Wire Rope Lubricants

  • MAK Lubes ML200 Industrial and Mechanical Greases

    MAK Lubes ML200

    Read more
  • MAK Lubes ML221 Industrial and Mechanical Greases

    MAK Lubes ML221

    Read more
  • MAK Lubes ML253 Biodegradable Lubricants

    MAK Lubes ML253

    £224.64 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Wire Rope Lubricants

Wire rope applications, which include marine, construction and mining, often involve intense operating loads and extreme environmental conditions. As a result, this equipment requires effective lubrication to ensure it retains its structural integrity and remains protected against wear, contamination and corrosive forces like rust.

Wire rope lubricants from leading manufacturers like MAK Lubes, are specifically formulated to work with wire ropes, chains and gear boxes that need semi-fluid lubrication, among other equipment.

What are the features and benefits of wire rope lubricants?

Wire rope lubricants are specifically designed with coveted features that provide multiple user benefits. Some include a solvent designed to evaporate after application, letting the film’s formulation penetrate to the core of the rope, lubricating its individual strands. Others create a protective film on the rope’s exterior, forming a barrier against salt, moisture and other corrosive elements.

These built-for-purpose lubricants prevent water, chemicals, salt and other types of contamination from penetrating the wire rope, effectively slowing the corrosive process. They also reduce metal-on-metal contact between wires and strands, mitigating friction and wear. Greases and oils often contain special extreme pressure (EP) additives to resist high pressure levels experienced in wire rope applications.

The advantages of using wire rope lubricants made by top brands like MAK Lubes, Mobil and Shell are manifold. Correct lubrication substantially extends the service life of wire ropes, reducing maintenance downtime, cutting replacement costs and lowering labour expenses. Maintaining rope strength and integrity, lubricants also enhance safety by stopping premature rope failure and breakage. Lubricants can improve rope performance even working under heavy loads and protect them in harsh environments.

Why are wire ropes treated with lubricants?

Specially formulated wire rope lubricant is used to treat wire ropes to reliably reduce both external and internal friction. It also provides excellent lubricity as wires work against each other, and prevents corrosion by creating a protective seal on the rope’s exterior and deep inside its core. High-quality lubrication prolongs the rope’s total lifespan, improves its performance working under load and, critically, enhances safety by mitigating the risk of premature failure because of corrosion and wear.

How to lubricate wire ropes

Lubricating a wire rope starts with cleaning. A wire brush with solvent applied is a dependable way to remove contaminants and old oil and grease. Once complete, an appropriate wire rope lubricant can be applied manually or by using a spray, brush or high-pressure system as required. Operators must ensure the lubricant penetrates both the rope’s core and outer wires to provide complete protection.

The last stage is to let the rope dry properly before use to avoid rust and to prolong its lifespan.

Different types of wire rope lubricant are available suited to a wide selection of applications, allowing users to find a built-for-purpose solution. If you require wire rope lubricants for your operation that you can rely on, we can help. Reach out to us here at the Oil Store to discuss the needs of your application.