On Wed, 8 Oct 2014 14:13:43 -0700 (PDT), Tom W3TDH
wrote:

I need suggestions for a long lasting lubricant paste for the swivels I use
in my antenna support system. The critical aspect is it must be compatible
with polyester & Nylon ropes. If anyone knows of a lubricant that is applied
as a paste and will continue contributing a lubricating layer for an extended
time but that is also not destructive of artificial rope I would love to
hear of it.
Tom Horne W3TDH

I suggest you take a clue from the sailing community. Long lasting
means that anything exposed to the water or atmosphere is going to
drip, ooze, leak, evaporate, oxidize, melt, dissolve, wash off, or
otherwise disappear. It doesn't matter what the lube is made from,
it's going to disappear. This is why sailboat blocks (pulleys), that
are not sealed, use nylon sheaves (bushings), which are self
lubricating. Those that can be sealed, use various types of grease.
For a bigger load, sometimes sintered bronze bushings saturated in oil
are used. This should give you a clue as to the technology:
http://www.ronstan.us/marine5/SAsheaves.asp

If you want things to last, pay attention to galvanic compatibility.
416 Stainless steel and phosphor bronze offer perfect galvanic
compatibility, but other combinations are not so good and will not
last as long:
http://www.pemnet.com/design_info/galvanic.html

Some people use grease as a form of rust inhibitor. That works, for a
while. Switching to stainless or using paint instead of grease, are
more effective.

It would be very helpful if you would kindly supply a better
description of what you're trying to lubricate. My guess(tm) is that
it's a system of blocks and sheets (ropes). Stuff like these:
http://www.westmarine.com/sailboat-blocks
with a swivel at the end of the block.

Incidentally, polyester and nylon are good choices for outdoor rope.
http://www.mapability.com/ei8ic/contest/rope.php
However, make sure that both have some manner of UV "stabilizer" or
"inhibitor". I managed to buy some very cheap nylon rope on eBay that
didn't even last the summer.

--
Jeff Liebermann
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558