Good lubrication reduces friction, which in turn increases the lifespan of mechanical components. This is true for everything from mining equipment to bicycle chains. Often, commercial products that are used in intensive applications like wire ropes at mining and mining processing facilities aren’t always considered for other, less-intensive uses.
However, the properties of high-quality lubricants can be just as effective in ‘smaller’ applications as in load bearing instances. Senior lubrication technician for Lubrication Engineers (LE) South Africa, Kevin Baker, says that one recent example he has seen where this principle holds true is with LE’s Wirelife® Monolec® Penetrating Lubricant (2001). This lubricant is often used to great effect in wire ropes at mines, but Baker has also seen it perform excellently on everything from bicycle chains to motor bikes, electric gate wheels and quad bikes.
“Wirelife® 2001 is a versatile, wear-reducing oil that preserves metal to the core. The penetration of this product is just so good that once people use it, they can’t see themselves going back to other well-known brands for chain lubrication,” he says. “I introduced it to a group of motorbike owners and once they saw it in action, they were hooked.”
One of Wirelife® 2001’s most appealing qualities is that the solvent carrier in the lubricant dissolves quickly, leaving behind an excellent base coating that provides ongoing friction control. Baker says that another result of this is that there is very little mess during the application of the product. “Because the penetration is so good and the product dries quickly, there is minimal fling off, and down time for the application of the lubricant is reduced. In that way it is a lot simpler than grease-based alternatives as it’s not as messy or dangerous,” he says.
Wirelife® 2001’s ability to preserve metal to the core also means that it provides excellent corrosion resistance. Baker says that this property even makes it a useful grease for small items like locks. “This product is so good that it should become a staple in every toolbox and maintenance kit,” he adds.
