Uncle Russ
posted this
11 December 2012
If you get the right type of freeze tape as we call it, you can cut to any length and terminate with the plug and end you buy with the tape. Problem! Tape works on the semi-conductor theory and only conducts (works) below an ambient temperature of about 38 degrees. It'll keep the luber warm if you wear a coat in a cold room.
Average (cheap) heat tapes only come in premade lengths and you cut 'em, they are toast. Shortest I remember seeing was 6 foot. This type also is non regulating so if you cross it on itself it will over heat at that point and melt in two. This is the type that famously starts so many moble home fires. Separate thermostat required.
The LYMAN heater I purchased was predrilled for I guess most any luber as there are a bunch of threaded holes present. You can drill as many additional holes as you like-as long as you miss the element buried in the aluminum.
I went this route also, for awhile. Then could not find any advantages to hard lubes and now I never use the thing, or the hard lube. Professionals want a hard lube so it stays in the grooves and does not gather dirt and crud while it makes the long trip to it's ultimate destination. Do you really need those benefits?
A heat lamp in a portable fixture such as used by farmers are effectual. Aim it at the luber, plug it in and wammo, warm luber in a cold room. It'll keep your fingers warm too.
Your call! :kilroy: