Rebuilding Old Spinner Fishing Reels

Brian M. Kelly photo

Spinning reels are a mainstay for anglers of all skill levels. As with any tool, spinning reels need proper care to make them last. When rebuilding a reel, you will need to focus on the drive gears inside the body and the drag washers behind the reel spool.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Spinning reel Small screwdriver Rag Reel grease Reel oil
Spinning reel
Small screwdriver
Rag
Reel grease
Reel oil

Step 1

Remove the screws on the side cover and pull it off to access the main drive gears. A long, slender gear called the worm gear extends up through the spool of the reel. Attached to the worm gear is the drive gear, which is attached to the handle of the reel.

Step 2

Over time, the drive gear and worm gear will not mesh as well as they once did. Use a rag to wipe away grime that may have built up on the gear train. Slowly turn the handle of the reel to inspect the gears for any burrs or wear.

Step 3

Once the gears are cleaned, apply grease. Reel grease helps dissipate the heat that builds up due to friction caused by reeling. Place a bead of grease along the worm gear and the teeth of the drive gear. Slowly turn the reel handle again to ensure the grease is properly meshed in the gear teeth. Replace the side cover and tighten the screws.

Step 4

The drag is a mechanism that allows line to be pulled from the reel when a fish makes a run. A smooth drag is necessary when fighting large fish like steelhead; a sticky drag could cause the line to break. To access the drag, unscrew the cap holding the spool on the reel and remove the spool. Remove the clip that holds the drag washers in place.

Step 5

Clean the drag washers with a rag. Once the washers are clean, add several drops of oil to the front and back of each washer as you place them back in the spool. The oil keeps water out of the drag and reduces friction. Put the spool back on the reel and tighten the spool knob.

Tips & Warnings

Do not use oil on the reel gears. Oil is too thin for the job and will not prolong gear life. Do not use grease on the drag washers. It is too thick and will not allow the drag to work properly.

Do not use oil on the reel gears. Oil is too thin for the job and will not prolong gear life.

Do not use grease on the drag washers. It is too thick and will not allow the drag to work properly.

Resources

Tackle Tour

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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