Abstract: A lubricating apparatus for centrally distributing lubricant to a desired lubrication point of a wedge surface of an expanding reel mandrel through an axial bore defined in the shaft of an expanding reel mandrel. The mandrel further defines a channel therein for establishing fluid communication between the lubrication point and the axial bore of the mandrel shaft. One or more lubricant-guiding cartridges are disposed within the axial bore of the mandrel shaft and a central lubricant distribution unit is attached to an end of the shaft for distributing lubricant to the cartridges. Each cartridge has a longitudinal conduit defined therein and a peripheral wall having an annular transverse groove. The transverse groove is in fluid communication with the longitudinal conduit and with the channel so that lubricant is flowable from the central distribution unit to the lubrication point on the wedge surface.