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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Sorry to resurrect an old thread but I’ve just picked up a bullbar mounted TMax winch and was thinking about the same thing. Just got it working again after a long period of non-use so now want to adopt a regular service regime to keep it ticking over. Any advice on lube? Basically I ran out the cable and wiped it down with a sewing machine oil and WD40 before the rain but I want to protect and lubticate without the grinding paste! Any advice? TIA!

4x4 winch cables are generally galvanized and should not require much care other than generally cleaning and spooling neatly to avoid kinks. A lot of use might eventually wear the galv away, but in 12 years the rope on my (fairly frequently used) Warn 8274 did not rust, or snap.
A coat of wd40 would not do any harm and will not attract grit. A cover of some sort would help, as infrequently used lowline drum winches have an internal brake which can seize up from moisture ingress and lack of use.
Dyneema/"plasma" ropes are popular in 4x4 circles because they are light, easy and safe to use (no broken off strands of needle sharp wire, and much less weight on the nose of the car) BUT they break down in UV light so should be replaced regularly or properly covered when not in use (including the hook thimble that sticks out of the fairlead slot)

Thanks for the reply. I got back in touch with the work shop that did the mods on my vehicle and it seems the winch was fitted in 2016 but obviously had little to no use. Replacing the remote and cable/plug points seemed to do the trick. Ran out, checked and respooled the cable so there’s no loose wire, kinks etc. Didn’t realise it was galvanised though so that should slow down any rusting etc. Can’t afford new kit so repair and maintenance are my by-words, though I might spring for a bridle and some soft shackles if I can find a reputable supplier. Many thanks for taking the time to reply!