Fishing reels maintenance

In this article, we will provide some valuable advice to properly take care of fishing reels. The latter can, indeed, be easily damaged by external agents. So, let's find out how to quickly clean the fishing reel using a damp cloth, and how to disassemble it for a more thorough maintenance.

External agents can wear out fishing reels

Fishing reels have to co-exist with elements such as water, dust and sand carried by the wind, as well as salt (if fishing at sea) and pasture residues. All these agents are potentially very harmful, as they could creep into any slot in the reel and reach the mechanical parts. This does not mean that we will have to completely disassemble the reel to clean it thoroughly, every time we use the fishing line. In fact, the fishing reel technology and material already have inbuilt mechanical characteristics and construction features, which protect the reels from external agents.

Cleaning the fishing reel for quick and frequent maintenance

To clean the fishing reel and perform a quick maintenance, you may use a microfiber cloth moistened with water, after each fishing session. It is advisable not to use solvents or chemical agents as they could damage the paintwork, seals and surface coatings. In this way you will remove any dirt particles that had come into contact with any part of the crank, rotor, chassis and coil. If you delay this simple external cleaning you can run into problems of smoothness of the most delicate components. The microfiber cloth can be washed as needed with pH neutral soap and hot water or, in the case of oil residues or more stubborn grease stains, can be washed in boiling water for about ten minutes. If the fishing line is used at sea, the fishing reel can be cleaned with a cloth soaked in a few drops of silicone oil and wiped over all the external metal parts. Like this you will prevent corrosion caused by salt.

How to clean the internal parts of the reel

Here are some simple tips on how to clean the internal components of the reel. Firstly, remove the screw that joins the thread guide roller and the underlying bearing and, then, remove the anti-twist roller and clean it. Before reassembling everything, apply a drop of silicone oil on the support pad. After removing the coil, insert a drop of oil between the shaft and the rotor stop nut, turning it so that the shaft moves. At this point, by removing the crank the two bearings supporting the control wheel will easily lubricate. Finally, you will have to oil the knob. The cleaning of the internal parts of the reel will then be completed.