A wire rope is a machine in its own right. Every time it bends over a sheave or drum, its wires and strands slide against each other under load. The lubricant put into the rope at manufacture is there to cut that internal friction and keep water out, but it only lasts so long in service. On cranes and winches in salt air it washes out, dries in the sun and stops protecting. Once that happens, ropes corrode from the inside, where you cannot see it.
Clean the rope, then apply a penetrating rope lubricant that reaches the core, and seal the outside with a protective film. Relubricate before the rope looks dry, which in salt air is far more often than inland. Never use used engine oil, and never smear heavy grease only on the surface: it stays outside, traps grit and hides the rope's condition.
The result is a rope that loses strength without obvious warning. Regular lubrication slows all three.
| Type | What it does | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Penetrating lubricant | Thin when applied, so it runs into the strands and core, then leaves a protective film | Most running ropes on cranes and winches; ropes that have dried out |
| Coating (sealing) compound | Thicker film that stays on the surface and seals out water and salt | Exposed ropes in spray and rain, standing ropes, ropes in storage |
Many operators use both: a penetrating lubricant first, then a coating where the rope is exposed. Banesto's wire rope grease is a soft, penetrating compound (NLGI 00/0) that reaches the inner strands and then forms a tough film. Our chain and wire rope lubricant is the thinner, penetrating option for ropes and chains.
Lubricant applied over salt, sand and old caked grease does little good.
A rope opens up slightly as it bends over a sheave or drum. That is the best place to apply lubricant, because it can run between the strands.
There is no single interval; it depends on duty, rope size and weather. In salt air and monsoon conditions ropes need lubricant far more often than inland. A practical rule: relubricate before the rope looks dry or shows any rust, and fix the interval from what you see on inspection.
Inspection matters as much as lubrication. ISO 4309 sets out care, inspection and discard criteria for crane ropes, such as broken wires, corrosion, loss of diameter and deformation. A competent person should inspect ropes on a fixed schedule and record what they find.
A rope runs on its sheaves. Worn or rough grooves damage a new rope quickly. Check groove condition and keep sheave bearings greased with a water-resistant grease. Calcium-based greases resist washout well at cooler points.
Our rust preventive oil guide and storage and handling rules cover the same principles for parts and lubricants.
Used engine oil contains acids and soot that harm the rope and the people handling it. Heavy grease slapped on the outside stays on the surface, collects grit and hides broken wires. Mixing unknown greases can soften the film. Use a lubricant made for wire ropes.
Lock out the crane or winch before cleaning or lubricating, keep hands away from in-running points, and never lubricate a moving rope at a sheave by hand.
For the full range of lubricants for deck machinery and port equipment, see our page on marine and port lubricants.
How often should wire ropes on port cranes be lubricated?Before the rope looks dry or shows rust. In salt air and during the monsoon this is much more often than inland; set the interval from regular inspections.
Can used engine oil be used on wire ropes?No. It contains acids and soot, does not protect well, and makes inspection harder. Use a lubricant made for wire ropes.
What is the difference between a penetrating and a coating rope lubricant?A penetrating lubricant runs into the strands and core, then leaves a film. A coating compound stays on the surface and seals out water and salt. Many ropes benefit from both.
How do I know when a crane rope must be replaced?A competent person should inspect it against discard criteria such as broken wires, corrosion, loss of diameter and deformation, for example those in ISO 4309.
Looking after cranes, winches or mooring ropes in salt air? Tell us the rope sizes and how they are used, and our team will suggest the right rope lubricant and a relubrication routine.