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How to Fix a Sigma Shakespeare Reel

How to Fix a Sigma Shakespeare Reel

fishing tackle image by mashe from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

The last thing most anglers want when fishing is something going wrong with their gear. To keep your equipment working and functioning, repairs and maintenance will be necessary. If you fish with a Shakespeare Sigma reel and it malfunctions, there are several quick fixes you can do in the field or at home to keep the reel bringing in fish. When you repair your Sigma reel, you will also be troubleshooting.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • Small Phillips screwdriver
  • Silicone dry spray-on lubricant
  • Hobby oil
  • Small needle-nose pliers
  • Shop grease
  • Replacement bearings or cartridge
Step 1
Open the cast-bail mechanism and check to see if the line is tangled or snagged. Most repairs are surrounding the line and casting mechanism. If you find the line snagged or tangled, pull the offending section of line from the reel's spool. Tug gently until the line begins to spool out. Continue until the snag or tangle is removed. Inspect the line for damage and cut it away, if necessary. Rethread the remaining line through the rod.
Step 2
Jiggle the Sigma's handle. Check for grinding or a dry and gritty feel as you turn the reel's handle. If present, unscrew the handle's attachment screw by turning it to the left until it can be removed. Set the screw aside and remove the handle. Inspect the bushing and reel attachment to the spool. Spray the dry silicone lubricant into the bushings and moving mechanisms. Wait five minutes and spray one more coat into these areas. Reattach the handle and screw. Turn the handle to check for the gritty feeling. If the gritty feel remains, repeat the process.
Step 3
Cast and spin the reel. Feel for gritty action or any tackiness off the spool. If present, chances are high the bearing grease needs to be repacked or you need to replace the bearing cartridge. Push the bail-cast mechanism open, and then remove the Sigma housing by unscrewing the screws to the left until the housing is loose and can be removed.
Step 4
Look to the inside edge of the spool for a cylindrical housing with six small ball bearings. Turn this cartridge to the left one-half turn and remove from the spool. Inspect the grease. Look for dirt, grit or dried-out areas in the cartridge. If there is a small area of dried grease, add a dollop of the shop grease. Replace the cartridge, moving it one-half turn to the right to lock it back into the spool's edge.
Step 5
Replace the cartridge with a new bearing cartridge if the grease is gone or too corroded to be repacked. Slide the new cartridge into the spool cartridge area and move it one-half turn to the right to lock it into position. Place the housing back on the reel and screw it so it is locked on the reel.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

Write for Trails.com

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