Reel Repair and Maintenance
For a fisherman, there can be few nightmares worse than arriving at your fishing spot and discovering that your favorite reel desperately needs repair or maintenance. Even though reel repair and maintenance is better left to the experts, you can do it yourself if you are willing to take the risk. Remember: this type of work requires caution and care, and should only be undertaken by someone who understands the working of the reel!
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 a critical part of the cleaning and maintenance task, and failure to implement appropriate care could cause your reel to malfunction later. Follow every step with extreme watchfulness and beware of the details. Cautiously disconnect the screws fastening the main drive gear assembly. Some are screwed into a mounting plate; others may be lifted out. Find the main gear assembly. Make use of your clean cloth to eliminate sand, dirt, and old grease completely to guarantee efficient function later on. Lubricate the gear assembly meticulously.
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 diagrams, make sure that each part is back where it originally came from. Test your work by making sure the reel is well anchored together.
Review
Although the process is tedious and time consuming, you can easily perform these simple maintenance steps and save money. However, you need a steady hand, and most find that either a magnifying lens or good eyesight is very helpful.
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 Fishing Reel, some of their most popular models are Daiwa BG 90 and Saltiga 30T.