 2 cans per 589.  There are a lot of 589 cables so having 
a routine is important to not have holidays.  Some cable never leaves 
the drums so they get a soaking spray.

Grant KZ1W

On 12/27/2019 03:55, Robert Harmon wrote:
> Can someone explain what Pre-Lube does to the cable.  Is it a penetrating oil that lubricates the inner strands ?  What does it consist of ?
> 
> Fond this cable lube from Napa Auto parts.  I wonder how it compares..............
> 
> https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/MCR1370
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