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rvoigt40 · 08-08-2016, 17:39

What is the best grease or lubricant to use on wenches for salt water areas
Thanks
Rob

MarkSF · 08-08-2016, 17:42

I think it depends on the kind of wench. Some wenches require a lot more maintenance than others, in my experience.

40 South · 08-08-2016, 17:48

K-Y gel works well!

0urh · 08-08-2016, 17:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by 40 South

K-Y gel works well!

Or, a bit of vaseline, if no K-Y on hand

**boatman61** · 08-08-2016, 18:01

Coconut Oil...
It tastes and smells much nicer than either of the above..

model 10 · 08-08-2016, 18:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0urh

Or, a bit of vaseline, if no K-Y on hand

I've heard that olive oil stings.

siamese · 08-08-2016, 18:02

Grain alcohol seems to do a good job of loosening them up.

(Psssst....is the OP going to figure out his error, or do we have to keep coming up with stupid answers?)

UNCIVILIZED · 08-08-2016, 18:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guy

I've heard that olive oil stings.

Sometimes it does. A little. But the flavor's palatable. Though without the vinegar it's missing something.

As to winch grease, there are "proprietary" brands. Found in chandleries, & via winch/hardware makers. Though White Lithium Grease works, as well as a few others. Some bicycle greases work well, & White Lithium used to be the norm for crank hubs. But it's been a decade or two since I've torn down a bike.

That said, the above mentioned grease is waterproof, which is key. And it's heat resistant too. A good thing, as you want something which the Sun's heat won't quickly melt it out of the winch. But not so viscous that you lose 30% of the winch's mechanical advantage to friction from the lube.

And NEVER use grease on the pawls. For them, machine oil's good. The reason against greasing them, is that if they got stuck in the wrong position due to grease in their workings. Then the winch could free wheel on you, or not hold any load at all. <--- Tarzan would call that Bad Juju.

Sun and Moon · 08-08-2016, 19:23

Come on guys, show some class! A nice massage oil will keep them supple and happy. Feels great on the skin, too. Afterwards, an application of a french style lubricant may keep things moving nicely.

meatservo · 08-08-2016, 20:18

Show some class? Really? You guys scared this guy off for good!

Flowers, wine, music, cook her dinner works for me every time!

If you have skills, natural lubricant works quite well...

rvoigt40 · 08-08-2016, 20:22

lol whoop's got my winches mix up but thanks for pointing that out for me

MarkJ · 08-08-2016, 20:22

A good spanking works.

Well, used to. Is it all politically incorrect now?

meatservo · 08-08-2016, 20:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvoigt40

lol whoop's got my winches mix up but thanks for pointing that out for me

Good on you for having a sense of humor, that was a rich mistake!

UNCIVILIZED · 08-08-2016, 20:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by UNCIVILIZED

As to winch grease, there are "proprietary" brands. Found in chandleries, & via winch/hardware makers. Though White Lithium Grease works, as well as a few others. Some bicycle greases work well, & White Lithium used to be the norm for crank hubs. But it's been a decade or two since I've torn down a bike.

That said, the above mentioned grease is waterproof, which is key. And it's heat resistant too. A good thing, as you want something which the Sun's heat won't quickly melt it out of the winch. But not so viscous that you lose 30% of the winch's mechanical advantage to friction from the lube.

And NEVER use grease on the pawls. For them, machine oil's good. The reason against greasing them, is that if they got stuck in the wrong position due to grease in their workings. Then the winch could free wheel on you, or not hold any load at all. <--- Tarzan would call that Bad Juju.

NOTE: If you have any question at all as to a grease's safety for use in a winch, talk to the manufacturer. As given the cost of winch parts, & that you have several types of metals (& plastics) in them, you don't want to accidentally build a high dollar battery. Via using either a very conductive grease, or one filled with very noble compounds, like Moly. That, or melt bearing races & the like.

And with the internet such things are easy to check, via online manuals, & email. So there's no reason not to.

Also, some other winch care resources such as schematics, manuals, & more, can be found at www.L-36.com & www.CnCphotoalbum.comAnd probably on lots of other owner’s groups forums, like Catalinas for example.In addition to the various winch manufacturer’s websites.