What is this stuff? (dirt or oil)

[DerStig]

These are the replacement cables I got from Bendpak for my HD9. They have this black dirt like stuff all over them (from tip to tip they are covered with this). I dont know whether this was done on purpose to lubricate or is it just dirt? Should I clean them or leave them be? The original cables were not like this.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Looks like they were just stored on a dirty shelf or floor. Wipe them down...

Tommy

 

[shedfullatools]

Clean them

 

[readhead]

When we buy crane slings they come like that. The oil is from the manufacturing process and it attracts dirt. Just wipe it off.

 

[Racer_X]

Why not ask the vendor? Maybe they'll send you a new, clean set.

http://www.bendpak.com/contact/

 

[rlitman]

When we buy crane slings they come like that. The oil is from the manufacturing process and it attracts dirt. Just wipe it off.

A cable is a working machine that needs lubrication. They use a very thick oil that can work its way to the surface, where it can attract dirt.

Surface cleaning shouldn't do any harm, but I would avoid anything like soaking them to remove all traces of the oil.

 

[mrpizza]

If you watch the how its made video on wire rope, the cables are flooded with oil while they are braided.

 

[fredthewrench]

It could be a dry graphite lube... just a thought.