Today’s fishing reels are mechanical works of art: beautiful and functional. Years of research and development have led to reels that are damn near indestructible. Still, sand and salt can find their way past the most formidable defenses. I turned to Daiwa service supervisor Sergio Flores for some advice on tuning up a reel. Here’s his simple program. – Ric BurnleyRic Burnley
Spring Cleaning
1) Most reels can be pulled apart quite easily and put back together with basic tools. Start with flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, a ten or 12 mm open-end wrench, a soft toothbrush, a bottle of light oil and some lint-free rags.Ric Burnley
Spring Cleaning
2) Remove the handle and sideplate from the reel-only go as deep into the reel as you feel comfortable. A screwdriver with a magnetic tip makes this easier. The first step is to wipe away any grit and grime with a soft toothbrush.Ric Burnley
Spring Cleaning
3) Next, remove excess oil and grease with a shop rag and then sweep the gears with the toothbrush. Do not use a cleaner-degreaser, such as WD-40, inside the reel. It may damage any felt drag washers, and it also makes a mess.Ric Burnley
Spring Cleaning
4) Use a light oil to lubricate the moving parts. Be sure to apply oil to the clutch plate, anti-reverse and bearings. If the bearings are “crunchy”¿ after being lubricated, replace them. Reassemble the reel and go fishing.Ric Burnley
