Maintenance of a spinning reel is essential to keep your equipment optimal for long-term use: nothing is more unpleasant than having a reel that squeaks or scraps during a fishing trip! So it is essential to know how to clean a spinning reel perfectly.
For my part, I perform two different interviews:
- – An annual maintenance (overhaul and complete inspection)
- – Periodic maintenance (lubrication without dismantling)
A complete overhaul every year and 2-3 superficial lubrication (without dismantling) should be enough to guarantee good longevity. However, it is important to understand the difference between greasing and lubrication. Grease is generally used for gear parts that rotate relatively slowly while lubrication is used mainly for the bearings of parts that rotate faster!
How to Clean a Spinning Reel – Step by Step
Using basic equipment, anyone can start reviewing their spinning reel with a bit of organization and a clean environment. Begin by gathering all the necessary items and setting them on a work surface covered with paper towels. This setup will help keep your review area tidy and protect the surface from any grease or dirt that may come off the reel.
Equipment for Maintaining Your Spinning Reel
- A flat screwdriver
- A Phillips screwdriver
- A water pump pliers
- The exploded view of your reel
- A brush
- Solvent (acetone or toluene)
- A clean cloth
- Cotton swabs
- Special reel grease and oil
After several tests, Quantum’s specialist Hot Sauce products for both grease and oil have proven to be the best for our reels. They aren’t the cheapest option, but relatively affordable compared to similar products and deliver excellent results.
Find oil and grease at the best price HERE!
Dismantle the Handle and the Coil
Once you’ve gathered the necessary materials, begin by dismantling the handle and spool. This step is straightforward—most of us have done it at least once before.
Unscrew the Part
Next, to remove the side cover (depending on your reel model), you’ll need to take off the rotor. This isn’t complicated! Start by removing the screw (1) and then carefully unscrew the brass nut. Once that’s done, the rotor should slide off easily from the top.
You can now unscrew the screws from your casing. Once again, each model is different both in terms of the position of the screws and their number. After the side cover is removed, you should have your reel as in the photo below:
Use Brush and Solvent to Remove the Old Grease
Use a brush and solvent to easily remove the old grease, then finish the job with a cotton swab for precision. It’s essential to remove all traces of the old grease. The solvent will degrease effectively, evaporating quickly to leave the parts dry and clean. Proper lubrication is key in maintaining a spinning reel, but be careful not to overdo it—a small drop in strategic spots is enough to lubricate the entire mechanism as you start turning the handle. One benefit of Hot Sauce grease is its red color, making it easy to spot during application!
Lubricate the Spinning Reel
Now you need to reassemble the side casing and then move on to lubricating the bearings! For this model, I grease the handle bearings from the outside of the housing, and the center bearing will be greased from the top. A drop of oil is enough to maintain your reel (I also perform this step during my periodic maintenance!)
Oil the Bearings of Your Spinning Reel
With cleaning, greasing, and lubrication completed, it’s time to dismantle the rotor and the bail assembly. Pay special attention to the bail, especially the roller, as it often contains a bearing. After cleaning, add a small drop of oil to this bearing to ensure smooth operation.
The Reassembly of a Reel After Its Maintenance!
Reassemble the roller, bail, and rotor assembly, making sure to secure them on the reel with the brass nut and screw. Now, you can move on to maintaining the spool and braking system. This step is straightforward, primarily involving a thorough cleaning.
- Remove the circlip (be careful not to lose it during removal as it works a bit like a spring).
- Proceed to disassemble the brake discs while keeping the direction of reassembly in mind.
Clean the Drag of a Reel and Its Spool!
All you have to do is reassemble your drag in the spool and then your spool on the reel. I usually take the opportunity to inspect the fluorocarbon and the braid. During the maintenance, I systematically replaced the fluorocarbon and cut the last ten meters of braid (often discolored by the sun for that matter).
For this guide, I completely changed my braid! You can also find this video very useful:
Conclusion
There you go, your reel is like new and has been used for several dozen hours! The maintenance of a reel can also allow you to identify defective or end-of-life parts such as bearings for example. Do not hesitate to change them! With the maintenance of a strict and regular reel, your machine should accompany you at the water’s edge for several more years. Be sure to check out my guide on choosing the right size spinning reel! It’ll help you find the perfect reel size for your fishing needs.