[Overki11]

Just wondering how often people have their fixed spools serviced? Invested a fair amount of money in New reels over the past few months so want to make sure I have plenty of fishing time with them.
On average beach fishing twice a week, always clean the reels under cold fresh water after use and roughly oil/grease them about every 3 months taking a lot of care around the bail arm area. I have never had any of my reels professionally serviced. I have had my original Penn reels for just under five years now and sti working fine and just hoping my new shimanos last just as long.

 

[fisherjohn2010]

I've always sent mine back every couple of years, it keeps them in A1 condition, isn't too expensive, and maybe does a more thorough job. Both Penn and Shimano have very good service centres, and a fast turnaround as well.

 

[Overki11]

Thanks, think I might see if I can get those Penn's serviced which will hopefully put a few more years on them.

 

[dabcatcher]

i like to open and oil the roller bearing every 2 sessions. this is the first thing to dry up and greatly effects the performance of the reel. every couple of month i,ll oil the bail arm, spindle, handle etc. as long as the internals are running ok i rarely open them up.

 

[Overki11]

Thanks Dab.. did speak to someone today based down in Plymouth regarding servicing them, not too expensive so may send one of my Penn 850's to be looked at.

 

[meanstreak]

Same as Dabcatcher, no point in opening up as it should be sealed, just oil the external parts that need it,

 

[OldSeaDog]

Same as Dabcatcher, no point in opening up as it should be sealed, just oil the external parts that need it,

Pretty much how I do it too,wash under running water,leave in the airing cupboard for at least 24 hours to dry,then oil the roller and remove the spool and oil the shaft.
One tip I would add to what's been advised already - open the side plate when you get a new reel and make sure it is properly greased before you use the reel - then providing you clean and oil after every trip,you should not need to open your reel again -ever!

 

[john elliot]

blakdog does a good service i believe , if ur doing a little maintainance urself , well i get the 3 in one out , as said , OIL THAT ROLLER on the bail arm , oil everything that moves externally until the handle moves under its own weight , its all u need to do take the spool off , oil in here and on the spindle , oil inside the drag cap ,

 

[Overki11]

Thanks, to be honest I've never even thought of oiling inside the drag cap. Will take note on how often to oil etc and not leave it 3 months or so.

 

[Captain Scarlet]

The only fixed spool reels I have ever come across that are actually sealed are Van Staal's, and even they need opening up every year or so for a service.

Apart from Van Staal, Zeebaas and one Penn reel I cant remember the name of, Salt water will find it's way into every reel, no matter how hard you try to keep it out.

Normally the first thing I do with a new reel is to replace the line roller bearing with a Ceramic version, then open up the reel to make sure it is greased properly, while I have it apart I measure the bearings just in case the worst comes to the worst and they need replacing later.

There are plenty of videos on youtube on how to strip and service reels and it is nowhere near as hard as you would think.

 

[tompakes]

Tend to opt for shimano spinners these days and 3 in 4 have been inadequately greased/oiled when new always strip them down and regrease with decent lithium grease and oil before I use them makes them last a lot longer in the long run have a few that are over eight years old and still working flawlessly despite heavy use. The strip down with shimano's is ever so simple as long as your not removing the bail spring or taking apart the clutch as scarlet said plenty of YouTube vids showing it online. Wash mine under a cold tap after use and regrease/oil every month or so. Wouldn't bother using the oiling port as you will just end up getting oil all over the main gear making a mess inside.

 

[Captain Scarlet]

Ah yes, I'd forgotten about the oil port on Shimano reels, well spotted Tom, they are a complete waste of time as far as I can see, all it does is put a couple of drops of oil on the back of the main gear doing nothing.

 

[tompakes]

Ah yes, I'd forgotten about the oil port on Shimano reels, well spotted Tom, they are a complete waste of time as far as I can see, all it does is put a couple of drops of oil on the back of the main gear doing nothing.

It does 'something' it waters all the grease you've carefully put on the main gear down causing it to come off the gear and into places you don't really want grease I'm sure it contributes to premature gear wear, mine get lock tight straight away less I get lazy or lend them to friends.