How to Lubricate Your Fishing Reel in 5 Simple Steps

Welcome to our guide on how to properly lubricate your fishing reel in just 5 easy steps. Properly maintaining your fishing gear is essential to ensuring a successful and enjoyable fishing trip, and lubricating your reel is a critical part of that maintenance. Lubrication can extend the life of your reel, protect it from damage, and even increase its performance. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of lubricating your fishing reel like a pro.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies – Before you begin, you’ll need to gather the necessary supplies. This includes a clean workspace, a soft-bristled brush, a microfiber cloth, reel oil, reel grease, and a reel maintenance kit.

Step 2: Disassemble Your Reel – Once you have your supplies, it’s time to disassemble your reel. You’ll need to remove the spool, the handle, and any other removable parts to access the internal components.

Are you ready to learn the remaining three steps to lubricating your fishing reel like a pro? Keep reading to discover the expert tips that will make your reel maintenance quick and easy!

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you start lubing your fishing reel, you need to make sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Clean Cloth: You will need a soft, clean cloth to wipe the old lubricant off your reel.
• Cotton Swabs: Cotton swabs can be used to reach small, hard-to-reach areas of your reel.
• Lubricant: Choose a lubricant that is specifically made for fishing reels. Do not use WD-40 or any other household lubricants as they can cause permanent damage to your reel.
• Reel Grease: Reel grease is thicker than lubricant and can be used on the gears and moving parts of your reel.

Once you have gathered all the necessary supplies, you can move on to the next step. But, before you do, make sure you have a clean and well-lit work area to prevent any accidental damage to your reel.

Pro Tip: It’s important to choose the right type of lubricant and reel grease for your fishing reel. Make sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or do some research before purchasing any lubricant or reel grease.

With all the necessary supplies at hand and a clean workspace, you are now ready to start the process of lubing your fishing reel. Let’s move on to the next step!

Choose the Right Lubricant

1. Type: Not all lubricants are created equal. When choosing a lubricant for your fishing reel, make sure to use one that is specifically designed for fishing reels. Avoid using general-purpose lubricants as they may not be suitable for the specific components in your reel.

2. Viscosity: The viscosity of the lubricant you choose will depend on the type of fishing you do and the climate in which you fish. A thicker lubricant may be more suitable for saltwater fishing, while a thinner one may be better for freshwater fishing.

3. Quantity: When lubricating your reel, it’s important not to overdo it. Using too much lubricant can attract dirt and debris, leading to further damage to your reel. Use only a small amount of lubricant, just enough to coat the components.

4. Brand: Choose a reputable brand of lubricant to ensure the best performance and protection for your fishing reel. Brands such as Shimano, Penn, and Abu Garcia offer a wide range of lubricants that are specifically designed for fishing reels.

Choosing the right lubricant is crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of your fishing reel. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to make a decision. However, by considering the type, viscosity, quantity, and brand of lubricant, you can make an informed choice that will keep your reel functioning smoothly.

Get the Right Tools for the Job

Before you begin to lubricate your fishing reel, it is important to gather all the necessary tools. Here are some essential items you will need:

• Reel Grease: Choose a high-quality reel grease that is specially formulated for fishing reels. Avoid using general-purpose lubricants as they can damage your reel.
• Clean Cloth: Use a soft and clean cloth to remove old grease and dirt from your reel.
• Toothbrush: A toothbrush with soft bristles can help you clean hard-to-reach areas of your reel.
• Screwdrivers: You may need different sizes of screwdrivers to disassemble your reel.
• Reel Oil: You will need reel oil to lubricate the internal components of your reel. Make sure you choose a high-quality oil that is designed for fishing reels.

Make sure you have all these tools before you start lubricating your reel. Having the right tools will make the process much easier and prevent any damage to your reel.

Remember, maintaining your fishing reel is crucial to ensure its longevity and performance on the water. By using the right tools, you can keep your reel running smoothly and help prevent any damage to the internal components.

Prepare Your Workspace

Before you start working on your fishing reel, it’s important to make sure you have a clean, organized workspace to avoid losing any small parts.

Gather the necessary tools and supplies such as a work mat or towel to protect your work surface, a small container to hold screws and other small parts, and cleaning supplies like a toothbrush, q-tips, and rubbing alcohol or a degreaser.

Choose a well-lit area where you can work comfortably without straining your eyes. It’s also a good idea to have good ventilation to avoid inhaling any fumes from the cleaning products.

Remove any distractions like your phone or TV to help you stay focused and avoid any accidents.

Step 2: Disassemble Your Reel

Consult Your Owner’s Manual: Before starting to disassemble your reel, check your owner’s manual for instructions specific to your reel model. This will help you avoid damaging your reel during disassembly.

Use the Right Tools: It’s important to use the right tools for the job to avoid causing damage to the reel. Common tools needed for disassembling a reel include screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches.

Clean as You Go: As you disassemble the reel, clean each part before moving on to the next. This will help you see any parts that may be damaged or need lubrication.

Organize Your Parts: Keep track of the parts you remove by organizing them in a container or tray. This will help you avoid losing parts or mixing them up during reassembly.

Inspect for Damage: As you disassemble your reel, inspect each part for any damage or signs of wear and tear. This will help you determine if any parts need to be replaced.

2.Keep Track of Your Parts

Lay out a clean workspace: Before disassembling your reel, clear your workspace of any debris or distractions. Use a clean towel or mat to keep your parts organized and avoid losing any of them.

Take pictures: It’s always a good idea to take pictures of your reel before disassembling it. This will help you remember how to put it back together later and ensure you don’t forget any parts.

Keep track of screws: Keep track of the different types of screws and where they belong. A simple trick is to use a small magnet to hold the screws in place and prevent them from getting lost.

Organize small parts: Use small containers or bags to organize small parts like washers, springs, and clips. Label them clearly so you can easily find them when you need to reassemble your reel.

Be gentle: Be careful not to damage any parts when disassembling your reel. Use the right tools and take your time to avoid bending, breaking, or scratching any components.

Clean as You Go

While you are disassembling your reel, it is important to clean each part as you go. This will ensure that you don’t forget to clean any parts and that you don’t mix up parts from different sections of the reel.

Use a cloth or cotton swab to wipe away any dirt or debris from the parts. Be sure to also clean the housing of the reel, removing any dust or grime that may have accumulated.

As you clean each part, inspect it for any signs of damage or wear. If a part looks damaged or worn, it should be replaced before you lubricate and reassemble the reel.

By cleaning as you go, you’ll save time and ensure that your reel is in top condition for your next fishing trip.

Use the Right Tools to Avoid Damage

When disassembling and reassembling your fishing reel, it is important to use the correct tools to avoid causing any damage. Here are some essential tools you should have:

• Screwdrivers: A set of screwdrivers of different sizes is necessary to remove screws of various sizes in your reel.
• Pliers: Pliers come in handy when removing small parts or manipulating wires or other components in your reel.
• Hex Keys: Hex keys or Allen wrenches are needed to remove screws with hexagonal sockets.
• Clean cloths: You should have some clean cloths on hand to wipe down the parts and clean up any debris or dirt that you may come across during the process.
• Reel grease and oil: You will need some reel grease and oil to lubricate the parts of your reel once you have cleaned them.

Using the right tools will ensure that you don’t accidentally strip screws, scratch components, or cause any other damage to your reel. If you don’t have the right tools on hand, consider purchasing them before attempting to disassemble your reel.

Step 3: Clean Your Reel Components

Clean the Body – Use a soft cloth and warm, soapy water to clean the reel body. Pay extra attention to the handle, drag knob, and spool release button.

Clean the Spool – Remove any dirt or debris from the spool using a toothbrush. Soak the spool in warm, soapy water for a few minutes, and then rinse it off with clean water.

Clean the Bearings – Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean the bearings. Rotate the bearings while cleaning to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned.

Clean the Gears – Use a toothbrush to clean the gears. Be sure to remove any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the gears.

Re-lubricate the Reel – Apply a small amount of lubricant to the gears, bearings, and any other moving parts. Be sure to use a lubricant recommended by the manufacturer.

3.Use a Degreaser to Remove Old Lubricant

Degreaser is an effective way to remove old lubricant from your reel components. To use it, you’ll want to start by disassembling your reel and laying all of the parts out on a clean towel or workbench.

Next, spray the degreaser onto the parts and let it sit for a few minutes. You may want to use a small brush to gently scrub the parts to help remove any stubborn grime or buildup.

After you’ve cleaned all the parts, rinse them thoroughly with warm water and dry them with a clean towel. Make sure to remove any excess degreaser to prevent it from damaging your reel’s finish or other components.

Step 4: Apply Lubricant to Your Reel

After cleaning your reel components thoroughly, it’s time to apply lubricant to ensure optimal performance. Lubrication is important because it reduces friction and prevents wear and tear on your reel’s moving parts.

Before applying lubricant, make sure to use a clean cloth to wipe down all the components to remove any remaining debris. Applying lubricant to dirty components can cause more harm than good.

When choosing a lubricant, make sure to use one that is specifically designed for fishing reels. Avoid using household oils and greases as they can damage your reel’s components. High-quality fishing reel oil and grease are specially formulated to handle the unique demands of fishing reels.

To apply the lubricant, use a small amount and apply it directly to the moving parts of the reel. Be sure not to over-lubricate as this can attract dirt and debris, leading to further damage.

Once you have applied the lubricant, make sure to work the reel’s moving parts to evenly distribute the lubricant. Test your reel’s movement to ensure that it is functioning smoothly and quietly.

Remember that proper lubrication is essential to maintaining your fishing reel’s performance, so make sure to lubricate your reel regularly to keep it in top condition.

Apply Lubricant to the Right Parts

Before applying the lubricant, it’s important to know which parts need it. Apply the lubricant to the bearing, gears, and the spool shaft.

The bearing is responsible for supporting the spool shaft and ensuring smooth rotation. Apply lubricant to the inner and outer race of the bearing.

The gears are responsible for transferring power from the handle to the spool. Apply lubricant to the teeth of the gears and their contact points.

The spool shaft is responsible for holding the spool and transferring the rotational energy to it. Apply lubricant to the spool shaft to ensure smooth rotation and reduce friction between the spool and the shaft.

4.Use the Right Amount of Lubricant

Using the right amount of lubricant is crucial to ensuring that your reel functions optimally. Too much lubricant can lead to dirt and debris buildup, which can cause your reel to malfunction. On the other hand, too little lubricant can lead to increased friction, which can damage the components of your reel.

When lubricating your reel, use the manufacturer’s recommended amount. If you don’t have access to this information, a general rule of thumb is to apply a thin, even layer of lubricant to all of the moving parts.

Pay special attention to the bearings, gears, and other high-friction areas. Avoid over-lubricating, as this can attract dirt and debris that can clog up your reel. If you notice excess lubricant after application, wipe it away with a clean cloth.

4.Distribute Lubricant Evenly

After applying the lubricant, it’s important to distribute it evenly across the reel components to ensure smooth operation. You can do this by gently turning the handle to move the lubricant around.

Be careful not to over-lubricate the reel, as this can attract dirt and debris and cause damage to the components. Using the right amount of lubricant is crucial to avoid such problems.

Once the lubricant is evenly distributed, wipe off any excess with a clean cloth. This will prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris that can cause damage to the reel in the long run.

Remember to lubricate your reel regularly to keep it functioning smoothly. The frequency of lubrication depends on the type of reel, how frequently it is used, and the conditions in which it is used. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance on proper maintenance.

In addition to lubricating your reel, be sure to clean it regularly to remove dirt, salt, and other debris that can cause damage. By following these steps, you can keep your fishing reel in top condition and enjoy smooth and successful fishing trips for years to come.

Step 5: Reassemble Your Reel and Test It Out

After applying lubricant and cleaning all the components, it’s time to reassemble the reel. Use the schematic diagram you made earlier as a guide for putting everything back together. Make sure to properly align and tighten all screws and bolts, but be careful not to overtighten anything as it could cause damage to the reel.

Once everything is reassembled, it’s time to test out your reel. Start by slowly rotating the handle to make sure it spins smoothly. If it feels stiff or catches, it’s possible that there’s still debris or old lubricant in the reel. In that case, you may need to disassemble the reel and repeat the cleaning and lubrication process.

If the handle spins smoothly, you can test out the reel’s drag system. Attach the reel to a fishing rod and pull on the line to simulate the pressure of a fish. The drag should be smooth and consistent, allowing the line to release evenly without jerking or locking up.

Finally, you should check the reel’s line capacity by filling it with line and ensuring that it doesn’t exceed the maximum capacity. Make sure the line is spooled on evenly and securely.

By following these steps and properly maintaining your reel, you can extend its lifespan and ensure that it performs at its best for all your fishing adventures.

5.Follow a Reassembly Guide if You’re Unsure

If you’re not familiar with how your reel goes back together, it’s always a good idea to follow a reassembly guide. This can be found online or in the reel’s manual. The guide will give you step-by-step instructions on how to put your reel back together correctly. Take your time and follow the guide closely to ensure that your reel is properly assembled.

When reassembling your reel, make sure that you put everything back in its proper place. Some parts may look similar but be slightly different, so be sure to double-check before putting them in place. If you’re not sure where a certain part goes, consult the reassembly guide or seek advice from a professional.

Once you have reassembled your reel, give it a spin to make sure everything is working correctly. Check that the handle turns smoothly, the gears engage properly, and the drag system is functioning as it should. If everything looks good, you’re ready to hit the water with your newly serviced reel!

5.Test Your Reel Before Heading Out to Fish

After reassembling your reel, it’s important to test it out to make sure everything is working smoothly. Check for any grinding, wobbling, or unusual noises. Spool the line onto the reel and test the drag system by pulling the line from the spool. Make sure the drag is smooth and consistent, without any jerking or slipping.

You should also check the handle and make sure it turns smoothly without any resistance. If the handle is difficult to turn or feels loose, it may need further adjustment. Test the bail mechanism by flipping it open and closed several times, making sure it snaps into place smoothly.

If you notice any issues during testing, it’s important to address them before heading out to fish. This can save you from frustration or disappointment on the water. Take the time to make any necessary adjustments or repairs, or seek out professional assistance if needed.

Expert Tips for Lubricating Your Reel Like a Pro

Use the right lubricant: Different types of reels may require different types of lubricants. Make sure to use the correct lubricant for your specific reel to ensure optimal performance.

Don’t over-lubricate: Applying too much lubricant can actually do more harm than good. Excess lubricant can attract dirt and debris, causing your reel to become clogged and malfunction. Use only the necessary amount of lubricant to keep your reel running smoothly.

Clean your reel before lubricating: Before lubricating your reel, make sure to clean it thoroughly. Any dirt or debris left on the reel can get trapped in the lubricant, causing damage to the internal components of the reel.

Use a quality lubricant: Invest in a high-quality lubricant that is specifically designed for fishing reels. Quality lubricants are more effective and will last longer, saving you time and money in the long run.

Lubricate regularly: To ensure optimal performance and longevity, it’s important to lubricate your reel regularly. This will help prevent wear and tear on the internal components of your reel, and keep it running smoothly for years to come.

Expert Tip 1: Don’t Overdo It with Lubricant

Using too much lubricant can be just as bad as using too little. Over-lubricating can lead to a buildup of excess oil or grease, which can attract dirt and debris, leading to more problems down the line. It can also cause the reel to spin too quickly, resulting in a loss of control over the line.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to lubrication. Use only the recommended amount of oil or grease, and make sure to distribute it evenly across the necessary parts. Too much lubrication can also cause the reel to become too slippery, making it difficult to grip and control.

Regular maintenance and cleaning of your reel can also help prevent the need for excessive lubrication. By keeping your reel clean and free of debris, you can ensure that it functions smoothly without needing an excessive amount of lubrication.

Expert Tip 2: Clean and Lubricate Your Reel After Every Use

Cleaning and lubricating your reel after every use is essential for keeping it in top condition. Salt, sand, and other debris can accumulate on your reel after fishing, which can cause it to become corroded and rusty over time. By cleaning and lubricating your reel after each use, you’ll remove these harmful materials and prevent damage to your reel.

To clean your reel, start by disassembling it and wiping it down with a clean cloth. Then, use a reel cleaning solution or soapy water to clean the individual parts. Once you’ve cleaned your reel, be sure to dry it thoroughly with a towel.

After cleaning your reel, it’s important to apply lubricant to the appropriate parts. This will help prevent corrosion and ensure that your reel functions smoothly. Use a high-quality lubricant, such as reel oil or grease, and be sure to apply it evenly and sparingly.

Frequently Asked Questions