First -sorry for the footnotes here... I can't help but include many lessons learned for the young rigger out there... so they avoid stupid/honest mistakes I've done, seen or heard...
I do a few things, none of which seem to cause issues (first priority) and seem to help (secondary consideration):
First - when I clean*/lube* the cutaway cables, I then use the same cleaning/lube cloths on the reserve ripcord. Just as with the cutaway cables, the lube should be _thin_ coat... don't soak it.
Second - I use the Cypres lube on the loop IACW the mfg instructions.
Third - I run the center of my pullup cord* (cypres loop material) through the Cypres lube cloth (to help not remove the lube from the loop as its drawn through, reduces cord-on-loop friction)
I do NOT use the Cypres lube or WD50 on the ripcord or cutaway cables as I believe they are too thick and too likely to attract dust.
Just my $.02
JW
*Lessons Learned/Heard/Observed:
- per Booth's recommendation I clean with Ronsonol* Lighter Fluid and lube with Ace Hardware Brand Silicon Spray Lube*
- Ransonol brand sells both Lighter Fluid and Multi-Fill Butane Fuel, both useful to those refilling the two (different) types of lighters, but to those of us who rarely use, must let refill lighters... they are different things. You want the yellow squirt bottle.
- Silicon Spray Lube is in a can that looks remarkably like the Silicon Spray Adhesive. It is highly recommended that you make sure you know the difference before using... (this told me by a rigger of the highest level who made that very mistake)
- Cleaning, and lubing with these items is simple, but can be f-ed up I'm sure... spray some lighter fluid on a clean cloth (paper-towl) and then run the cable through it. Repeat in a different wet part of the towel until you're no longer leading dark streaks on the cloth. Spray a second cloth with the Lube and draw the cable though it once to apply a _thin_ coating along its length.
- If you use the Cypres loop material for your pullup cord, finger-trap ~6" additional loop material into the middle of your pullup cord (completely encased, so the middle section is thicker with no ends sticking out). It helps open the loop a bit to get the (temp)pin into the loop. SSK indicated that this is approved (per Cliff at the time). I do recommend shifting toward one end when moving it through the cutter, so that you're not trying to pull the full doubled u-turn through the cutter.
- If you find that you are staining ANY part of the rig (flaps, risers, harness, D-bag, canopy) with the lube, STOP!!! You are using WAY TO MUCH!!! Get help from someone who can show you how to do this right.