Does anybody know what that protective stuff is that Uncle Sam uses on the winch cable, it works most excellent and I would like to get some to put on my winch cable.
The Lubrication order calls for VV-L-751 which has been superceded by MIL-PRF-18458 C
I did do my diligence for researching wire rope maintenance. Proper lubrication/protection is a two step process:
1. Applying a penetration lubricant to lubricate all the way to the core
2. A sealant lubricant that provides a semi fluid or solid barrier to weather and moisture
Run out the cable to inspect, and wire brush off any corrosion or contaminants, blow out with compressed air.
Apply penetrating lubricant where the cable curves around the drum or a snatch block bue to the nature of the strands separating as the cable is pulled around a radius aids to penetration to the fabric core of the cable.
Apparently there are devices that attach around the radius of the cable and allow you to force lubricant in the cable under pressure, but I haven't researched any of those yet.
It does look like there are multiple aerosol type lubricants specifically for hoisting and pulling wire ropes that claim to perform both steps.