Welcome to our article on how to disassemble a fishing reel like a pro. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, knowing how to take apart and clean your reel is an essential skill to have. Not only will it save you money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs or replacements, but it will also help your reel perform better and last longer.
Disassembling your reel can seem intimidating, but with the right tools and guidance, you’ll be able to do it like a pro. In this article, we’ll walk you through the benefits of disassembling your reel, the tools you’ll need, step-by-step instructions on how to disassemble your reel, and tips to keep it running smoothly.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of how your reel works, feel confident in your ability to take it apart and put it back together, and have a well-maintained reel that performs like new. So, let’s dive in and learn how to disassemble a fishing reel like a pro!
Table of Contents
Why Disassemble Your Fishing Reel?
Proper maintenance is essential to keep your fishing reel in good condition. One of the things that anglers often overlook is disassembling their reels to clean and lubricate the inner components.
By disassembling your reel, you can deep clean the small parts that may be hard to reach during regular cleaning. This ensures that your reel remains free of dirt, grime, and other contaminants that could affect its performance.
Additionally, disassembling your reel can also help you detect any issues before they turn into serious problems. By taking apart your reel, you can inspect all the parts and determine if any of them need to be replaced or repaired.
Lastly, disassembling your reel gives you a better understanding of how it works. As you take apart and put back together your reel, you will gain knowledge and confidence in working with your fishing gear.
Don’t let a lack of understanding keep you from performing essential maintenance on your fishing reel. By disassembling your reel, you can ensure that it runs smoothly and stays in good condition for years to come.
Extend the Lifespan of Your Reel
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Prevent Rust and Corrosion: Disassembling your reel allows you to clean every component thoroughly, removing any dirt, debris, or salt that could cause rust and corrosion. Regular cleaning will help your reel last longer and perform better.
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Replace Worn-Out Parts: Disassembling your reel will give you an opportunity to inspect every part, and if necessary, replace any parts that have worn out over time. This will prevent potential damage to the other parts and ensure the longevity of your reel.
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Save Money: By disassembling your reel, you can identify and fix any issues before they become more serious and require professional repair or replacement. This can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
Disassembling and cleaning your fishing reel may seem like a daunting task, but it is a necessary step to ensure the longevity and proper functioning of your reel. By following a few simple steps, you can keep your reel running smoothly for years to come.
The Benefits Of Disassembling Your Reel
Improved Performance: Disassembling your fishing reel allows you to clean and lubricate the parts, improving its performance. By removing dirt, grime, and old lubricants, you can ensure that your reel runs smoothly and quietly, making it easier to catch fish.
Cost-Effective: Regularly disassembling your reel and maintaining it can help extend its lifespan, which ultimately saves you money. Replacing your fishing reel can be expensive, but by taking care of it, you can avoid the need for a replacement.
Customization: When you disassemble your reel, you have the opportunity to customize it to your needs. You can switch out parts, add accessories, or make other modifications to optimize your fishing experience.
Knowledge: Taking apart your fishing reel and learning about its components can help you better understand how it works. This knowledge can help you troubleshoot issues and make repairs on your own.
Maintain Consistency: Disassembling and maintaining your fishing reel regularly can help ensure that it performs consistently. By avoiding sudden malfunctions, you can improve your chances of catching more fish and have a better overall experience.
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Preventative Maintenance: Regularly disassembling your fishing reel allows you to inspect and identify any potential issues before they become major problems.
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Save Money: By catching and fixing issues early on, you can avoid costly repairs or the need to replace your reel altogether.
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Improve Performance: Keeping your reel in top condition will ensure that it performs at its best, allowing you to fish more effectively.
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Long-Term Investment: Regular maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of your reel, making it a worthwhile investment in the long run.
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Peace of Mind: Knowing that your fishing reel is in good condition can give you peace of mind while you’re out on the water, allowing you to focus on the fishing experience.
Deep Cleaning for Better Performance
Disassembling your fishing reel provides an opportunity to give it a deep clean, which can help improve its performance. Over time, dirt, salt, sand, and other debris can build up in the reel’s inner workings and decrease its effectiveness. A thorough cleaning can help remove this buildup and restore the reel to optimal performance.
Deep cleaning can also help extend the life of your reel. By removing built-up dirt and grime, you reduce the wear and tear on your reel’s components. This can help prevent damage that can shorten the lifespan of your reel.
Additionally, deep cleaning your reel can help you spot any potential issues before they become major problems. When you take your reel apart, you can inspect the components for any signs of damage or wear and tear. This can help you identify and fix minor issues before they turn into bigger, more costly problems.
Finally, a clean reel simply looks and feels better. There’s nothing like the satisfaction of holding a clean, well-maintained fishing reel in your hand. By taking the time to disassemble and clean your reel, you’re not just maintaining its performance, but also its appearance and feel.
Saving Money on Repairs
One of the biggest benefits of disassembling your fishing reel is that it can save you a lot of money on repairs. Taking your reel to a professional repair shop can be expensive, especially if the problem is minor and can be easily fixed at home.
Identifying and fixing problems early can prevent further damage: By disassembling your reel, you can spot small issues that may be affecting its performance. Addressing these problems early on can help prevent further damage and save you from costly repairs in the future.
Replacing worn parts: Over time, parts of your reel can become worn or damaged, affecting its performance. Disassembling your reel allows you to identify which parts need to be replaced and purchase them separately, which is often cheaper than buying a whole new reel.
Cleaning and lubricating: Regularly cleaning and lubricating your reel is essential for its performance and longevity. By disassembling it, you can thoroughly clean and lubricate each part, ensuring that it performs at its best and reducing the likelihood of needing repairs in the future.
Improving your skills: By disassembling your reel and fixing it yourself, you can improve your skills and knowledge of your fishing gear. This can not only save you money but also give you a sense of satisfaction and self-reliance.
Tools You’ll Need To Disassemble Your Reel
If you’re planning to disassemble your fishing reel, you’ll need a few essential tools. The good news is that you probably already have most of them in your toolbox. The screwdriver is the most crucial tool you’ll need to take apart your reel. Make sure to use the right size and type of screwdriver to avoid damaging your reel.
Another essential tool is the cleaning solvent. You’ll need it to remove old grease and dirt from the internal components of your reel. You can use isopropyl alcohol or a dedicated reel cleaner to do the job. A pair of tweezers is also useful for removing small parts and debris from hard-to-reach areas.
Lastly, you’ll need a clean work surface. Find a flat and well-lit area where you can work on your reel without losing small parts. Consider placing a white towel or cloth on your work surface to make it easier to spot small parts that may fall off your reel.
Screwdriver Set
Types: You’ll need both Phillips-head and flathead screwdrivers to disassemble most reels.
Size: Be sure to have a variety of sizes on hand to accommodate the different screw sizes in your reel.
Quality: Invest in a good-quality set of screwdrivers to prevent stripping or damaging screws during the disassembly process.
Needle-Nose Pliers
What are needle-nose pliers? Needle-nose pliers are a type of pliers with long, thin jaws that come to a point, allowing them to reach into small spaces.
Why do you need needle-nose pliers for disassembling your fishing reel? Needle-nose pliers are essential for removing and replacing small parts like springs, washers, and clips that are hard to reach with your fingers or other tools.
What to look for when choosing needle-nose pliers for your fishing reel? Look for pliers with a comfortable grip, as you may need to use them for extended periods. Also, make sure they have a long enough nose to reach the parts you need to work on.
Step-by-Step Guide To Disassemble Your Fishing Reel
If you want to clean and maintain your fishing reel, you need to disassemble it first. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out:
Step 1: Gather all the necessary tools, including a screwdriver set and needle-nose pliers.
Step 2: Remove the reel handle, spool, and drag knob.
Step 3: Unscrew the side plate and remove it, being careful not to damage any of the internal components.
Removing the Spool and Handle
Step 1: Turn the reel upside down and remove the spool cover by unscrewing the retaining screws with a screwdriver.
Step 2: Gently pull off the spool from the reel body, taking care not to lose any springs or washers that may be attached.
Step 3: Use a wrench to loosen and remove the handle screw, and then carefully lift the handle off the reel body.
Be sure to keep all the screws and small parts in a safe place as you disassemble your reel, so you don’t lose anything important.
Removing the Side Plate and Drag System
To remove the side plate, locate the screws on the side of the reel and use the appropriate screwdriver to unscrew them. Be careful not to lose any small screws, washers or other parts. Once the screws are removed, the side plate should come off easily.
The drag system is typically located under the side plate. To remove it, use needle-nose pliers to carefully unscrew the drag knob. Once the knob is removed, the drag system should slide out. Be sure to keep all parts in order to make reassembly easier.
After removing the drag system, take a moment to clean the side plate and drag washers with a cloth or Q-tip dipped in isopropyl alcohol. This will remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated, which can cause the reel to malfunction.
Cleaning the Parts Thoroughly
Use compressed air to blow away any dirt, debris or loose grease from the disassembled parts. Hold the air nozzle at a distance to avoid blowing away any small parts.
Clean the parts with a solvent to remove any old or dried grease. Apply a solvent to a cloth and rub it over the parts, then let them dry.
Use a toothbrush to clean small, hard-to-reach areas of the parts. Dip the toothbrush in the solvent and scrub the parts gently, then dry them with a clean cloth.
Apply grease and oil to the parts before reassembling them. Apply a small amount of grease to the gears and bearings, and a few drops of oil to the moving parts.
Tips To Keep Your Reel Running Smoothly After Disassembling
Use the right lubricant: It’s important to use the correct lubricant for your reel’s specific parts. Avoid using too much lubricant as it can attract dirt and debris.
Reassemble correctly: Make sure you put all the parts back together correctly, and use the right tools to do so. Any loose screws or parts can cause your reel to malfunction.
Store properly: After cleaning and lubricating, store your reel in a dry and cool place to avoid rust or corrosion. Use a reel cover to protect it from dust and debris.
Regular maintenance: Regularly clean and lubricate your reel to keep it running smoothly. This will also help you identify any potential issues before they become serious problems.
Avoid harsh environments: Avoid exposing your reel to harsh environments like saltwater, sand, or extreme temperatures. These can all cause damage to your reel and reduce its lifespan.
Apply Lubricant to Moving Parts
Clean and dry the parts before applying lubricant: Before applying lubricant, make sure the parts are clean and dry. Use a clean cloth to wipe off any dirt or debris.
Use the right type of lubricant: There are different types of lubricants for different parts of the reel. Use a light oil for the gears and bearings, and a thicker grease for the drag system.
Apply lubricant sparingly: Don’t overdo it when applying lubricant. Apply a small amount to each moving part and spread it evenly with a clean brush or toothbrush.
Reapply lubricant regularly: Lubricant will wear off over time, so it’s important to reapply it regularly. How often you need to do this depends on how often you use your reel.
Store your reel properly: Storing your reel properly can also help keep it running smoothly. Make sure it’s clean and dry before storing, and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Disassembling Your Fishing Reel
Forgetting to Take Pictures or Videos: Before disassembling your reel, take pictures or videos of the disassembly process. This will help you remember the order in which you removed the parts and how to reassemble them later.
Using the Wrong Tools: Using the wrong tools to disassemble your reel can cause damage to the parts, which can lead to problems with the reel’s performance. Make sure you use the correct tools, and if you are not sure, consult the reel’s manual or a professional.
Disassembling Your Reel Without Proper Knowledge: Disassembling your reel without proper knowledge of how it works can be risky. If you are not confident in your ability to disassemble and reassemble the reel, it is best to seek the help of a professional or watch instructional videos before attempting the process.
Not Following the Manufacturer’s Guide
Ignoring the guide can cause harm to your reel. Manufacturers know their products best and create guides to help you use and maintain your fishing reel. Skipping over important instructions may lead to breaking or damaging your reel’s delicate parts.
Not understanding the guide can be a mistake too. Some guides can be complex and require some technical knowledge. Not understanding the guide can result in disassembling the reel the wrong way, which can damage the reel’s components or make it harder to reassemble.
Assuming all reels are the same is a common mistake. Different brands and models may have different disassembling and maintenance procedures. Not all reels are the same, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s guide before attempting to disassemble or clean your fishing reel.
Using Too Much Force When Unscrewing Parts
One common mistake when disassembling a fishing reel is using too much force when unscrewing parts. This can cause the screws to become stripped or even break, making it difficult to reassemble the reel.
To avoid this mistake, use the correct tools and be sure to apply the right amount of force. If a screw is difficult to remove, try applying some lubricant or heat to loosen it up.
Remember that some parts may be held in place by more than one screw, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s guide to avoid missing any screws and damaging the reel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools do I need to disassemble a fishing reel?
Before starting the disassembling process, make sure you have the necessary tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, and lubricants. Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for specific tools required for your reel.
Can I disassemble my fishing reel without damaging it?
Disassembling a fishing reel requires precision and care. Follow the manufacturer’s manual carefully and avoid using excessive force when unscrewing parts. It is also important to keep track of the parts you remove and their respective positions to avoid damaging the reel.
How do I clean the parts of my fishing reel after disassembling it?
Use a clean cloth to wipe off any dirt or grime from the disassembled parts. Soak the parts in warm soapy water and gently scrub them using a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the parts thoroughly and let them dry before applying lubricant and reassembling the reel.
How often should I disassemble and clean my fishing reel?
It is recommended to disassemble and clean your fishing reel after every use. This will help to maintain the performance and longevity of your reel. If you use your reel frequently, consider doing a deep clean every few months or as recommended by the manufacturer.
How can I ensure my fishing reel runs smoothly after disassembling and cleaning it?
Apply lubricant to the moving parts of the reel after cleaning and reassembling it. Make sure to use the correct type of lubricant as recommended by the manufacturer. Test the reel’s performance by spooling some line and adjusting the drag system before using it again.