Wire Rope Lube

[shaun]

Can anyone sugest a good steelwire rope lubricant for a counterweight flying system, something that will not drip or be to heavy like grease which is too messy.

does anyone recommend BRILUBE 40.

thanks Shaun

[robloxley]

Do you need to lubricate the counterweight lines? I thought steel wire rope lubrication was needed more for outdoor/offshore applications than indoor ones? What does the lifting inspector suggest?

[chris higgs]

Lubricating 'indoor' running ropes will prolong life and make operation easier even though the environment is less aggressive than use outdoors.
Ropes wear faster on the inside than the outside and it will help flexion, particularly where there are many sheaves or divertions.
The lubrication needs to penetrate into the wires and Brilube works well. Years ago I was assured it is almost identical to WD40 (don't use spray cans - get it as liquid in big cans) and it can be effectively applied with pressure from cloth pads soaked in the fluid.
I did this on most annual service/inspections in counterweight houses. Application is a COSHH issue; you need to consider exposure to skin, eyes and to inhalation.
A horrid, messy job.

[HarkenUK]

You could try McLube spray. It will work on any material, even fabrics and plastics to give you much less friction in your system. Sailkote is a translucent liquid that sprays or wipes on and completely dries in seconds. So, unlike oils, silicones, and waxes, it will never attract dirt, water and contaminants that eventually degrade lubrication performance.
http://www.mclubemarine.com/