Lubrication

[wlie 0]

Not the kind in your dirty heads you perverts!

I'm talking about the kind you use on your cutaway handles.

So I see that WD-40 is a good one for cleaning once a month. Silicone kinds work too. But what about the graphite kind?

I saw one at Home Depot in locks dept. and I had to pick one up. Just couldn't resist.

[weid14 0]

graphite can get messy - think powdered pencil lead. it's slippery though.

[miller 0]

There was a pretty good thread about this very topic a while back.

Anyway, WD-40 is bad. Something about being hydrocarbon based... It actually attracts more dirt and debris, and that's exactly what you don't want.

Maintenance of the cutaway cables actually entails more cleaning than lubricating. A silicone based spray is probably one of your better bets. After applying, always wipe very dry. Don't leave any residual spray on the cables thinking it will slicken things up. Over time, it will just attract more crap

Graphite (like the kind that comes in the little cylinders that you squirt in your locks) would also be bad. That stuff is actually made up of very tiny graphite particles, which is not what you want working their way into your webbing and three ring loops.

Mike

[wlie 0]

Thanks guys.

I'll stick with the silicone spray in this case.

As for the graphite, I think I'll give it to Clay. I'm sure he'll figure some kinky application with it.

[JFC3 0]

I missed the thread earlier - was it stated how often cutaway cables should be cleaned. Once a month seems like over kill. No pun intended.

"Five days? But I'm angry now!"

[cloud9 0]

Actually from what I read the manufactor's reccomend once a month. As far as patroleum based products. One uses 3 n 1 oil and another wd-40. I have talked with a couple of riggers, that also said WD-40 was fine. Its what I use. But I must admitt that I don't have any knowledge in the chemical componets and the effects.

[JFC3 0]

Ok that's actually something I've never done. I've been switching my main recently and the cable looks good. Guess I've been lucky.

But what about making sure the housing is clean. I'm sure gunk gets lodged up there too. Does anyone have a reco on clean those?

"Five days? But I'm angry now!"

[weid14 0]

people have used the little cleaning kits for guns to clean the inside of housings with good success. Not sure on teh freqency though. Petroleum based products could damage fabric, but since you wipe them off (you do wipe them right?), there is probably not much to worry about there.

[Grumpy 9]

IF a chemical is incompatible with the cutaway cable, you don't need to marinate the cable in it to cause it to degrade. The residue that remains after you've wiped it off could be enough. (I've seen car battery cases split because solvent used to clean the machine that made the lifting straps them reacted with the they reacted with the cases)
Keep in mind that if something does react with the yellow (or red) coating it may just soften it so it will look fine until it's under load and you're cutting away at which point it can potentially strip off the cable (Not Good)
On a critical component like a cut away cables I'd never apply any chemicals unless the manufacturer has specifically said that it's ok. The only one I've heard of so far is Mirage recommending 3 in 1 oil. I e-mailed Rigging Innovations about this 6 months ago but never got a response. I'll try again and let you know if I hear anything back.

[weid14 0]

I was specifically refering to the fabric of the container. but you are correct a very little of a solvent with soften plastic. However the red cut away cable is TFE -- very chemical resistant. I believe the yellow is a form of HDPE, again, very chemical resistant. It is accepted practice to use silicone spray lube, WD-40 and 3 in 1 (WD-40 and 3in 1 are both petroleum based products).

[ernokaikkonen 0]

JFC: The only person in this thread who has any rigging qualifications is Miller, and he said WD40 is bad. Make your own conclusions.

Grumpy: Where specifically is Mirage recommending the use of 3-1 oil? I downloaded the owner's manual, and interestingly enough, I found no reference whatsoever to lubricating the cutaway cables! Rather surprising...

Erno

[cloud9 0]

Directly from Sun Path products

Lubrication
Check that the cables are clean and lubricated. Sun Path sends out new release handles already lubricated.

For maintenance purposes: lubrication can be done using a thin oil such as a “3-in-1” brand (Sun Path uses a dry silicone spray “food grade”). Put a few drops on a paper towel and firmly wipe the cable a few times. A thin, invisible film should remain – too much will attract grit and dirt, or the lubricant could become tacky in cold weather. Too much lubricant will require more force to extract the cable during a breakaway.

[cloud9 0]

I also went to sunrise rigging site and they said the same thing as Sun Path. You can find it in their online manual. I couldn't copy it because its in Adobe and it wouldn't let me cut.

But they said silicone, or 3 in 1 oil.
I'm 2 for 2 so I'm not going to check anymore

[ernokaikkonen 0]

>But they said silicone, or 3 in 1 oil.
>I'm 2 for 2 so I'm not going to check anymore

Ok, as long as the manufacturers say it's ok.

Erno

[SkyMissy 0]

Here's what the Relative Workshop says about it. (I'll take their word for it!):

D. The cutaway cable should be Lolon F coated, 7x7 steel cable, lubricated every month with Silicone or Teflon.

[cloud9 0]

I wrote Bill Booth an email about this and this is the email he sent me.

Larry:
We used 3-in-1 oil for years. Just a few drops on a paper towel is enough. Silicon spray lubricant (careful, there are also silicone adhesives) just works better and lasts longer. Remember, you're cleaning accumulated gook off the cable as well a lubricating it.

Bill

[lummy 4]

Really stupid question, but where does one find for Food grade Silicone spray? Will I find it on my gorcery store shelf or? Can someone mention a brand name or two?

I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. eat sushi, get smoochieTTK#1

[fasterfaller 0]

Graybar Electric or other electrical suppliers . CRC is the best one to get .The part # is 02094 at graybar . It says electrical grade on the label and has the food service wording in fine print . DO NOT buy the crap they sell at ace and other hardware stores as it stays sticky . If you have problems finding it PM me and I will help you out .

[JamesNahikian 0]

In the U.S., food grade silicone usually bears a label "meets FDA No. 178.3570" or similar. I use either the generic liquid from a chemical supply house or a brand lubricant like Aquaseal from a reputable scuba shop. My experience has been that non-food grade aerosol sprays sold for application on cars, etc. tend to stain my cables and make them gunky. And, really, who wants gunky cables?

James Nahikian
CHICAGO

[lummy 4]

Cool... Thanks for the info.... It's much appreciated

I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. eat sushi, get smoochieTTK#1

[AndyMan 7]

I bought mine at Ace Hardware. Note - it is right beside silicone adheseive, and the cans are nearly identicle.... make sure you buy the right one.

_Am

__

You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

[fasterfaller 0]

Be careful of the ace hardware stuff . I bought a can of it a few weeks ago and it left a very sticky residue on the cables . It was NOT the adhesive . I believe it was in a red can .

[AndyMan 7]

Hmm. I bought the black can, and have had no issues.

_Am

__

You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

[fasterfaller 0]

Good deal . I know crc has a shitload of silicone products . Just watch out for the red can .