[TowerTalk] SS cable for crank-up?

[Don Tucker]

My HG-70HD was purchased in 1982, coming with the standard galvanized 
cables. When we moved to the coast in 2003, I reinstalled it. In 
approximately 2014, the cables (now some 30+ years old) were showing 
increased signs of external rust, no nicks or frays. Had been using 
Prelube 6 or equivalent yearly during the entire ownership time.

Felt the need for a professional rigger to review the cables, so I had 
the head rigger from the rigging shop in and serving the local Newport 
fishing and crabbing fleet come down and look at them. Based on the time 
the cables had been in service, the fact they were infrequently 
exercised and the tower only a few hundred feet from the ocean 
(prevailing salty fog and winds from it to our location) he suggested 
replacing the cables with SS, a not uncommon use for certain winch and 
hoist uses among the large fishing and crabbing fleet in Newport. After 
review of a PE document I had responding to the LA city building code 
calculations for wind load, dead load, cable stress and other items for 
Telex on the HG-70HD, he saw no reason to be concerned with the use of 
SS, the cable requirements well within safety specs.

The rigging shop made the cables at what I considered a very reasonable 
cost over that of a set of galvanized cables. As with others I would 
suggest, if you do decide to use SS, to use the advice and construction 
experience of a local rigging shop.

Oh, by the way I also have a Tri-Ex W tower, but the earlier W-51 
(without the ears). Also SS cable equipped.

You will have to make a decision based on what you feel comfortable 
with. SS vs galvanized is like a discussion on politics to a great 
extent I've found for the towers and the uses covered on this forum.

I do believe that most of the competent, experienced tower installers 
have supported the use of either.

Don W7WLL


On 10/15/2022 5:58 PM, Art Greenberg wrote:
> I see Tashjian offers 1/4-inch SS option for replacement cables for my 
> WT-51. Cost is almost 2x standard galvanized, which is also 1/4 inch.
>
> I'm in Florida and wonder if SS is worth it given high humidity most 
> of the year, and a lot of rain spring and summer. Would SS cables 
> require less maintenance (Pre-Lube periodically)?
>
> Thanks.
>