[UK-CONTEST] AUTOBRAKE WINCHES

[Peter Hobbs]

I guess the application is a little different, but I've used both GI and
stainless mast stays for many years when sailing.  The problem with
stainless is that it becomes brittle over time with strumming in the wind.
Recommendation is to replace stainless stays after 5 years, or immediately
if you spot just one broken strand, to avoid catastrophic failure.  GI will
last indefinitely and would be used universally if it looked better.
Traditional dressing is to soak in warm boiled linseed oil, which penetrates
well, then thickens after a few days and is proof against driving spray.

Regards

Peter G3LET
----- Original Message -----
From: "Cooper, Stewart" <coopers at odl.co.uk>
To: <uk-contest at contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 20, 2003 9:01 AM
Subject: RE: [UK-CONTEST] AUTOBRAKE WINCHES


> 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.
> ......
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