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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

Repair and maintenance tools are some of the fundamental elements to the success of the project. Before starting the project, make sure that you have what you need, so that you do not have to go hunting for something in the middle of the project. Necessary tools usually include (but are not limited to) screwdrivers in various sizes (Philips and flathead), pliers, ratchets (including heads), clean and absorbent rags, reel grease and reel oil. You will also need a small brush, such as a clean toothbrush. Make sure that the reel grease and reel oil are in closed containers to prevent messy spills.

The Disassembly

Your first step is to take the reel apart slowly, taking great care with each piece, to decrease the likelihood of losing or breaking important parts. Next, you can proceed carefully with cleaning the reel case. Locate the nut that holds the reel handle in place and remove it. Turn the drag star counterclockwise and place it to the side. Carefully remove the side plate, and make sure to keep the four screws holding it on in a safe place. Separate the main gear assembly. Remove the spool from the reel case. Use a rag to remove sand, dirt, and/or old grease. Grease the whole mechanism. If the reel uses a worm gear, you have to turn the level wind (inside the left plate) to make sure this gear is greased properly. Next, you should use a small amount of reel grease to grease all teeth. Clean the spool. Oil the endpins. Finally, you can replace the spool in 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.

Locked bearings can be a huge setback for some reels, so be sure to carefully lubricate every bearing down all sides or swap the bearing. Do not try to take the bearing apart, or you will end up cleaning BBs from your workplace!

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

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 BG 90 and Daiwa Saltiga 30T.

Filed under: Recreation and Sports on October 19th, 2009