So, haven't had the boat out for a while, getting it ready to go.
The anchor pulleys have gone squeaky in the past and I've always solved the problem temporarily with a squirt or two of the old WD-40. But this seems to provide only a trip or two of quieter operation. This is a side mount pulley system on an Alumaweld driftboat. How should I be lubing these pulleys, and is it possible for them to "go bad" and need to be replaced? Thanks for any info!

Squeaky anchor pulleys and oar locks are like fingernails on a chalkboard to me when out on the river! Arggghhhh!!

I think that they can go bad, but if they still feel smooth, then they're going to need something more than the quick and easy WD-40 fix...I use teflon spray on mine, seems to work longer than WD-40.

Fish on...

Todd

WD-40 is pretty light, so it doesn't last long.

Follow up with something heavier and waxier, like LPS 3.

A couple times a year should suffice.

There are some very good "spray lubs" on the market now. WD40, while good for "lot's of things" is not the best for lubing reels or pulley's.....it was designed to "drive water" out, not to be a "greaser".

3 that I use:

1. Jig-a-loo---Invisible All Around Lubricant, water repellent

2. Liquid Wrench----Silicone Spray, Waterproofs parts, provides a slick coat of protection.

3. Liquid Wrench White Lithium Grease---Creates long lasting heavy duty lubrication. This is what I use on my anchor system on my jet boat.....It's a spray...

Got these at WalMart.....I think........

Take the boat out more...

White lithium grease is the way to go. Comes in a spray can and will stay ON where you spray it for a long time.

Try Tri-Flow. It has a teflon component. It works on everything- better than WD40( not effective on aluminum). Buy it at Home Depot or a bicycle shop.
I used to road race on my bike (back in the day) and I used it on most every component.

Ditto WAdrifter,

3. Liquid Wrench White Lithium Grease---Creates long lasting heavy duty lubrication. This is what I use on my anchor system on my drift boat.....It's a spray...

fp

Ditto on Tri-Flow, or Lubriplate available at NAPA auto parts.

Sg

These are the aluminum rollers and frames, right ?

I actually called Willie Illingworth on this once.
He said :
"There's a pin hole in each roller where the rope travels. Get a needle adapter for your grease gun and pump some grease in there."

I ended up getting a thumb pump that threads onto one of those plastic squeeze tubes that bicycle grease comes in.
For this application, grease is way-more-better than any spray lube.
Phil's or Finish Line are two good bike greases.....I like Finish Line for reels, too.

Tri-Flow is the teflon oil I use.

Fish on...

Todd

Or, spend some bucks on some sailboat riggings and you'll never have to worry about it again What most that fish on a regular basis do ...

Yep, I was gonna convert mine to a Harken or Shaefer sheave with bearing but never got around to it.
I just grease 'em every now and then.

Too bad the mfr's use a cheap weld-on sheave....wouldn't cost much more for a bearing sheave or even a sheave with an Oilite bushing.
I completely wore out my first jam cleat/sheave combo and Willie was good enough to send another....no charge.
That's the one that really needs a bearing.

Tri-Flow...

It's your decision. The white spray in lithium grease cured my pulley woes.

Say it isn't so!

Merry Christmas, Kevin

Fish on...

Todd

the industial KY is great too. it's very popular in prisons.

Bob,

Would it be possible for you to post a photo of what your sailboat pulley looks like? Brand and where you buy?

Thanks.

Sel the alumaweld and buy anew Willie,, just tell the wife the old boat squeeked!

I'm a lazy ass and find out on the river it's noisy,so I use WD-40 or shrimp oil to do a quick fix then forget to get the good chit on there before the next trip,so it's back to the same a couple times a year.Good luck,
SZ