Originally posted by: sscasteel on 10/12/2005 8:17:46 AM

I have been having a lot of folks want me to fix their reels lately, because they Squeak or Squeal when throwing, or in use.

RULE "NUMERO UNO" IN REEL REPAIR.. UP TO 90% of reel squeaks come from the reel handle knobs themself.

Many folks just don't realize that for every turn of the reel handle itself, the knob they hold onto, will usually turn anywhere from 2-6 times more. <!--graemlin::eek:-->

I highly advise using a Silicote reel oil like the white bottle made by Abu-Garcia. <!--graemlin:;)-->

This will stop the noise. I also recommend that if one can remember, place 3-4 drops in each knob before going out fishing, and work the knob back/forth to spread the oil over the inner surface. Having a bottle of Silicote oil in the tackle box is a wise investment.Not only for the reel handle knobs, but for other uses as they arise.

AREAS MOST LIKELY TO NEED OILING // SELF HELP.

BAIT CASTING REELS.

HANDLE KNOBS.

WORM GEAR, = most have a plastic unit @ one end to stay level in, and the other end has plastic behind the teeth. These do dry out over time and metal moving against DRY plastic //esp. casting out // will create unpleasant, / SOMETIMES ALMOST UNBEARABLE / sounds. Oil each end seperately, turning the reel handle 7-12 times and allowing the oil to work into the plastic. Then do the other end the same way. This should eliminate the Squeak/squeal completely.

WORM SHAFT COVER. = Metal and Graphite, these are what the line guide moves on back and forth. If the cover is Graphite instead of metal, they will dry out faster and get dirtier than metal. Wipe off any dirt grease, etc. then place a couple drops of oil on each side of the line guide, and run it at least 3 times back and forth. This will help lubricate the pawl and line guide and noise is reduced/eliminated.

LINE GUIDE. = Some bait cast reels have a second pin to help balance the line guide and shaft cover. Simply place a drop or two on each side of the line guide at the Center point and run the line guide back/forth 3 times.

REEL SPOOL.= The shaft this spool spins on has either bearings or bushings it fits into on each end. Some spools even have bearings inside them. These can dry out occas.// Check any BEARINGS, to see if its center free turns. IF not - replace, if so, then place a couple drips around the center turning area and slowly turn a few times with a blade from an Exacto knife or your pocket knife.
BUSHINGS. = A small drop of oil will suffice don't want much here to effect the spool end performance. Just eliminate sound.

LINE SPOOL EDGES. = Every now and then, noise will come from the spool edges against the frame. I place [3] drops of the Silicote oil on both sides and turn the reel several times allowing the oil to work around the entire edging inside the frame.

SPINNING REELS.

HANDLE KNOBS.

CENTER DRIVE SHAFT. = The up/down shaft holding the reel spool. Simply remove the spool and place 3-4 drops of oil on the outside of shaft and turn reel several times to let it work into the center hole.

MAIN DRIVE GEAR. = Not very often, but occas. the drive gear where reel handle attached to, will dry out. Drip oil around the area where handle attached and turn allowing oil to work in around gear edging. Repeat as need to stop the noise.

SPINNER HEAD. = This revolving piece will make a noise now and then. Turn reel upside down and there is a circle of open area. Look for the area where the body and Spinner head attach. Drip several drops into this area as close as you can.Turn reel upside down and allow oil to work into moving metal. Repeat if needed. Then turn reel back up to normal position and try reeling. Noise should have stopped.

SPINCAST REELS [push button]

HANDLE KNOBS.

MAIN DRIVE SHAFT. = This can be oiled from the outside behind reel handle where shaft enters the frame or inside where the shaft is or behind the gear. Oiling both ares the best choice. Drip oil into ares and turn reel handle to work in. Should stop noise after 1-2 applications.

CENTER SHAFT. = As these turn many times per reel handle turn, they do dry out faster.

FROM THE INSIDE BOTTOM OF REEL. = Apply oil to the shaft area where it enters the reel frame, sometimes there is a bearing here, and work reel handle forwards and backwards with the anti-reverse. 1-3 times should be enough.

FROM TOP OF REEL.= Take off the Spinner head and apply oil where shaft comes up out of frame, / 3-4 drops. Push in the Push button in, thus exposing most of the metal shaft. Work the reel handle forward and backwards, let shaft return to normal and repeat 2-3 times. This allows the oil to work into the frame and against the metal areas from one end of shaft to the other. When the reel begins to turn real easy, you have done all you need to for now.

FLY REELS. = Usually the Handle knobs and the Center shaft the Line Spool rides on are the only areas one can oil.
One may have to carefully dis-assemble the fly reel to get the spool to come out. Oil the shaft and inside of line spool. then replace.

Should any Fishing reel continue to make noise after any of these SELF HELP tips, then take it to a Qualified repairman. Something else is wrong and by ignoring it, could cause more damage to your reel, or Cause it to malfunction when one has that "FISH OF A LIFE TIME ON" <!--graemlin::(-->