I imagine it's a good idea to lube lightly the wire rope for maintenance and to prevent oxidation. OK to spray some lube (CLP) on the rope while on the spool or is that not a good idea (lube getting into brake etc)?
Winch rope: spray lube while on spool OK?
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rusty_tlc
Dain Bramaged Member
Lube on wire rope...
Lube would be a bad idea.
doh: ) There are several companies, including CRC and LPS, that make what is known as chain and wire rope dressing. It does the jobs that you want the lube to do, but has been made and tested to make sure that it will not damage surrounding parts. They usually are not too expensive, and I think it usually makes the most sense to get the right tool for a job, instead of screwing things up, and then getting the right tool with your new winch. 
Lube would be a bad idea.
doh: ) There are several companies, including CRC and LPS, that make what is known as chain and wire rope dressing. It does the jobs that you want the lube to do, but has been made and tested to make sure that it will not damage surrounding parts. They usually are not too expensive, and I think it usually makes the most sense to get the right tool for a job, instead of screwing things up, and then getting the right tool with your new winch.
- Thread starter
- #5
Read that light oil would do. Thought CLP would be even better.
I'll look at these "special" dressings and see if it's worth the trouble.
I can't imagine oil can damage the rope but may not want it to migrate into the winch innards, esp. brake.
I'll look at these "special" dressings and see if it's worth the trouble.
I can't imagine oil can damage the rope but may not want it to migrate into the winch innards, esp. brake.
http://www.lpslabs.com/products/aviation/aviation.asp
Checkout Lubricants/Penetrants and Corrosion Inhibitors. I would use LPS 3 as it dries somewhat waxy and will hold up better to the elements, especially if your winch doesn't have a cover. Either LPS 2 or 3 will do the trick and they are used for protection on aircraft flight control cables.
Checkout Lubricants/Penetrants and Corrosion Inhibitors. I would use LPS 3 as it dries somewhat waxy and will hold up better to the elements, especially if your winch doesn't have a cover. Either LPS 2 or 3 will do the trick and they are used for protection on aircraft flight control cables.
- Thread starter
- #7
I have some stuff like that that I use for reloading dies. OK to spray while ON the spool you think?
Warn actually calls for a "penetrating" lube for the wire rope. I have used Kroil, which is a penetrating lube and rust inhibitor for my rope with fine results. I have also used LPS electronics parts cleaner with good results.
I would unspool all the cable, spray it down, let sit for a few minutes and lightly wipe off any excess.
I would not spray LPS 3 on it. It will make a mess period.
The only way to do it, it to unwind and put some oil on a rag and just wipe it clean.
Also gives you a chance to inspect the cable.
Cables don't need lube. They have there own lube in the cable itself. there are some lubricants used while manufacture and some fine threads inside too that help that. Problem with most lubrication oils guys could use it washes out the natural lubrication there.
It's not a common practice in Aviation to spray the cables. Only time that would happen would be if the cable was subjected to a corrosive environment. But then we would use Stainless cables... But they are not good for winching. The break strands easy.
Carbon steel cables are the most common. Wiping them clean with a damp oiled cloth is best. And cover the drum for normal day use. Try to keep the road muck off the cable.
If you want to spray the drum. Go ahead lightly. But wipe off the residual. Don't try to hit the inside turns either. Its just the outside that needs it.
The only way to do it, it to unwind and put some oil on a rag and just wipe it clean.
Also gives you a chance to inspect the cable.
Cables don't need lube. They have there own lube in the cable itself. there are some lubricants used while manufacture and some fine threads inside too that help that. Problem with most lubrication oils guys could use it washes out the natural lubrication there.
It's not a common practice in Aviation to spray the cables. Only time that would happen would be if the cable was subjected to a corrosive environment. But then we would use Stainless cables... But they are not good for winching. The break strands easy.
Carbon steel cables are the most common. Wiping them clean with a damp oiled cloth is best. And cover the drum for normal day use. Try to keep the road muck off the cable.
If you want to spray the drum. Go ahead lightly. But wipe off the residual. Don't try to hit the inside turns either. Its just the outside that needs it.
- Thread starter
- #11
I guess I'll just unwind it, it's not that much trouble.
I might try CLP after all and I'll let it dry before I respool. In tests I've read it's the best anticorrosive protection around.
I might try CLP after all and I'll let it dry before I respool. In tests I've read it's the best anticorrosive protection around.
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Some disagree, read the section on Wire Rope Lubrication here;
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Recovery/index.html
Quoting from Kevin's reference:
Wire Rope Lubrication
The lubrication ropes receive during manufacture is adequate only for initial storage and the early stages of the rope’s service life. A winch's wire rope should be maintained in a well-lubricated condition. It is important that lubricant be applied as part of the maintenance program. The lubricant must be compatible with the original lubricant, so the rope manufacturer should be consulted. The lubricant applied should be of the type that does not hinder visual inspection. The surface of some ropes may become covered with dirt, rock dust or other material during their operation. This can prevent field-applied lubricants from properly penetrating into the rope, so it's a good practice to clean these ropes before you lubricate them.
The lubricant you apply should be light-bodied enough to penetrate to the rope's core. You can normally apply lubricant by using one of three methods: drip it on rope, spray it on or brush it on. In all cases, you should apply it at a place where the rope is bending, such as around a sheave. We recommend you apply it at the top of the bend because that's where the rope's strands are spread by bending and are more easily penetrated.
In addition, pressure lubricators are available commercially. Your rope's service life will be directly proportional to the effectiveness of the method you use and the amount of lubricant that reaches the rope's working parts. A proper lubricant must reduce friction, protect against corrosion and adhere to every wire. It should also be pliable, and not crack or separate when cold, yet not drip when warm. Never apply heavy grease to the rope because it can trap excessive grit, which can damage the rope. Nor should you apply used "engine oil" because it contains materials that can damage the rope.
I quickly skimmed the article and cannot find where the author recommends any specific brands for typical Warn winch cable (wire rope.)
-B-
Wire Rope Lubrication
The lubrication ropes receive during manufacture is adequate only for initial storage and the early stages of the rope’s service life. A winch's wire rope should be maintained in a well-lubricated condition. It is important that lubricant be applied as part of the maintenance program. The lubricant must be compatible with the original lubricant, so the rope manufacturer should be consulted. The lubricant applied should be of the type that does not hinder visual inspection. The surface of some ropes may become covered with dirt, rock dust or other material during their operation. This can prevent field-applied lubricants from properly penetrating into the rope, so it's a good practice to clean these ropes before you lubricate them.
The lubricant you apply should be light-bodied enough to penetrate to the rope's core. You can normally apply lubricant by using one of three methods: drip it on rope, spray it on or brush it on. In all cases, you should apply it at a place where the rope is bending, such as around a sheave. We recommend you apply it at the top of the bend because that's where the rope's strands are spread by bending and are more easily penetrated.
In addition, pressure lubricators are available commercially. Your rope's service life will be directly proportional to the effectiveness of the method you use and the amount of lubricant that reaches the rope's working parts. A proper lubricant must reduce friction, protect against corrosion and adhere to every wire. It should also be pliable, and not crack or separate when cold, yet not drip when warm. Never apply heavy grease to the rope because it can trap excessive grit, which can damage the rope. Nor should you apply used "engine oil" because it contains materials that can damage the rope.
I quickly skimmed the article and cannot find where the author recommends any specific brands for typical Warn winch cable (wire rope.)
-B-
Eric,
I would find the information from Warn useful.
... how about a poll on what others are using?
-B-
- Thread starter
- #16
well, talked to one guy at Warn.
He said that they don't lube the rope and he did not recommend to lube it at all after purchase. He said that it's galvanized aircraft rope, that some oxidation won't hurt it and that lubing it would result in dirt being picked up...
OK. These guys surely know way more about this than I do, but I have to say I'm surprised about the no lube at all part...
He said that they don't lube the rope and he did not recommend to lube it at all after purchase. He said that it's galvanized aircraft rope, that some oxidation won't hurt it and that lubing it would result in dirt being picked up...
OK. These guys surely know way more about this than I do, but I have to say I'm surprised about the no lube at all part...
Grench
SILVER Star
Per manual for Warn M12000
http://www.warn.com/truck/winches/src/images/47/39404D0.pdf
Page 11:
No Lubrication is required for the life of the winch, unless the winch is submerged in water. If this occurs, a qualified service center must complete service as soon as possible to prevent corrosion damage. If the control pack is submerged, it must be replaced when the winch is serviced.
I did not see any references to lubricating the wire rope. It just doesn't feel right though.
http://www.warn.com/truck/winches/src/images/47/39404D0.pdf
Page 11:
No Lubrication is required for the life of the winch, unless the winch is submerged in water. If this occurs, a qualified service center must complete service as soon as possible to prevent corrosion damage. If the control pack is submerged, it must be replaced when the winch is serviced.
I did not see any references to lubricating the wire rope. It just doesn't feel right though.
hey that has a lot of info.. I'll have to try and read it later.
My thing with cables is this..... I work on airplanes and have heard many different approaches to cable maintenance. But I do beleive they do not need to be soaked with lube. Maybe wiped clean with a little lube, but not soaked.
But if you drive where there is lots of salt on the road I would be a little more diligent with the situation. I would wash the drum with fresh water often and dry it well after. Sit a heater over it or park in garage with a heater on it.
Before winter I would wipe it with a light oil of some sort. LPS 2 or 3.
Carbon steel cables will rust if not looked after.
If I was driving in the snow and salt I would also look at wrapping the drum with cellophane or garbage bags to prevent the salt water from being sprayed on it too much.
