How to Repair a Shimano Fishing Reel

Avid anglers often put their equipment to the test each and every time on the water. There usually comes a time when the conditions and stress catch up to the fishing reel and repairs are needed. Fortunately, it only takes some simple repair work to get a Shimano spinning reel up and running again.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Reel oil
Reel grease
Small Phillips screwdriver
Shop rag

Step 1

Remove the side plate on the Shimano spinning reel using the Phillips head screwdriver. This plate covers the gearing system that drives the entire reel; it's where most problems occur because of neglect and the abuse of hard fishing.

Step 2

Check the gears visually to see if there is a burr or piece of debris that could be causing an issue with the gear train. Use the shop rag to remove any grease or debris and then turn the reel handle to check the meshing of the gears.

Step 3

Replace the grease on the reel gears. Use grease and not oil. Grease lasts longer and dissipates heat better on gears than thin oil does. Wind the reel handle again to make sure the grease penetrates the entire length of the gear.

Step 4

Wipe the side cover clean with the shop rag. Check the edges of the cover for cracks that could let in dirt or debris. Replace the side cover on the reel and tighten the Phillips head screws in place.

Step 5

Check the bail of the spinning reel and place a few drops of reel oil on the moving parts of the bail. This will keep the bail operating smoothly and keep the bail from failing on the water.

Tips & Warnings

Cleaning your reel on a regular basis will keep repairs to a minium.

Do not try to sand or remove a layer of metal from the gears. If there is a burr on the gears, use a piece of steel wool to remove the burr.

Resources

Mike's Reel Repair

Article Written By Brian M. Kelly

Brian M. Kelly has been freelance writing since 2003. His work has been published in respected outdoor magazines such as Outdoor Life, Great Lakes Angler and Salmon Trout Steelheader. He holds an associate's degree in automated machine design from Macomb College.

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