A lubricating system has a pump to force a viscous lubricant from a supply of lubricant to a lubricator at which the lubricant is to be dispensed onto a cable, wire, or the like that is being pulled through a conduit. A sensor, associated with a spool from which the cable is being dispensed, is be used to automatically control the amount of lubricant that is to be dispensed onto the cable. A second described system comprises a custom bucket or bucket insert which allow a cable to pass through the bucket whereupon lubricant will be automatically applied to the cable and the container includes a profiled base to ensure proper passage of the cable through the lubricant and ensure the maximum usage of any lubricant.