lanolin and wire

[walkingstaff]

I would like to seize a hook on a backstay. According to your book I should first treat the wire with lanolin to prevent deterioration of the wire. The senior rigger at a yard I reasonably trust claims that the lanolin will hold 'crud' on the wire and cause more harm than good and says I'm better off just seizing the hook on the wire with no treatment.
I'm wondering if there is 'new revealed knowledge' here, or what's up? (Seems that in all fields the acknowledged experts seem to disagree on some items but for those of us in the trenches this can be bloody confusing!)
Thanks,
Pete (walkingstaff)

[Brion Toss]

Hello,
I certainly wouldn't want your wire to be holding onto any crud, but have only experienced this occurring on exposed surfaces like turnbuckle threads. Under service, the whole point is that crud, or water, or anything else, is excluded. If you weren't planning on serving (over lanolin and parceling), then I wouldn't put anything on the wire. Just be sure that the lashing isn't so dense that water can't evaporate.
What is the hook to be used for? If it is for a boom "harbor hook", then you should have a significantly stout lashing, that might require service under it, to prevent slippage. Service would also prevent the hook, if it were directly attached, from scarring the wire. If you are supporting something lighter, I recommend a Clamptite Tool seizing, using monel wire.
Fair leads,
Brion Toss