Winch cable lubrication
 

Hi I have a static winch (i.e. used in my workshop). It's electric and uses a steel cable. What are the general guidelines for lubricating winch cable?

Is it bare steel or in any kind of sheath ?

If it's steel, then I would think any spray oil would be fine. I guess a lot of steel cables are greased too. But that's also sticky and requires cleaning and re-application as it turns itself into a grinding paste with contamination.

Are you trying to primarily prevent corrosion or wear ?

It's a steel cable. I'm trying to prevent both corrosion and wear, but corrosion if I had to choose as I think that will happen quicker than wear since I don't use it all that often. There is enough cable that I can afford to shorten the length from time to time as it wears or corrodes, but I'd rather keep it in good nick to begin with.

Personally I'd just spray it with chain oil/wax as it's already in an aerosol and designed to penetrate and protect. :thumbup1:

As it's used inside, and not left in the weather, I'd be tempted to use clear Waxoyl on the cable. It white spirit based and dries up pretty well, without leaving you with a fully lubed sticky mess that a winch cable grease will be.
Waxoyl will inhibit corrosion, and provide some lubrication if it's only used occasionally. It's available in a handy can too.
Spray lube for cable is like chain lube, and will handle the elements, but it sounds like you don't need that kind of protection.

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