[TowerTalk] Lubricants and Coatings corrosion control

[CEPitts]

Thought I would share some knowledge I gained in a recent 
rework/refurbishing on two thrust bearings I had in my inventory. The 
two bearings were a Rohn TB3 and Rohn TB4 which I had acquired some time 
ago on some used tower, accessories, etc.  The two bearings had been 
beaten up by the weather and had suffered severe corrosion out in the 
elements. They appeared to be salvageable so I took them to a very 
reputable machine shop to be worked on here in Eastern NC on the 
southern outer banks.

The owner is very knowledgeable with years of extensive experience and a 
very nice guy. A pleasure to know! He stated he could remove the old 
hardware and get the bearings to perform as they should. I showed him 
the new cost of said bearings and he gave me a price I could not refuse. 
They would not have to end up in the junk/scrap pile.

Very pleased with the result and he offered the following advice based 
on dissimilar metals and the salt air environment at our location. The 
advice would also apply to other locales as well. When I need to replace 
the bolts/hardware that hold the mast in place going thru the bearing he 
recommended using a product called "Lanacote". If I was going to use 
stainless hardware with the aluminum of the bearing it would be 
beneficial. Other hardware choices would also benefit from the 
"Lanacote" coating. A web search shows the product available from 
numerous sources and can be obtained in various amounts and applications 
including spray cans and bottles.

I am wondering if it would be beneficial on cam followers such as what 
is used on rotating towers as well as tic ring hardware/rollers, etc.? 
Hazer hardware as well as any tower with mechanical moving parts? What 
say the group and the extensive knowledge found here? I believe I will 
use this product. If there is a similar product that protects against 
corrosion I would be interested in hearing about it. In particular I 
have seen cam followers and tic ring corrosion that is very disturbing. 
How many times something like this may need to be applied over the 
course of a year is a question I still have. Maybe this info is helpful 
to the group and others can share their thoughts. 73! Charles "Ed" K5OF