On my last post I mentioned how important the initial servicing is for any reel, no matter what type or who the manufacturer is. Having worked at Causeway for some 20 years, I have seen many, many, many problems when it comes to reel repair. Some of these problems are preventable, some are not, however, if there were one issue I could pinpoint it (no matter what make reel) it would have to be lack of or improper lubrication, regardless of price, which in my opinion just should not happen.

With the current advances in the technology of metals, graphite’s and designs, manufacturers are able to produce sophisticated tackle to meet the needs and price points of most fishermen. This is not to say the older models are obsolete because they still serve a purpose and I’m sure hold a “place” in many hearts.

Along with these advances in technology come added issues; there are many dissimilar metal in today’s reels regardless of price, which is really not new to the industry but the types involved now are more volatile. Years ago metals used in reels would include brass, stainless steel, copper, chrome and some bronze, where today’s reel include aluminum, zinc, titanium, carbon steel, and the cheaper “white metals” as well as the above metals.

Many people refer to the corrosion that occurs between dissimilar metal as electrolysis, however its actually galvanic corrosion that occurs. In order for galvanic corrosion to occur we need two dissimilar metals as in reel parts, we also need an ion such as salt, throw some moisture into the mix and voila! The result is one badly corroded reel. Perhaps the easiest way to prevent galvanic corrosion is a layer or film of grease between the two metals.

The following pictures speak a thousand words but are meant to support my experience of what I have seen on “the bench” over the years. They are in no way meant to discredit or favor any manufacturer in any way. (click each slide for larger image)

Conventional Reel Gears and Pinions

Spinning Reel Main Gear and Eccentric Shaft

Level wind reel with bearing and anti-reverse dog

Inside spinning reel and level wind worm gear

Spinning reel gears and pinion damaged by lack of maintenance

Corroded baitcasting reel - Preventative maintenance would have protected this reel

Conclusion

To get a clearer picture of the importance of having a new reel serviced in the first year we’ll use the following hypothetical example. A customer buys a new reel in October and uses it until bass season closes, which in New York State is December 15^th. He then backs off the drag and puts it away until spring. Spring comes and he uses the reel all summer, however the reel becomes a little “crunchy” on retrieve and doesn’t free spool very well. As time passes the reel gets much worse, finally the customer brings the reel back for repair, at which time the reel is past its warranty and he winds up with a hefty repair bill on a relatively new reel. There really is no reason this should happen, as the customer buys the reel thinking “its brand new” and “I shouldn’t have any problems” but what he doesn’t know is the reel was not lubricated properly at the factory, which as I have shown here leads to problems.

In all fairness however, all the major reel manufacturers will warranty these problems within the first year of purchase, but I have seen instances where they have laid blame on the users handling of the reel. Next post we’ll take a look at what we feel is the proper way to lubricate a reel.