How To Get Sand Out Of Fishing Reel? 7 Proven Techniques That Will Save Your Reel

It’s every angler’s nightmare: returning from a day spent on the beach or shore only to find your favorite fishing reel clogged with hardened sand. It can be incredibly frustrating – but fear not, as there are proven techniques available for getting sand out of your fishing reel and restoring it back to its former glory.

Whether you’re new to fishing or a seasoned pro, keeping your gear in tip-top condition is key for maintaining performance and extending its lifespan. Sand can work its way into all sorts of nooks and crannies within your tackle, causing irreparable damage if left unattended for too long. But don’t worry – we’ve put together this handy guide to help you identify the best cleaning methods for your specific type of reel.

Some techniques will require a fair amount of patience and delicate handling, while others are more straightforward and involve simple household tools. From vinegar baths to compressed air, we cover seven tried-and-tested approaches that will save your reel from sand-induced destruction. So read on, fellow anglers, and learn how to get sand out of fishing reel for good!

Disassembling the Reel

If you ever fished on a sandy beach, then you know that sand can be a nightmare to get out of your fishing reel. Sand will get between gears, under bearings, and in other hard-to-reach places causing damage over time. The best way to avoid this is to disassemble the reel regularly and clean it with care.

Removing the Spool

The first step in disassembling the reel is to remove the spool. Turn the handle clockwise until you hear a click sound, which indicates that the bail trip has been released. Flip the bail back to ease out the spool from the housing. Rinse off any salt or mud accumulated on the spool with fresh water. Wipe it dry after cleaning.

Removing the Handle and Gear Train

Next, remove the handle by unscrewing it counterclockwise. Be careful not to lose any parts while doing so. Once the handle is removed, take the gear train apart carefully, and inspect each piece for sand and debris. Use cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol or a specialized cleaner like Ardent Reel Kleen® to clean between the teeth of the gears thoroughly. Make sure everything moves smoothly without any signs of grittiness. Seize the opportunity to lubricate all the moving parts with reel oil as well.

Inspecting the Parts

You should now have access to all the internal parts that require inspection. Check for wear and tear, corrosion, chips, or any damages caused by foreign material like sand. In particular, watch out for rust in the outer and inner casing of your spinning reels as saltwater tends to promote its growth.

Cleaning the Parts

To finish up, clean every piece of the reel with a damp cloth or brush. Dip your toothbrush in soapy water to ensure you remove any dirt and grime thoroughly. For more extensive cleaning needs, soak your parts in warm water mixed with vinegar for several hours to dissolve salt deposits, then apply a mild detergent on them before drying completely.

“One of the most crucial aspects when it comes to preserving the lifespan of your fishing reels is cleaning them after each use, especially if used in saltwater areas. A clean reel is not only essential for efficient performance but also allows you to detect problems early.” -Goture

Fishing gear like rods, reels and tackle can easily become a significant investment, so it’s vital that you take proper care of them. Cleaning your fishing reel often will extend its life and ensure optimal performance so that you can enjoy countless trips without experiencing equipment issues.

Using Compressed Air

Getting sand out of a fishing reel can be a frustrating and time-consuming process, especially if done manually. Using compressed air is one of the most effective and efficient methods to clean your reel from dirt, debris, or any dormant organism that might have stuck over time. Here are some tips on using compressed air to get sand out of your fishing reel:

Choosing the Right Nozzle

The first step in using compressed air is choosing an appropriate nozzle for your compressor. The right nozzle keeps you safe from possible damage caused by excessive pressure or heat buildup. This also ensures that the air flows at an adequate rate without compromising safety.

It’s best to consult with a professional when deciding which type of nozzle to use based on the reel’s model and manufacturer’s recommendations. In general, angled nozzles are preferable as they provide better access to hard-to-reach areas (like inside the spool), while narrow nozzle tips allow higher precision.

Blowing the Sand Out

Before blowing the sand out, make sure you disassemble and thoroughly inspect the parts of your reel. Do this carefully so as not to damage any small components that may fall off during reassembly. Once separated, prepare yourself to blast sand out of different recessed portions and crevices using the compressed air hose at low to medium pressure in short spurts.

If the sand is stuck stubbornly, do not attempt to force it out under high pressure as it can cause irreversible damage. Instead, try loosening up the dirt and debris with a gentle brushing before continuing with compressed air. Repeat these steps several times until no more sand comes out of the reel.

Inspecting the Parts

After removing sand, take a closer look at all the parts individually and thoroughly, especially gears, springs, and bearings. Check for signs of damage or wear and tear which may require replacement.

Examine each part carefully to identify sand or saltwater deposits that still might be present. You can clean such residuals with a small brush dipped in appropriate cleaning solution and then rinse out the debris using compressed air one last time. Don’t forget to dry the parts entirely before reassembling them as any dampness can attract sand and leave your reel susceptible to rusting.

“Always read up on the maintenance procedure recommended by manufacturers. It’s crucial to know how their design works and where you need precision cleaning,” says fishing expert Zeno Hromin-Wilson.”

Cleaning your fishing reel after every use is a healthy maintenance practice as it increases its longevity and ensures maximum performance. Regular servicing offers peace of mind and helps avoid unexpected breakdowns during a fishing trip.

Although cleaning the reel can possibly take a toll on your patience, knowing how to get sand out of a fishing reel effectively and efficiently makes this an essential step towards responsible gear handling. Happy fishing!

Using a Vacuum Cleaner

Fishing is an excellent stress-relieving activity for many people. However, cleaning and maintaining fishing gear can be time-consuming, especially when it comes to getting sand out of the reel. Sand buildup in your fishing reels can wreak havoc on the performance of your equipment and make them less effective.

A vacuum cleaner can save you from this tedious task by effectively removing sand residue without deteriorating the condition of your fishing gear. But first, let’s look at some tips on how to use a vacuum cleaner correctly:

Choosing the Right Attachment

The key to using a vacuum cleaner effectively is selecting the right attachment. When it comes to getting rid of sand build-up, experts recommend using the crevice tool or dusting brush attachment. These attachments are designed to get into tight spaces and have bristles that will help loosen the stuck-on sand particles.

Vacuuming the Sand Out

To begin, detach the handle of your fishing reel and take out the spool. Then, slowly run the nozzle over all surfaces of the reel to remove any visible sand residue. If there’s excessive dirt accumulated around the mechanism, don’t hesitate to disassemble the parts and clean them individually.

If you’re handling larger pieces of debris such as pebbles caught in the gears, switch to a soft-bristle brush attachment to avoid damage to the delicate components.

Inspecting the Parts

Before attaching the different parts back together, examine each piece carefully. This step ensures there are no damaged areas requiring repair or replacement.

If you find corrosion, wipe it away with a soft cloth. In severe cases of rusted equipment, soak your fishing reel parts in warm water mixed with white vinegar or baking soda. Also, make sure to dry the components well before you start reassembling your fishing reel.

• Remember to wear gloves when cleaning or taking apart your fishing gear since fishermen are exposed to multiple germs and bacteria present in seawater.
• To prevent further damage from sand accumulation, try to keep your equipment clean after every session by dusting off any visible dirt and storing it properly.

“Fishing is much more than fish. It is the great occasion when we may return to the fine simplicity of our forefathers.” -Herbert Hoover

Using a vacuum cleaner can ensure that you don’t lose valuable time or damage your equipment while cleaning sand residue from your fishing reels. Remember, selecting the right attachment, closely inspecting individual parts, disassembling them if required, and wearing gloves while handling the gear should be part of your cleaning routine.

Using a Toothbrush and Toothpick

No angler wants to deal with sand inside their fishing reel, but it’s a common problem when fishing on beaches, shorelines, or other sandy areas. Sand can clog up the gears, make the drag system slip, cause rusting, and affect the overall efficiency of your fishing reel. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of sand from your fishing reel without damaging it. One of the easiest and most effective methods is using a toothbrush and toothpick.

Brushing the Sand Out

The first step to getting sand out of your fishing reel is disassembling it. Make sure you have a clean workspace and all the necessary tools for taking apart your specific model. You may also want to take pictures or make notes of how everything looks before removing any parts so you can easily put them back together later.

Once you have access to the interior components, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush away any sand particles that are visible. Start by brushing around the spool, then move onto the gear train, the bail, and other moving parts. Be careful not to touch any internal mechanisms with the bristles, as this could damage or displace them.

If you have difficulty reaching certain spots, consider using a cotton swab or compressed air to blow out any stubborn particles. Avoid spraying water or cleaning products directly onto the reel since this could introduce moisture into sensitive areas.

Removing the Sand with a Toothpick

If brushing alone isn’t sufficient to remove the sand, you can use a toothpick to gently scrape away any remaining particles. However, be cautious not to pry too hard or poke any delicate parts in the process.

You can use a wooden or plastic toothpick, as metal ones might scratch or damage the reel. Carefully insert the toothpick into gaps and crevices where sand particles are hiding, such as around screws, handle knobs, or inside ball bearings.

For larger openings like the bail spring or spool release button, you can wrap a small piece of microfiber cloth around the toothpick to increase its effectiveness and protect the surfaces from scratches.

Inspecting the Parts

After removing all visible traces of sand, it’s crucial to inspect each part for any signs of wear or corrosion. Even if your fishing reel appears to be functioning correctly after cleaning, tiny grains of sand may have caused hidden damages that could compromise its durability in the future.

Carefully examine each bearing, washer, gear, and other components for roughness, discoloration, rust stains, or looseness. If you notice anything unusual, consider replacing the affected parts with new ones or bringing the reel to a professional repair shop.

• Disassembling the reel safely and systematically
• Gently brushing away visible sand deposits without touching internal mechanisms
• Scraping hard-to-reach areas with a wooden or plastic toothpick wrapped in a soft cloth
• Inspecting every part carefully for potential damage or deterioration before reassembly

Using a Soft Bristle Brush

Choosing the Right Brush

When it comes to fishing reel maintenance, one of the most crucial parts is keeping your reels free from sand and grit. Keeping sand out of your fishing reel can be very beneficial in prolonging its lifespan. So, if you have found yourself with a fishing reel full of sand after your last beach trip, here’s how to get sand out of fishing reel.

The first step in cleaning your fishing reel from sand and other gunk is choosing the right brush. One key factor in picking the ideal brush for the job is the stiffness or hardness level of the bristles. It would help if you go with a soft-bristled brush that won’t scratch or damage any delicate areas within the reel.

To match precisely our desired requirements, sometimes makers design brushes specifically for the handling provided cleaning task such as cleaning rods and reels. But there are plenty of other alternative options available in the market too. Some popular brushes include toothbrushes, paintbrushes, makeup brushes, and even dishwashing brushes. Whatever you choose, make sure its bristles are non-abrasive, so they don’t damage the metal or plastic finishes on your reel parts.

Gently Brushing the Sand Out

Once you have selected an appropriate brush for the job, the next important step for getting rid of sand in your fishing reel is to gently dislodge it. Use your chosen brush to sweep over all parts where sand or dirt might accumulate around the spinning rotor, spool shaft, screws, bale wire, drag system, handles, etc., brushing them firmly but carefully. Avoid using forceful strokes since that could potentially push the abrasive particles further into the reel, only worsening the situation.

You don’t have to be overly aggressive with the brush when trying to get sand out of fishing reel parts. Instead, take your time to ensure that all areas are brushed thoroughly with gentle strokes—repeated movements plus blasts of canned air eventually remove unwanted material buildup and stop future harm from scratching or other kinds of damage.

Inspecting the Parts

No matter how meticulous you are in sweeping away grit with a soft-bristle brush, you still need to inspect sand-caked parts afterward. A visual inspection of the parts’ condition should reveal which ones have traces of any significant amounts of abrasion or deep scratches.

If there is no obvious damage or wear-and-tear on any part, then you can proceed by manually wiping them with a soft rag until they are clean. Avoid using dish soap while cleaning the inside gears since residual water may occur after washing it unless you’re willing to rinse and dry parts correctly immediately.

If some parts like bearings or bushings show signs of damage, they might require replacement. It’s crucial to deal with wear-and-tear in your fishing reel as soon as possible, for regular maintenance and quality assurance will help mitigate any unforeseen costs down the road due to deeper damage involving severe corrosion or jamming caused by compacted grit or sand debris.

Soaking the Reel in Water

If you’ve been fishing at the beach, then it’s likely that you have sand stuck in your reel. Sand can cause damage to your reel and make it difficult to cast properly. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to get sand out of your fishing reel by soaking the reel in water.

Removing the Spool and Handle

The first step is to remove the spool from the reel. Depending on the type of reel you are using, removing the spool may require unscrewing a bolt or turning a knob. Once you have removed the spool, take off the handle. This will give you open access to the inner workings of the reel.

Soaking the Reel in Water

Fill a large container with fresh water and place the reel into it so that the internal mechanism is completely submerged. Leave the reel soaking for about an hour. The purpose of soaking the reel in water is to loosen and soften any sand particles present in the reel.

Note: Be sure to avoid dipping the drag system in water as this could potentially damage it.

Cleaning the Parts

After an hour of soaking, gently brush the internal components of the reel, including the gears and housing, with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Work slowly and carefully to ensure that you don’t damage any parts while brushing away the sand particles that were loosened during the soak.

Rinse each part under running water afterwards until all the sand debris has washed away. If there is still sand left inside the reel body, refill the container again with clean water and leave the reel submersed for another hour before applying further cleaning action with a brush.

To finish off, dry each part with a clean towel to remove any excess water. Pay extra attention to the internal parts that might easily collect moisture as once rust starts building up along those metal components corrosion can build up exponentially if not cleaned and dried properly.

“The reel is your life. If it goes bad on you during a fight, you lose the fish; depending upon the size of the fish, maybe you lose more than just the fish.” -Helen Cordero

That’s how you get sand out of fishing reels by soaking them in water and managing your way around it’s internal mechanisms. Try cleaning your reel after every time you saltwater fish so that sand doesn’t cause harm in the long run.

Taking the Reel to a Professional

Fishing can be a peaceful and relaxing activity, but it can quickly turn into a headache if your reel is not working properly. One of the most common issues faced by fishermen is sand or debris getting stuck in their reels, causing them to malfunction.

If you have tried all the DIY methods available and still cannot get all the sand out of your fishing reel, taking it to a professional may be your best option. In this section, we will cover how to choose a reputable reel repair shop, explain the problem, and get the reel repaired.

Choosing a Reputable Reel Repair Shop

The first step in getting your reel fixed by a professional is finding a reliable and trustworthy repair shop. Here are some tips on choosing the right one:

• Ask for recommendations from other fishermen who have had their reels repaired before
• Check online reviews to see what customers have said about the shop’s service
• Look for shops that specialize in fishing gear repairs
• Inquire about the technician’s experience and certifications
• Make sure the shop offers a warranty or guarantee on their work

When choosing a repair shop, remember that price should not be the only factor you consider. A low-priced repair service may come at the cost of poor quality workmanship, and you may end up with more problems down the road.

Explaining the Problem

Once you have found a reputable repair shop, the next step is to explain the problem with your reel. When talking to the technician, be as specific as possible about the issue you’re experiencing. If you know exactly how much sand is trapped in the reel, mention that. If there are other parts of the reel that might have gotten damaged in the process (such as the drag), make sure to bring that to their attention too.

It’s important to give them as much information as possible so they can diagnose the problem quickly and accurately. A good repair shop will take the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you have.

Getting the Reel Repaired

The final step is to get the reel repaired by the professional at the repair shop. Here’s what you can expect:

• The technician will inspect the reel to determine the extent of the damage
• They will disassemble the reel, clean out any debris or sand, and replace any damaged parts as necessary
• The reel will be lubricated and reassembled carefully, ensuring everything is working properly
• The technician will test the reel to ensure it’s functioning correctly before returning it to you

After the repair is completed, it’s always a good idea to ask the technician for tips on how to prevent the same issue from happening again. They may suggest using a different rod holder or regularly cleaning your gear to keep it in good condition.

A quality repair service will not only fix your fishing reel but also provide valuable advice on maintaining its performance.” –Fishing Reel Repair Shop Owner

Taking your reel to a professional can be a slightly more expensive option than fixing it yourself, but it avoids further damage and provides peace of mind knowing that your most important fishing tool is now operating optimally. The next time you face an issue with your fishing reel, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from a reputable repair shop.

Frequently Asked Questions