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

Almost all reels are built similarly and therefore they almost all come apart the same way.  Ensuring you fully document what the reel looks like when it’s fully assembled will reduce the likelihood that you will put it back together wrong.  All pieces should be removed carefully and the proper placement of them should be documented completely. This will help you keep track of these small parts (springs, screws, etc.) so that you don’t lose anything.  Remember, each of these pieces is critical to the operation of 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

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

This is perhaps one of the most critical parts of your cleaning and maintenance routine.  Failure to follow these steps could result in problems down the line.  Make sure to carefully remove the screws that join your main gear assembly. Some of these will be attached to a mounting plate while others will be able to simply be lifted out. Once you have freed the main gear assembly remove any old grease, dirt and sand from the gear assembly. Make sure that you are removing all old soil for best results. Once you’ve completed the cleaning, thoroughly grease the gear assembly.

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

Most people are not patient enough to repair or maintain a reel.  It’s time consuming and you need not only great eye-sight but an extremely steady hand.  Regardless of the type of reel you’re using – conventional or bait-casting – this set of simple steps can help.  Whether you’re not willing to spend the money or wait the time needed for a professional to repair it, you’ll have sufficient information to repair or maintain your reel yourself. It’s difficult to find a fisherman who does not prefer to have their reel maintained professionally.  There are simply too many things that can go wrong, and there are many things that a professional can quickly and easily identify that are not familiar to you.  Regardless of whether you prefer to do it yourself or have a professional do it, a well maintained reel will ensure that you enjoy your fishing without problems.

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