Lost Reel Part

[cddan]

During some reel maintenance I lost the non-handle sideplate bearing retention spring( or clip). My question is can I still use the reel safely without it? It still works and I'm hoping it is ok to use until I get the part. Will it damage the bearing or something if I cast it without it?

[rippin-lips]

I've done the same thing. I used mine for about a week until the new retainer showed up from Daiwa. I'm going to say you're fine but hopefully one of the resident reel techs can give you a definitive answer.

[Koofy Smacker]

I am a tech for a big reel manufacturer (prefer not to say which one).

 

While it is possible you will be able to use the reel for a few outings without any adverse effects, it is not recommended. The retention clip holds the bearing in its "cup" and the spool spindle will hit the sideplate before it can actually touch the side of the bearing which can cause it damage. If the bearing is free riding on the spindle it could start rubbing and causing issues not only affecting the bearing but also the spool or sideplate

[aavery2]

This is not recommended but I have seen it done with no ill effects until a replacement part could be obtained.  The housing that the bearing sits in on the palm plate is a precision fit, there is not much tolerance an the bearing fits tightly in the housing.  Take some ordinary sewing thread and place it against the wall of the bearing housing, slip the bearing into the housing with the thread still there.  The thickness of the thread will create enough tension that the bearing will not move in the housing.  Cut the thread off leaving just a small tag end, so you can grab it when you remove the bearing to properly install the bearing and retainer.   The key here is to get thread that is thick enough to create enough tension to keep the bearing in place.

 

Again, not recommended, but it will work as a get by solution until a part can be purchased.

[Smallmouth Hunter]

Depends how tightly the bearing sits in the side plate.. In some reels, the bearing will be loose; in others the bearing is so tightly fit that it is hard to get out.

[Smallmouth Hunter]

Depends how tightly the bearing sits in the side plate.. In some reels, the bearing will be loose; in others the bearing is so tightly fit that it is hard to get out.

[Koofy Smacker]

This is not recommended but I have seen it done with no ill effects until a replacement part could be obtained.  The housing that the bearing sits in on the palm plate is a precision fit, there is not much tolerance an the bearing fits tightly in the housing.  Take some ordinary sewing thread and place it against the wall of the bearing housing, slip the bearing into the housing with the thread still there.  The thickness of the thread will create enough tension that the bearing will not move in the housing.  Cut the thread off leaving just a small tag end, so you can grab it when you remove the bearing to properly install the bearing and retainer.   The key here is to get thread that is thick enough to create enough tension to keep the bearing in place.

 

Again, not recommended, but it will work as a get by solution until a part can be purchased.

Great idea in theory, but may low profile baitcasters have such tight tolerances in their bearing settings that being misplaced by even a few thousandths can cause it to chew the spindle apart which a sewing thread can do. I have had to replace parts before only differing in 5 thousandths to make reels work correctly, bearings are no exception

[aavery2]

Great idea in theory, but may low profile baitcasters have such tight tolerances in their bearing settings that being misplaced by even a few thousandths can cause it to chew the spindle apart which a sewing thread can do. I have had to replace parts before only differing in 5 thousandths to make reels work correctly, bearings are no exception

Keep in mind that you are speaking to someone with a history in machining and tolerances.  As mentioned above when one bearing can sit tightly in the housing and another falls out without problem, I think there may be slightly more tolerance than you think. The other thing you will want to consider is bearings, they also have a tolerance when they are produced. 

I have serviced reels for a good number of years by many mfg's and I can tell you this with 100% honestly, I have never seen a spool shaft damaged by a bearing that was mis- aligned by a thousandths or two, but would love to see a photo of one the next time you run across it.  

 

Anyway I respect the fact that you work for some reel company cleaning and repairing their reels, but I have to raise the flag on this one.

[Koofy Smacker]

Keep in mind that you are speaking to someone with a history in machining and tolerances.  As mentioned above when one bearing can sit tightly in the housing and another falls out without problem, I think there may be slightly more tolerance than you think. The other thing you will want to consider is bearings, they also have a tolerance when they are produced. 

I have serviced reels for a good number of years by many mfg's and I can tell you this with 100% honestly, I have never seen a spool shaft damaged by a bearing that was mis- aligned by a thousandths or two, but would love to see a photo of one the next time you run across it.  

 

Anyway I respect the fact that you work for some reel company cleaning and repairing their reels, but I have to raise the flag on this one.

Not a problem at all. Keep in mind that most of the reels I deal with are salt water based, so misalignment can be increased exponentially with the addition to salt and sand. Most tolerances are designed with this in mind but when a substantial freespool is in question they are usually tightened up quite a bit. In the past week I saw two different reels with seized bearings on the left sideplates and both spool shafts were chewed beyond belief. So that is where I am coming from. I understand we are all freshwater here, but misaligning tolerances on purpose in my eyes can only lead to problems.

[aavery2]

Not a problem at all. Keep in mind that most of the reels I deal with are salt water based, so misalignment can be increased exponentially with the addition to salt and sand. Most tolerances are designed with this in mind but when a substantial freespool is in question they are usually tightened up quite a bit. In the past week I saw two different reels with seized bearings on the left sideplates and both spool shafts were chewed beyond belief. So that is where I am coming from. I understand we are all freshwater here, but misaligning tolerances on purpose in my eyes can only lead to problems.

I would suggest that the damage you saw was more due to severe corrosion and a lot less to do  with misalignment.  With my suggestion no tolerance has changed, the bearing is exactly the same size and housing for that bearing remains exactly the same size, the thread only eliminates any over tolerance that is already there.   Anyway we will not agree on this so lets just move on and agree that we don't.

[cddan]

Thanks for the info. How much can that little clip cost?

[aavery2]

Thanks for the info. How much can that little clip cost?

I have seen many times when you call to order one or other small parts like e - clips they just send them to you free of charge. If not it wont be much.

[Sam]

Koofy Smacker, on 15 Jun 2014 - 19:26, said:

I am a tech for a big reel manufacturer (prefer not to say which one).

 

While it is possible you will be able to use the reel for a few outings without any adverse effects, it is not recommended. The retention clip holds the bearing in its "cup" and the spool spindle will hit the sideplate before it can actually touch the side of the bearing which can cause it damage. If the bearing is free riding on the spindle it could start rubbing and causing issues not only affecting the bearing but also the spool or sideplate

 

As Koofy said, all parts have their place in reels and to omit one part can affect the reel's performance sooner or later.

 

Please get with the reel manufacturer or bring/mail the reel to a professional reel tech to have the problem solved.

 

The reel will probably work on dinks and smaller bass but when you hook your personal best it will probably fail.

 

That is the work of the Bait Monkey who wants you to upgrade to a Steetz!!!!!!

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

As an interim fix, a retainer can be fashioned from a staple by bending it across the top. Just make sure it seats in the groove. Still get the correct part though.

[cddan]

As an interim fix, a retainer can be fashioned from a staple by bending it across the top. Just make sure it seats in the groove. Still get the correct part though.

Thank DVT good temporary solution. Very much appreciated.