Reel Maintenance

[Herds]

I've just noticed my reel is sticking a bit and from memory I haven't ever had it serviced so I was wondering what everyone else does...do you do your own maintenance or do you take it to a takle shop?

Is it worth doing yourself (I don't mean general lubing)...what's it worth to get a reel serviced, generally.

cheers
Andrew (Herds)

[RUSS]

I learnt my lesson last weekend for not servicing my reel. Was in dunsborough, went chasing salmon, hooked up on second cast, held it for about 5 seconds and twang. Was only using 6kg fireline but last time I used my reel it got a hammering from salt spray and the drag had locked up. Rule No. 1 always check your gear first. Brand new 30gm twisty swam away. Had to pull the spool off and wipe the salt out and add a bit of lube. Next day same thing but the smile was on my face not the salmons. That was a pretty minimal service but it sufficed.

I think from memory its about $25 for a service but maybe someone else has a better idea on cost. That reel will be goin in soon for a reel sevice soon unless this thread generates the knowhow on diy.

Hey Guys.
Servicing your reels is simple, if done right!!!
if you've got your explosion chart of parts which came with your reel it is even easier.
Basically, take the reel appart and lay the pieces out in order.
Then wash each part in a solvent (i think that Kero is the best), and then fresh water. Dry each part thouroughly!!!
Then it is just a matter of re-lubing the parts and putting them back together!!!
In terms of the drag, servicing is pretty crucial when using light lines and fighting big fish!!!
I hooked on to a horse the other day. I had serviced the drag only a week earlier and i had to lock up big time in an attempt to stop the fish. It didn't work, but the drag still operated as smooth as can be!!! I lost the fish, but i can now say that i have heaps of confidence in my reels capabilities!!!
HTH

Dave

[winfield]

i must admit to being pretty slack with reel care myself. i have only recently started cleaning and drying my reels on a regular basis. not sure what parts to lube or not to lube so i am pretty sparse with it.

when in doubt, pay someone who knows what they're doing.

[chris_lemess]

Geez guys, if you're not prepared to do it yourself, at least send it in to a tackle shop once a year. Looked after properly it should last fine with lubrication of line roller, drag washers and handle after every use, and should *never* seize up...

Chris

[mark savage]

This should not be over looked, be generous! The grease will lubricate and keep the salt out of the bearing assembly, preventing any corrosion. Bearing replacement can be expencive ($15-$30 each).
Corroded bearings are one of the main reasons for a reel seizing up. If it does happen don't try and force it - you may end up shearing or stripping something.

Russ,
Good to hear you got onto some salmon last weekend - i'm heading down for a few days over easter.

[RUSS]

Cheers Mark,
Point Piquet did the goods for me. Pretty calm with the crap weather. Plenty of fish around, nearly as many fish as people... Easter should be chokkas. Good luck in findin a good possie.

Good times.