Reel cleaning

[Bass4life]

Hey guys i have a question. I have always wanted to learn to take my baitcasters apart and clean them myself, but i am still too chicken( had a bad experience once!). Guy that used to clean reels doesnt do it anymore and i need to get them cleaned this year. Who do you call that does a good job thats reasonably priced (around 10-20$/reel)?? I have Diawa's and Quantums. How often does everyone clean them? Been 2 years since mine were done.(other than myself greasing worm gear once and a while). Thanks....

[bobbymalone]

there is a guy named "Mike" on the internet that has a "reel repair" site that has schematics and parts for many many reels.

It took apart an abu 6500 to replace drag discs and give it a good cleaning... it was a bit scary but with the schematic I got it back together.

It's not that complicated. Forget the fear and take it apart. Save some money.

[RK]

Hiya -

There's an outfit in Lake Fork Texas (Lake Fork Tackle Repair) that sells a very very good DVD on reel cleaning. It's about $30, and it's really good. Not only instructions on what to do, but process kinds of tips (like how to lay out parts in order so they go back on correctly) to keep you from screwing up. It more or less pays for itself after two reels. They also sell a kit that has all the tools you need, but there isn't a lot of sophisticated equipment involved.

For cleaning parts, if you get really into it you can get an ultrasonic jewelery cleaner, but I usually use a jar and some acetone to clean bearings, and Simple Green for everything else.

While you're cleaning, you can drop in some upgraded bearings or drag washers too. Have to be careful - tuning reels can be a real addiction. I'm not too uptight about it, but there are some guys that go bonkers polishing and tuning and upgrading.

Seriously though - look on the net, and there are some good how-to instructions out there. That, and maybe the video mentioned above, and if you have enough mechanical skill to screw in a light bulb you can clean a reel. It's kind of fun. Passes the time in the offseason anyhow.

Cheers,

rk

[LegattoAD]

I'm in the DIY camp as well, however, if you're dead set on spending the money for someone else to do it.. I think Trails End in Fridley still does reel cleaning.

[cruiseforever]

What has been people's experience with upgrading bearings and drags? Did you notice a big change?

[RK]

What has been people's experience with upgrading bearings and drags? Did you notice a big change?

Big change - no.

Bearings - it kind of depends on what you're using the reel for. If you're slinging spinnerbaits, you probably won't notice much difference. *maybe* a little more distance. It can be noticeable with things like pitching, though. It also, of course, depends on what you're replacing. Going from ABEC 3s to ABEC 7s can be pretty noticeable.

Drag washers, some stock drags are better than others, but carbon drag washers can really smooth out a grabby drag. I don't know if it's a huge deal - how often do you have a bass take drag anyhow? Not talking King Salmon here. But there is a noticeable difference, especially if you're replacing drag washers on an older reel.

All in all, does it make a huge difference? Probably not. But I'm not super uptight about reels anyhow. At the end of the day you push the button and line goes out, then turn the handle and line comes in. Upgrades can help make a reel moderately better performing, but you'll probably see as much performance gain from properly cleaning and lubing a reel with stock parts. Upgrades just improve it a bit above and beyond that.

I view it as something to pass the time in the offseason that's moderately more productive than sitting around watching reruns of "Duck Dynasty.".

[blakjack23]

bass4life, send me a PM. I tried to send you one but it says you're over your PM limit?

[Bass4life]

Tried to send you a pm as well. Says it's full also. Have to figure this out and get back too you. Thanks.....

[slipperybob]

What has been people's experience with upgrading bearings and drags? Did you notice a big change?

Big change - no. In part it goes with knowing how to fine tune (supertune) your reel. For the most part knowing how to flush out your spool bearings of factory grease/oil and using a low viscousity oil will make a huge improvement in your reel's casting performance. Comparing that knowledge and the upgraded bearings performance - it's marginal. Still sometimes marginal makes a huge difference in a whole days worth of fishing.

[Lals]

It is going to cost more but I have great luck sending reels back to the manufacturers for cleaning. I have received new reels in return a few times both from Shimano and Abu. Obviously, they know best what needs to be done once they check it. If parts need to be replaced they will do it as part of the cleaning cost.