Got schooled by an old timer about how I 'treat' elevator cables

So I'm doing a full cable replacement on a Miconic 10 in a 12-story building downtown, and this retired mechanic stops by to chat. He watches me for a minute then says 'you're killing that cable with kindness.' Turns out I was using too much lube on the guide rails, built up gunk that actually made the cables wear faster. Been doing it for 7 years this way. He showed me his trick - just a light wipe down with a dry rag once a month, no fancy products. Hit me different because I always thought more maintenance was better. Now I got a whole new routine. Anyone else get humbled by a random elevator vet?

2 comments

2 Comments

williamt448d ago

Tbh that 'killing it with kindness' line hits hard. I've seen guys dump half a can of lube on stuff thinking more is better. Over-lubing traps dirt and grit that grinds everything down faster than running it dry. You basically paid for his lesson with 7 years of experience. Classic old timer wisdom being worth more than any manual.

nora547d agoTop Commenter

That "half a can of lube" bit reminds me of something I read in an old car forum. Guy said he soaked his engine bay in WD-40 every weekend. Ended up with gunk caked everywhere and a seized alternator bearing. Old timers really do know better.