Sandy, salty reel death: not all reels are created equal!

[OldTimer]

MuskieBait is right. Household oils (sewing machine, WD40, etc.) are not designed for use in reels. They harden quicker, and can sludge up and do allow water to get into sliding or rotating joints. Water is not a lubricant……. This is why a car engine seizes so quickly if the block cracks allowing water to get into the rods, cam and pistons.

Symptoms are the reel sticking, squeaking, chirping & squawking as you reel, or feeling like it’s full of thick goo.

Correct reel oil and reel greases are more expensive as they actually coat and lightly bond to metal surfaces. They consist of a mixture of petrochemical and metallic compounds.

Now that you’ve put the light detergent oil (pellet gun oil) in your reel – the proper option is to strip down the reel and clean all parts, gears and their teeth with a degreaser (rubbing alcohol, or lighter fluid). Then wash them with a detergent and water using a toothbrush. Rinse & air dry everything VERY thoroughly. Then re-assemble & re-lubricate the parts using reel oil and reel grease.
I recommend that you not remove the bail or bail springs unless there is an obvious problem. (these can be quite finicky to reassemble). I also recommend that the dis-assembly and cleaning be done on a good large work surface using a small compartmented box (or egg carton) to hold all the small parts, screws, and washers.

Reel oil goes on handle parts and handle bearings, the bail spring, the reels sliding shaft, its bearings and the line roller bearing. Just a drop is necessary in each location.

Reel grease goes on each of the gear teeth SPARINGLY, and a VERY LIGHT film of grease on the contact sides of the gears or cams that rub one another. Great big gobs of grease do more harm than good. Don’t put grease where nothing is in contact.

When re-assembling the reel – make sure the side cover plates or closures are clean and sit correctly providing a good seal to the main body. i.e. – remove little bits of crud on the seating surfaces.

DO NOT USE OIL ON GEARS. DO NOT PUT ANYTHING ON DRAG ASSEMBLIES or their shafts.

WD40 and light household oils are fine (used sparingly) for the light cleaning and wiping down of the exterior surfaces of the reel housing and frame.

Cheers,

OldTimer