How To Identify The Best Wire Rope Lubricant?

Cranes, hoists and other material handling equipment rely on steel wire ropes for lifting and motion functionality day in and day out. But abrasive wear from dynamic winding friction, dirt exposure and corrosion gradually deteriorates lines threatening breakage failures or accidents over time. Proper lubrication extends cable assembly longevity while protecting workforce safety. With loads of products touting friction reduction and wear resistance, selecting an optimal wire rope lubricant solution feels overwhelming. Follow these pointers to make the best choice on seletign the best wire rope lubricant like the one from Viper WRL and simplifying maintenance.

Start By Understanding Operating Conditions  

Wire ropes endure vastly different rigors across industries to distribute forces properly. A 6×36 Improved Plow Steel line on an offshore oil platform experiences far greater weathering compared to an alloy hoist cable constantly twisting indoors. Consider key operating variables like:

• Cable composition (carbon steel, stainless steel, galvanized) 
• Load levels (static/dynamic)
• Environmental factors (moisture, grit, UV exposure)
• Frequency of movement 

These specifics dictate required lubricity properties and protective qualities needed. A lubricant ideal for intermittent low load warehouse hoists fails rapidly on continually tensioned steel winch systems exposed to offshore salty air. Analyze your working conditions first.

Match Lubricant Types to Wire Rope 

General purpose greases only provide short-term friction relief rather than combating corrosion or flaking metal shards getting trapped on strands over months of operation. Depending on cable specs and environment, assess the right lubricant chemistry that targets wear prevention.

• Petroleum oils offer minimal moisture protection but affordable friction reduction 
• Silicone greases handle wide temperature ranges while resisting water  
• PTFE formulas deeply penetrate to cables while repelling grime and chemicals
• Lanolin sheep wool oils cling heavily fending off rust 

Consult with vendors on compositional advantages each offers regardingUSAGE . Consider mixing smaller batches first before buying bulk supply to confirm expected longevity per environment.  

Ease of Application and Reapplication

Depending on the number of cable assemblies being maintained, application techniques range from manual brushing for a few hoist lines to high volume spray, drip or bath systems lubricating hundreds of wire ropes.  

Evaluate worker safety (toxicity, flammability) handling larger quantities along with environmental friendliness (biodegradability, site containment). Opt for liquid viscosities that won’t drip excessively during application while providing adequate penetration.

Field Validation through Demonstrations

Before adopting any unfamiliar wire rope lubricant brand, request free sample cans and on-site rig demonstrations. Let your own maintenance crews apply products on a test cable run experiencing identical loads and ambient conditions as the rest of the equipment. Periodically evaluate lubrication persistence, visual cleanliness and wire strand pliability over 30-60 days against standard lubricants used. Collect data on any operational friction changes too.  

Conclusion 

Choosing the optimal wire rope lubricant requires matching product viscosities, cling potential, and protective properties to the operating conditions and cable types needing routine maintenance. Petroleum greases minimize friction temporarily but fail resisting moisture or grit long-term. Silicones shield cables operating across wide temperature swings while penetrating effectively. Consider application techniques too based on the number of wire rope endpoints needing regular re-lubrication. 

Field test sample lubricants first on a sacrificial cable assembly under identical loading to observations before committing fully. Ensuring cables get proper lubrication is paramount for extending lifespans, improving safety via preserved integrity, and avoiding unplanned downtime from unexpected hoist and equipment failures.