Blue Streak Posted February 14, 2013 Posted February 14, 2013 I know we have had discussions about this before and I could go to the search engine and dig them out. But I wonder what the members of this board think about this subject at the present time. What is your favorite reel grease and oil and why? I have used Hot Sauce products for years because they are readily available in this area and they work well for me. But the oil seems to be a little light and I wonder just how long it continues to provide sufficient lubrication. And there are a few newer products out there that I have not tried that might be much better. So I would like to hear your opinions. Quote
Delaware Valley Tackle Posted February 14, 2013 Posted February 14, 2013 The main thing to remember is that there is no magic in any of this. The Hot Sauce Oil is on the light side and that's fine for max free-spool. The trade off is that you may need to relube a liitle more frequently but you should be doing that anyway. The grease I don't like at all, it gums up and makes a mess. Any quality lube in the proper application is fine, it's regular cleaning that's most important. The oil packets that come with a reel are fine to use. The Shimano one is a good middle of the road viscosity. Only special drag grease can be used on drags such as Cal's or Shimano and these will work for gears as well. Bottom line: clean everything well, one drop of light oil on spool bearings, a heavier anti-corrosion oil on other bearings and sliding parts (clutch etc), worm gear, and grease for gears. Brands make no real difference. Quote
Super User .RM. Posted February 15, 2013 Super User Posted February 15, 2013 The main thing to remember is that there is no magic in any of this. The Hot Sauce Oil is on the light side and that's fine for max free-spool. The trade off is that you may need to relube a liitle more frequently but you should be doing that anyway. The grease I don't like at all, it gums up and makes a mess. Any quality lube in the proper application is fine, it's regular cleaning that's most important. The oil packets that come with a reel are fine to use. The Shimano one is a good middle of the road viscosity. Only special drag grease can be used on drags such as Cal's or Shimano and these will work for gears as well. Bottom line: clean everything well, one drop of light oil on spool bearings, a heavier anti-corrosion oil on other bearings and sliding parts (clutch etc), worm gear, and grease for gears. Brands make no real difference. X2............ Quote
Super User LgMouthGambler Posted February 15, 2013 Super User Posted February 15, 2013 I used Hot sauce for years myself. Decided to try the Ardent kit, and I like it. The Hot Sauce does give better performance, but the Reel Butter products seem to hold up and last longer. Quote
Super User KYntucky Warmouth Posted February 15, 2013 Super User Posted February 15, 2013 Well, there's your answer from the two that should know. Quote
Super User J Francho Posted February 15, 2013 Super User Posted February 15, 2013 Shimano Bantam oil is probably the best all around oil. I use Cal's Purple Light grease on gears. Quote
Super User WRB Posted February 15, 2013 Super User Posted February 15, 2013 As noted grease belongs ONLY on round gears. Light oil on bearings and the worm gear that operates you level wind. I have been using BreakFree CLP oil on my bait casting reels for decades because it works very good and prevents wear and corrosion. The bottom line is the lubricants that came with your reel will work OK, if you use them and have your reel professionally cleaned each year. A good reel technician checks for bad bearings and any wear that we often miss when cleaning our own reels and tend to over lubricate them. Tom Quote
Blue Streak Posted February 15, 2013 Author Posted February 15, 2013 Thanks for the information, I do want to change the way I have been cleaning and lubricating my reels. I want to make sure I am using the right products for the job. Quote
jerzeeD Posted February 15, 2013 Posted February 15, 2013 I actually use Mobil 1 synthetic lithium grease (free at work) And for oil I use a machine oil similar to 2-in-1 oil. Both have worked swimmingly for years! Quote
OnthePotomac Posted February 16, 2013 Posted February 16, 2013 SuperLube on all gears and the pinion bearing, Yellow Rocket Fuel on my metal bearings, Oust Met Oil on my ceramics, ReelX on the worm gear and drive shaft bearing. Quote
Super User .RM. Posted February 16, 2013 Super User Posted February 16, 2013 SuperLube on all gears and the pinion bearing, Yellow Rocket Fuel on my metal bearings, Oust Met Oil on my ceramics, ReelX on the worm gear and drive shaft bearing. Need another tackle box just to haul that around...... Quote
jignfule Posted February 16, 2013 Posted February 16, 2013 Shimano Bantam oil is probably the best all around oil. I use Cal's Purple Light grease on gears. Is that the oil that comes with the shimano reels and if so where in the heck can you buy it. I can find their grease, but not their oil. Quote
johnD. Posted February 16, 2013 Posted February 16, 2013 Reel X oil on the bearings ,Cal's on the drag washers ,Pennzoil Marine Grease on everything else. Quote
Super User J Francho Posted February 18, 2013 Super User Posted February 18, 2013 Is that the oil that comes with the shimano reels and if so where in the heck can you buy it. I can find their grease, but not their oil. You just call Shimano. it's $1.50 a tube. 1-877-577-0600 Quote
jignfule Posted February 18, 2013 Posted February 18, 2013 You just call Shimano. it's $1.50 a tube. 1-877-577-0600 Got ya, thanks Quote
BrettD Posted February 18, 2013 Posted February 18, 2013 Ive used yellow rocket fuel and hot sauce. The hot sauce is a little thinner and faster then the rocket stuff. I use hot sauce on my light weight rigs and rocket fuel on anything over 1/2oz. Cals drag grease is all I have ever tried and it works so I stuck with it. Quote
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