Do this to keep your wires in good condition
A steel wire rope is a complex hoisting and lifting device consisting of many steel wires spun into a strand around a wire core (or wire heart). Such a wire rope is called a strand; when several strands are spun around each other, you have a steel wire rope. Steel wires and strands can be spun either right or left, and these different constructions and the number of strands determine the strength and properties of the steel wire rope.
This happens when a wire is loaded
When a wire rope is loaded in a winch or on a crane, all the wires and strands begin to move relative to each other to absorb the load (friction) it is exposed to. This steel-to-steel contact naturally wears the wire rope's strands.
In addition to internal factors, external factors can affect the condition of a steel wire rope. These can be various environmental factors such as weather conditions, temperature fluctuations, contact with sheaves, winch drums, or emissions of gases or dust.
Prepare your wire rope for lubrication
Fortunately, you can do something yourself to protect your steel wire against these factors. First, the wire must be thoroughly cleaned of old and dried lubricant, surface rust, dirt, and other unwanted materials. A clean steel wire rope absorbs new lubricant much more quickly.
Next, you must ensure that the rope is in good condition and has no visible or hidden damage or defects that prevent it from being approved for continued use. With a Rope Watcher™ installed on the rope, you can monitor its condition via an app or have a professional test it as needed. However, this does not replace the mandatory annual inspection by a professional.
How to apply lubricant to a steel wire
Steel wires are usually provided with wire oil by the manufacturer, which is intended to protect the wire during storage and transport. However, this oil does not have the same properties as a specific wire lubricant. Therefore, it is recommended that the wire be lubricated with a suitable wire lubricant before it is used.
Lubricants can be applied in different ways, depending on the product and the environment:
- Sprayed on as an aerosol or with a (portable) sprayer
- Dripped
- Scrubbee
- Brushed
- With a high-pressure lubricator
Generally, liquid and penetrating lubricants are applied by spraying and dripping. Lubricants in paste or gel should be applied by scrubbing, brushing or using a grease gun. The best results are achieved by using a high-pressure device. With this method, the lubricant penetrates the core of the steel wire rope (if it is not plastic-coated).
How often should a steel wire rope be lubricated?
It depends on the use and applications of the wire rope. The type of wire rope also plays a role in how often it should be lubricated. The load, temperature, and number of bends the wire rope is exposed to during use also impact how often it should be lubricated, but for general industrial applications, we recommend lubricating the wire rope between 3 and 5 times throughout its lifetime.
Choosing a lubricant
Which lubricant to choose depends on the environment and application. Our ROPETEX lubricants allow you to see which applications each type suits.
You can also download our guide "Extend the service life of your steel wire ropes"". On page 15 you will find a table that clearly shows which ROPETEX lubricants are suitable for what wire rope.
Wire lubricants have one thing in common: They minimize internal friction and wear in the wire while protecting it from harmful external influences.
How to calculate how much lubricant to use
It can be difficult to assess how much lubricant to use. Too much lubricant is often applied to the wire rope, which is inappropriate.
First and foremost, using too much lubricant is an unnecessary product waste. Excessive lubrication causes the lubricant to completely seal the wire, which is likely to cause internal corrosion. Too much lubricant can contaminate the installation or crane when the excess product drips from the wire. Therefore, it is essential not to use more lubricant than necessary.
The following formula can be used as a basic rule of thumb for calculating the amount of lubricant to be used:
ROPETEX wire rope lubricants
At CERTEX Danmark A/S you will find a wide range of wire rope lubricants that cover all market needs. Our ROPETEX wire rope lubricants are available in different consistencies and packaging units. With correct use and appropriate lubrication intervals, your steel ropes will be kept in optimal condition, improving their performance and service life.
If you want to get more knowledge of wire lubrication, watch our video Webinar Steel Wire Ropes Lubrication.
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions, please send us a message and we will be happy to help.
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