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!

Preparation

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.

Take it apart

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.

The Tools

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.

Starting The Disassembly

If you proceed to take your reel apart in a controlled, graduated manner, you’ll find that your level of success will be far greater.  The first step involves taking the reel apart and taking care of the maintenance and cleaning of the reel case. This step is fairly simple but must be followed exactly.  There’s a nut that holds your reel handle in place – locate that nut and carefully remove it.  Using a counterclockwise motion, turn your drag star, remove it and set it aside.  Using great caution, remove the side place which is generally held in with four screws. You’ll have to have the right side of your reel facing you to accomplish this step.  Once you’ve separated the main gear assembly, you’ll see your spool in the reel case, which you should remove.

Now that your reel case is completely empty this is the best time to carefully clean it.  Remove any sand, dirt and old grease from it using a soft, absorbent cloth.  After you have thoroughly cleaned it you will want to make sure that you grease the entire mechanism to ensure smooth operation.  If your reel has a worm gear, make sure that you get to the drive for the level wind – inside the left plate – and turn that to help ensure that the grease is spread thoroughly.  After doing this use a very small amount of grease on all teeth, clean the spool and then carefully oil the end pins.  After this is complete you should replace the spool inside your reel 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.

The next portion of your cleaning and maintenance will involve the main drive gear assembly.  Each step must be followed precisely to avoid problems.

The small parts

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!

Putting it all together

To put your reel back together, start by placing your spool back inside the reel casing. Once this is done position your side plate (right side) and gear assembly over your end pin.  After doing this you should like up your screw holes making sure that both sides are aligned.  Carefully reinstall all the screws through the side plate, screw your star drag back and mount your reel handled.

Testing

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.

Summary

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 great reels out on the market, some of the most popular include: Shimano Reel and Penn Reels Fishing.