Gear

How to clean a reel

If your reels squawk and refuse to cast as far as they once did, they're overdue for a thorough cleaning.

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<p> Before you tear down a reel, place everything you need on a lightly colored towel or T-shirt so you can easily see tiny parts.</p> <p class=
Before you tear down a reel, place everything you need on a lightly colored towel or T-shirt so you can easily see tiny parts.

Originally published March 2011.

To simplify the reassembly, place the reel's parts into an egg carton in the order they are removed.
To simplify the reassembly, place the reel’s parts into an egg carton in the order they are removed.
Spray or soak gears and other parts in a cleaning solution. However, soak bearings in a separate solution to keep them free from grime.
Spray or soak gears and other parts in a cleaning solution. However, soak bearings in a separate solution to keep them free from grime.
Scrub gears and other parts with a toothbrush.
Scrub gears and other parts with a toothbrush.
Scrub gears and other parts with a toothbrush.
Scrub gears and other parts with a toothbrush.
Scrub gears and other parts with a toothbrush.
Scrub gears and other parts with a toothbrush.
It is crucial to clean the inside of the pinion gear so the spool shaft spins freely. Ardent makes small foam swabs that work for this.
It is crucial to clean the inside of the pinion gear so the spool shaft spins freely. Ardent makes small foam swabs that work for this.
Clean the case for the casting brakes to ensure silky smooth backlash control.
Clean the case for the casting brakes to ensure silky smooth backlash control.
Wipe drag washers clean with a dry cloth. Apply whatever lubricant is recommended (if any) by the manufacturer.
Wipe drag washers clean with a dry cloth. Apply whatever lubricant is recommended (if any) by the manufacturer.
If you soak bearings, do so in a separate solution to avoid contaminating them with grit from other parts.
If you soak bearings, do so in a separate solution to avoid contaminating them with grit from other parts.
If you soak bearings, do so in a separate solution to avoid contaminating them with grit from other parts.
If you soak bearings, do so in a separate solution to avoid contaminating them with grit from other parts.
If you soak bearings, do so in a separate solution to avoid contaminating them with grit from other parts.
If you soak bearings, do so in a separate solution to avoid contaminating them with grit from other parts.
Dry the cleaned parts with a lint-free cloth or paper towels. Use cotton swabs for tight spots.
Dry the cleaned parts with a lint-free cloth or paper towels. Use cotton swabs for tight spots.
Apply one drop of oil to all bearings and lightly oil the case for the casting brakes.
Apply one drop of oil to all bearings and lightly oil the case for the casting brakes.
Apply a dab of oil to each brake collar.
Apply a dab of oil to each brake collar.
One drop of oil will do on the spool's shaft.
One drop of oil will do on the spool’s shaft.
Work grease into the main drive gear with your fingers. Don't overdo it or grease will get on the spool shaft and hinder casting distance.
Work grease into the main drive gear with your fingers. Don’t overdo it or grease will get on the spool shaft and hinder casting distance.
Place one drop of oil on each end of the levelwind shaft and one drop directly on the worm gear.
Place one drop of oil on each end of the levelwind shaft and one drop directly on the worm gear.
Lightly oil the line roller assembly on the bail.
Lightly oil the line roller assembly on the bail.
Oil the bail arm assembly.
Oil the bail arm assembly.
Oil the drive gear bearings under the handle.
Oil the drive gear bearings under the handle.
Place three drops of oil into the maintenance port, if the reel has one.
Place three drops of oil into the maintenance port, if the reel has one.

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