[UK-CONTEST] AUTOBRAKE WINCHES

[Cooper, Stewart]

Yes, the fibre inside the steel wire is simply a method of holding the
grease within the wire rope. As it is stretched the fibre rope is squeezed
and helps to lubricate the steel. There is a specific type of grease for
this purpose, but I don't know what type. It is actually quite thick. I
would like to know, if anyone here knows...

Stewart

-----Original Message-----
From: Doug Roberts [mailto:g0wmw at arrl.net]
Sent: 19 May 2003 21:12
To: uk-contest at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [UK-CONTEST] AUTOBRAKE WINCHES
......
The core of smaller wire ropes (like those we use on towers) is often fibre,
although steel may also be used (see British Standard BS302 if you want more
details).  You can significantly delay any corrosion by making sure your
rope is well lubricated before you fit it.  I coiled mine as large as would
fit inside a clean plastic bag (a builder's merchant's bag for sand and
gravel), and held the coils with a couple of cable ties.  Then, with the
coil inside the bag, the rope was liberally sprayed with an aerosol of
'Liquid Grease' and laid flat, so that any excess was likely to be drawn
into the rope by capillary action.  (That particular 'grease' basically ends
up the consistency of thick treacle, rather than solidifying).  Instead of
one heavy drenching, several lighter applications were made over the course
of a week or three, laying the bag on alternate sides to help spread the
capillary effect.  Finally, excess grease was wiped from the rope as it was
fitted to the tower.
......