removing rust from a winch cable

[Robert B]

hey anyone have any ideas on this ????? i know i can use greasse or oils to protect but it has some rust on it NOW and i want to get it off........my hooks and rollers i just use a wire wheel on and paint when needed but i dont that will work for the cable as it will probable break the threads of the cable ..... any help or knowledge out there ???

[Squshiee1]

Maybe this will give you some ideas..? http://www.ehow.com/video_4950785_make-rust-remover.html

[Metalhed]

Cant do much about surface rust on the cable. Use a wire brush, and rub it down with an oil soaked rag and keep an eye on it.

[Brody]

What about simply spraying it with PB Blaster? Breaks the rust down and provides lubrication. I have never tried this, BTW.

I have never worried about the many steel winch cables I have had, except the ones that I had on a couple of rigs in Florida. Those we just hosed down with some kerosene. It was a bit before WD40 had hit the magic '40' number and was for sale...

[Robert B]

well the main spool is not bad but its the front edge of the cable im looking at ....... and my rollers i am just going to take of and wire wheel then repaint

[scout man]

Dang, nice rewrap on that spool! Don't usually see that clean of a wrap after the factory wrap.

[Popsgarage]

Do a weekly spray down with your favorite spray lube and see what happens. Iron workers and riggers usually use a bit of grease on the cables and it wouldn't hurt the fairlead rollers either.

[Jim]

I'm thinking this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8vT2mdXBs8

While I don't _think_ it to be harsh/severe to the cable, cable degradation is my concern (but then if it's rusted, some degradation has already taken place and you're looking to halt the process).

[Hypoid]

I'd worry more about the short radius around that fairlead roller. You have pretty much created a wear spot by storing your cable that way.

http://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=24843&stc=1&d=1330300671

Call around town and see if a shop can swedge a new thimble on the cable for you. Have them shorten the cable a foot or two to get rid of the rust.

Maybe you can score some industrial cable lube, and some free advice from the shop who does the repair.

[Popsgarage]

Maybe you can score some industrial cable lube, and some free advice from the shop who does the repair.

X2!

[tonkatoy]

How about a grinder.:lmao:

[Robert B]

well i used an air grinder with a medium strength wire wheel and ran lightly over the cable and it worked pretty well then i took the bench grinder to the rollers since they have taken abuse that has taken a bunch of the powder coat off and i went through and used some rustoleum paint until probly late fall when i will redo this process plus i got my new accessorie on :)

[Robert B]

and yes i know the rewrap of the cable sucks but i didnt have a big weight to wrap it up just my bro helping me by hanging on the cable end

[Brody]

Find someone with a small economy car. Perfect weight to re spool the cable. I used the little Escort all the time for mine.

[Robert B]

i dont have access to one sadly and my car has no place to hook the cable to

[Rick]

I hook to my other truck in the culdesac with my son in it having it in (neutral) and reel him in

[Robert B]

ill probly do that tomorrow now that the other truck is here tricky :)

[Rick]

:thumb::thumb::thumb::thumb:

[Jim]

Did mine today - car and Jeep on a side street w/o driveways - both in neutral with parking brakes on. Connected to the trailer chain connect on the car's trailer hitch.

Reeled it uniformly and lube'd each layer as it went.

[Jim]

i dont have access to one sadly and my car has no place to hook the cable to

Fasten point for no vehicle tow location: Tree saver or chain laying on the ground, encircling a car tire...

[CodeXJ]

You know a real cool trick and tasty one... Feel a bucket up with coca-cola and put your winch in there and let it set for few days, pull it out and it will dissolve the rust. :D

[Rick]

Feel a bucket up with coca-cola and put your winch in there and let it set for few days, :lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao::thumb::thumb: