Fishing

How to Oil a Fishing Reel – Step by Step Guide

Written by Chris Alan

Lubrication of the machinery is too essential; everything needs the proper and quality oil to maintain its functioning and offer longevity. The spinning reels are available in different sizes and qualities, but the thing that is common in all the reels is their maintenance. The lubrication keeps the product working for a long and helps in providing the best performance.

One must properly lubricate the reel. Some of the components need oil, including bearings, reel shaft, and handle. Do not add oil to the gears as they need grease. These are the main parts around which the whole equipment works. Lubrication is too important to guarantee the smooth operation of all the moving components and protect them from any loss. But the lubrication must be in less amount because as less oil is added to the part, the more proper functioning it would provide.

The angler must disassemble all the parts and clean those parts thoroughly to lubricate the reel. The parts might be dirty, with salt sediments, debris, or sand; all these things must be wiped out of the reel and made dirt-free before oiling. You must determine one more thing before adding lubrication to the reel to make the product corrosion-free. If you found any signs of rusting, remove that too so that the reel will get the best oiling results and suits better to your fishing trip.

When it comes to oiling the spinning reel, the experienced anglers do not feel it tough, while the newbie anglers feel it complicated to apart the components of the reel and then rejoin those. And also, note that each grease or oil is not suitable for the reel; it needs to take care of, and wisely choose the lubricant for your spinning reel. Do not panic; the guide will enable newbies to make the reel lubricated and reassemble it properly. It will be a life-changing part in terms of the fishing experience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Oil a Fishing Reel

Oiling a fishing reel is an essential factor that helps in maintaining the reel for long-lasting functioning. The reel has different parts that need oiling, and this oil would work well in the working. The product’s manual has the instructions regarding oiling a fishing reel that the manufacturer offers. It is not a big deal to oil a reel, but newbies find it complicated, so the guide is here for their convenience and offers impressive results to the anglers.

The reel needs to disassemble and then clean before adding the oil to the main parts of it.

Here we begin the step-by-step guide, which will provide you with ease.

Step 1:

Clean the external body of the reel by using a soft cloth soaked in Clenzoil.

Step 2:

Pull apart the different components of the reel.

Step 3:

Clean the reel components separately by using a cloth, cotton swab, toothbrush, or any soft and gentle touch thing that is small enough to reach every part conveniently. Use specially made cleaning solutions.

Step 4:

Make sure to add grease to the gears instead of using oil.

Step 5:

Add a little amount of oil to the bearings. The excessive quantity of oil cannot offer the best results, so wipe out the excessive oil from the bearings.

Step 6:

Assemble the reel after oiling all the moving parts one by one. Those parts include the shaft and handle knob too.

Step 7:

Add the oil to the bail connections and make sure by flipping the parts up and down that the oil would reach every small place on the reel.

Step 8:

Rejoin each component of the reel.

Which Parts of the Reel Need Lubrication

Anglers must know about the parts that need to lubricate. The reel has several marts that need oil. The first thing that an angler must consider is to clean the old oil thoroughly from the reel. Also, clean any dirt or debris on the reel to make its functioning smooth. Adding new oil to the previous one will cause many problems and slowly make the reel work.

Make sure that all the reel parts are dry and ready to lubricate; then apply the oil again. Bear in mind that the application of excessive oil on any part would be an excellent problem for the angler. If the excessive oil is put in accidentally, then do not forget to remove the excess.

The reel parts that got affected by the friction need lubrication. Those parts include:

  • Line Roller

  • Handles

  • Knobs

  • Ball Bearings

  • Anti-reverse Bearing

  • Gears

  • Main Shaft

  • Bail Arm Springs

Some of these components are not convenient to reassemble. It is a must to label the parts that would assist in reassembling the reel efficiently. Some popular manufacturers add maintenance ports that are pretty easy for newbie anglers. These ports are made in the way of an opening where a drop of oil is enough to add regularly, making the reel well-oiled all the time and functions well too. This feature reduces the malfunctioning that happens due to insufficient lubrication. However, once a year, lubricating the reel by disassembling all the parts is a must.

Choice of Oil for Fishing Reel

A variety of oils is available in the marketplace to allow you to use the oil that is specially made for the same purpose that you are using. The oil for reels is unique, one having low viscosity, light, and thin; that would make the reel function smoothly. Different spinning reel manufacturers have designed the oil too for the reels; you can utilize the oil of any manufacturer for any reel but determine that the oil must be made for the reel. The machine oil, vegetable oil, or olive oil would not be suitable for the reel as the machine oil is thick and has a high viscosity that makes the slow movements of the reel. Always use a branded oil that is for the intended purpose.

When a Fishing Reel Needs Oil

If you use the reel a lot, it is a must to oil it after every second trip or once a week. But if you do not fish a lot, then oiling once a month is enough. Make sure you oil your reel once a month, even if it is not used for many months. The reel needs oil even if it is not utilized for months; this habit of oiling the reel makes it function for a long time. Remember that the oil degrades over time, so you must lubricate your reel before your next fishing trip.

About the author

Chris Alan

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