The last thing you want is to lose a fish because your spinning reel seized up. Fortunately, you can avoid problems like that by periodically cleaning and lubricating your spinning reels. Here is our step-by-step guide to keeping your spinning reels running like new.
Ardent's Reel Kleen® Reel Cleaning Kit contains everything required for easy, regular cleaning of any make or model fishing reel. All contained in a convenient, easy-to-store, durable plastic case.
Materials Needed:
- Warm water
- Microfiber towels
- Toothbrush or other small brush
- Several toothpicks
- Pieces of clean cotton T-shirt or cotton swabs (like what are used to clean firearms)
- Reel degreaser
- Reel oil and reel grease
- Screwdriver (flathead or Phillips)
- Cellophane tape or masking tape
Step 1—Get ready: Lay out your cleaning supplies and tools in a clean, dry, well-lit area.
Step 2—Secure the line to the spool: Wrap a piece of cellophane tape or masking tape around the spool to keep the line in place while you work on your reel.
Step 3—Remove surface dirt and debris: Wipe down the entire exterior of the reel with a soft cotton rag or microfiber towel moistened with warm water.
Step 4—Remove the drag knob: Remove the drag adjustment knob by turning it counterclockwise. After it comes lose, remove it and set it to one side.
Step 5—Remove the Spool: Slide the spool off the main shaft and set it to one side.
Step 6—Clean the drag adjustment knob and the spool: Moisten a piece of soft cotton rag with reel degreaser, then wipe the underside of the drag adjustment knob and the top and underside of the spool. Use a cotton swab (also moistened with degreaser) to get into any nooks or crannies.
Step 7—Degrease the inside of the rotor: With the same rag moistened with degreaser, wipe out the inside of the rotor, again using a cotton swab to get into hard to reach areas.
Penn's Precision Grease and Synthetic Oil are compatible with all metals and plastics and will not harm fishing line.
Step 8—Oil the drag adjustment knob, line spool and shaft: Add a single drop of oil to the underside of the line spool, a single drop of oil to the shaft and a single drop of oil to the underside of the drag adjustment knob.
Step 9—Grease the shaft gear: Apply a small amount of reel grease to the shaft main gear (the gear you see on the shaft) and use a toothpick to evenly spread the grease around the gear teeth.
Step 10—Replace the spool on to the shaft: Slide the spool back on to the shaft, then screw the drag adjustment knob back on to the shaft to secure the spool.
Step 11—Oil the line roller: Inspect the line roller for dirt and debris, and if necessary, clean it with a small brush or cotton swab. Apply a single drop of oil to it.
Step 12—Clean and oil the bail connection points: Inspect the bail connection points for dirt or debris and clean if necessary. Next, add a single drop of reel oil to each of the bail connection points.
Step 13—Oil the handle: Apply a drop of oil to the handle knob where it meets the handle and to where the handle meets the body of the reel.
Step 14—Final Inspection: Turn the handle and ensure the reel operates smoothly.
Step 15—Tighten down: With a screwdriver, make sure all screws are tight.
Step 16—Wipe down and store: Give the entire reel one last wipe with a soft, dry cloth to remove any excess oil or grease. Store the reel in a dry, cool place, preferably in a protective reel cover or bag.
Tips:
- Frequency of cleaning: Clean your reel after every fishing trip, especially after saltwater use.
- Use appropriate products: We suggest use of products designed specifically for fishing reels.
- Handle with care: Be gentle during disassembly and cleaning to avoid damaging small or delicate parts.
- Apply grease and oil sparingly: A little bit of grease or oil goes a long way. Excess grease and oil attract dirt and debris.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you’ll keep your spinning reel in top condition, ensuring smooth operation and a longer lifespan. Happy fishing!
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West Marine is the perfect place to get ready for your next fishing trip. From the latest in fishing reels, to free line spooling and locally assorted tackle in most of our stores, we have the expertise you need to get ready. Use our store locator to find a store near you.
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