Keeping a Reel in Top Condition
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
Beginning the project is one of the most significant steps to any task requiring care, so you have to prepare appropriately. Reserve a workspace that is fitting for the project, and take care that you leave enough room to move. Make certain that there is room for all of the sensitive reel parts. It is worthwhile to include meticulous photos of your reel piece-by-piece so that it can be reassembled once the maintenance/repair is finished, or make use of a hand-drawn map.
Disassembling The Reel
Most reels come apart the same way, since they are built in a similar fashion (for the most part, some reels may vary slightly). This step is the most important time to photograph or draw each piece as it comes off, so that you can guarantee that you will be able to put the reel back together. Carefully remove each piece and place them in some kind of order (i.e. order removed). Be sure to take special care with very small pieces, such as screws, springs, and similar objects. Every piece has an important function, and each has a particular 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 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!
Thanks to the number of very tiny parts associated with these steps, you have to take particular care in notating the position of each screw, washer, nut, and bearing. In order for the reel to operate, all must be reassembled in the place they came from. Drawings or photographs are extremely important to the success of your task.
Cleansing Washers/Bearings
The main gear will have washers in the top. After removing them, you should first notate the placement of each. Clean each washer with your clean rag. Grease, making sure to massage the clean grease gently into every washer. Remove excess grease with a clean cloth. After the washers are dry, you can then replace them in the proper order.
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
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 type of reel you are using (conventional or bait-casting), these simple steps can help avoid having to wait for and pay a professional to keep your reel working smoothly. Since many fishermen are particular about who touches their reels, simply utilizing tools such as these can help prevent mistakes and/or repair bills. Keep your reel clean and properly maintained, and you will virtually guarantee long life for your reel.
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 BG 90 and Saltiga 30T.
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