On 10/9/2012 10:27 AM, K7LXC@aol.com wrote:
t/> Having just replaced my crank up cables (in case they migh
be rusted internally), I am wondering why stainless steel
cables aren't used. It would seem that they would avoid
the latent rust issue. I realize that they are not as strong,
but they could simply be sized appropriately. Is it the
case that they may still rust, just more slowly? Would
they somehow wear out and break internally? It would be
great to merely have to inspect the cables for obvious broken
strands and never have to replace them on a preventative basis.
Can someone explain this? Don't airplanes use SS cables?
Sure, but they don't go thru the forces and cycles of crank-up cables.
Agree with everything except the cycles. Aircraft control cables
(rudder, ailerons, and elevator) are in an almost constant state of
motion while in flight and the bending takes place over very short spans
on each of the cables where the pulleys are located. OTOH they are not
heavily loaded nor under much tension. They must be replaced at any
sign of strand failure which is rare. They are "supposed" to be
inspected during the annual (yearly) inspection.
I do not know if they are impregnated with lube.
73
Roger (K8RI)
IMO there are 2 factors. One is cost since everything is determined by
it. And the second is the fact that worked SS cables under load will gall.
That is, pieces of the material will be deposited on other strands and
eventually you have a hard spot in the cable. This might be prevented by
REGULAR cable lubrication but I don't think it's worth the potential problem.
SS nuts and bolts will also gall. That's why you have to use some sort
of non-seize on the threads.
Cheers,
Steve K7LXC
TOWER TECH
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