Have you done any articles or do you have any information available on the cleaning and greasing of winches? Our particular problem is how to remove the top of self-tailing winches so as to get access to the spindle to remove the drum assembly. Any helpful hints would be appreciated. Thank you, JP
Hi JP: The disassembly procedure varies with winch brands and designs. For example, on BEOWULF we have three types of Lewmar winches which each require a slightly different process. The best approach is to find the manuals for your particular winches–or a rigger who is familiar with them. If you use the latter, it might be helpful to videotape the process. Re: the grease itself, both Lewmar and Harken sell a special grease. We often use a light weight lithium-based grease. For the pawls, it is usually best to use something really light such as 3 in one oil (but check your winch mfg.’s specifications). Regards—Steve
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 30, 1999)
