Reel Repair and Maintenance

November 19th, 2009 Posted in Travel and Leisure

There is little worse for a fisherman than arriving at your special fishing spot and realizing that your much-loved reel badly needs repair or maintenance. Although reel repair and maintenance should usually be left to the experts, you can do it yourself if you are prepared to take the proper precautions. Keep in mind that someone who comprehends the workings of a reel should preferably undertake this kind of work, since it takes a lot of caution and care!

Getting Started

How the project is begun is one of the most critical steps to any job that requires care, so you should prepare accordingly. Set aside a workspace that is suitable for the job, and make sure you leave plenty of elbowroom. Make sure that there is space for all of the delicate reel parts. It’s smart to add a detailed photo of the reel piece-by-piece so that it can be put back together after the maintenance/repair is complete, or utilize a hand-drawn diagram.

Disassembling The Reel

Nearly all reels come apart in the same manner, since they are put together in a comparable way (although some reels may vary somewhat). This step is the most imperative time to photograph or map each section as it is removed, so that you can assure that you will be able reassemble the reel later. Make sure that you cautiously detach each piece and place it in some type of order (or bag in a labeled Ziploc bag). Be sure to be particularly careful with very tiny pieces, like screws, springs, and like objects. Each piece has a valuable purpose, and every one has a specific place in your reel.

Tools of The Trade

The tools used during the repair and maintenance process are elemental components of your project’s success. Before beginning the project, confirm that you have what you should, so that you do not have to go searching for something in the midst of the job. Essential tools typically include an assortment of different sized screwdrivers (Philips and flathead), pliers, ratchets (with appropriate heads), unsoiled and absorbent rags, small brush (such as a clean toothbrush), reel grease, and reel oil. You should check to be sure that the reel grease and reel oil are in sealed containers to avoid messy spills.

The Disassembly

Your first step is to take the reel apart bit by bit, taking great caution with every section, to reduce the possibility of misplacing or damaging vital parts. Find the nut that attaches the reel handle and remove it. Rotate the drag star counterclockwise and put it aside. Remove the side plate, making sure to notate the position of the four screws holding it on. Disconnect the main gear assembly. Detach the spool from your reel case. Use your clean cloth to get rid of sand, dirt, and/or old grease. Grease the mechanism in its entirety. If your reel has a worm gear, revolve the level wind (in the left plate) to ensure that this gear is greased correctly. Use a very tiny amount of reel grease to lubricate all teeth. Cleanse the spool. Lubricate the endpins. Finally, you should replace the spool within the end case.

Main Drive Gear Assembly

Cleaning the main drive gear assembly is one of the most critical aspects of the cleaning and maintenance routine, and failure to exercise proper caution could result in your reel not working properly later. Follow each step carefully and pay close attention to details. Carefully remove the screws attaching the main drive gear assembly. Some will be screwed into a mounting plate, but others will be able to be lifted out. Locate the main gear assembly. Use your rag to remove sand, dirt, and old grease, making sure there is no trace of the residue remaining to ensure smooth function later. Grease the gear assembly thoroughly.

Beware!

Due to the number of very small parts involved with these steps, you must take special care to notate the location of each screw, washer, nut, and bearing. In order for the reel to function, each must be put back in the place they came from. Diagrams or photographs are absolutely fundamental to the success of your delicate reel cleaning/maintenance project.

Cleansing Washers/Bearings

The main gear has washers within the top. After taking them apart, you can photograph or map the placement of every one. Then resume with the cleaning. Cleanse each washer with a cloth. Lubricate, being careful to manipulate the clean grease into each washer. Get rid of leftover grease with a clean rag. Finally, when the washers are totally dry, you should return them in the correct sequence.

Seized bearings can be a major problem for some reels, so you need to be sure to thoroughly grease each bearing along all sides or replace the bearing. Do not attempt to take the bearing apart, or you will wind up cleaning up BBs from your workspace!

Reassembling The Reel

You start by positioning the spool back in the reel casing. Set the right side plate and gear assembly above the endpin. Align the screw holes, watching that each side is lined up correctly. Attach each screw into the side plate. Reattach the drag star. Next, you should attach your reel’s handle.

Using your photos or map, confirm that each piece is back where it initially came from. Check your work by making sure the reel is well secured.

Review

Though the process is monotonous and slow, you have the ability to execute these simple maintenance steps and save money. Nevertheless, a calm hand is required, and you may discover that either a magnifying lens or excellent eyesight is very advantageous.

No matter what kind of reel you are operating (conventional or bait-casting), these straightforward steps can help you steer clear of waiting for and paying a professional to keep your reel operating efficiently. Since you are probably one of the many fishermen who are finicky about who handles their reels, simply utilizing methods such as these can help put a stop to mistakes and/or repair costs. Keep your reel safe and clean, and you will nearly promise long life and many fishing memories.

There are many types of reels out on the market today one of the most popular brands is Daiwa Reels, some of their most popular models are Daiwa BG 90 and Saltiga 30T.