How to Maintain Shimano Reels

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Shimano American Corp. has been manufacturing tackle for over 80 years. Shimano reels are easy to maintain and most of the tools you’ll need to do so are available on the company’s website or at local tackle stores. Clean and lubricate your Shimano reel at home before heading out on the water. After a day of fishing, wipe your reel down and store it in a fishing shed, garage or other location away from water and humidity. Maintaining your Shimano reel will ensure it is in good working order for years to come.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Microfiber cloth
Water
Flathead screwdriver
Shimano Bantam Oil
Applicator bottle
Cotton balls
Isopropyl alcohol

Step 1

Rinse salt and dirt from your Shimano reel using freshwater. Using a spray bottle, gently clean your reel. Wipe the reel dry using a microfiber cloth, which will trap any salt or debris you missed. Water from a hose or indoor faucet can cause salt to become lodged inside the reel, so if you do not have a spray bottle, wet a microfiber cloth and use it to clean the reel. This step is only necessary if your Shimano reel has become submerged in saltwater.

Step 2

Remove the screws on the left side plate with a flathead screwdriver and remove the spool assembly. Add Shimano Bantam Oil to the spool bearing and brake collars, but not the spool shaft.

Step 3

Lubricate the drive shaft bearing using Shimano Bantam Oil. Apply the oil using an applicator bottle. Add Shimano Bantam Oil on the reel foot to stave off corrosion and rust.

Step 4

Apply a light coat of grease to the gearing and reinstall the spool and side plate. Screw the hardware back into place.

Step 5

Clean the exterior of reel regularly with isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Wet a cotton ball with isopropyl alcohol and rub onto the exterior of the reel to keep the reel clean.

Tips & Warnings

Contact Shimano American Corp. for reel repairs and replacement parts:

Shimano American Corp.

1 Holland

Irvine, CA 92618

877-577-0600

fish.shimano.com

Resources

Shimano: FAQs

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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