Winch Lube

[Tobydaisy]

I have three small winches on my "new to me" '74 C22. I am sure that they are in need of some love and attention. She is kept seasonaly in fresh water.
Is there a poor mans lube that anyone is useing? Cat Direct has a tube for $18 but it seems like for such small load winches there must be something at Lowes or Autozone for under $5.

 

[Jackdaw]

You can use trailer wheel bearing grease for the gears, and machine oil for the springs and pawls.

 

[kito]

I took my c22 winches off last Spring to clean them since the pawls were not working properly. Apparently the PO used grease on the pawls and springs and got gummy and attracted a lot of dirt. I soaked them awhile in mineral spirits and then sprayed them down with WD40. After I reassembled I added the only light oil I had...3in1 oil. They are still doing fine without any protective covers too. It's the thick oil or grease that causes the most problems on the pawls.

 

[Joel H.]

Dupont Teflon/Wax spray, available at Lowes.
On my single speed winches I disassembled cleaned and sprayed them down as I reassembled. Then occasionally I spray into the topcap/handle socket. Four years later when I open one up I find that things are still well coated.