Baitcaster Reel cleaning

[BaitMonkey1984]

SO I have been using biatcasters for two years now. So I decided it was well overdue for a cleaning. All my reels worked great, but I wanted to give them a deep cleaning. I was not warm to the idea of paying a few hundred dollars to have someone else clean them, and I do not know anyone who uses them around here. So I have watched some videos and have been hesitant to do so. So I finally gave it a whirl last night and it was less intimidating then I thought.  I was amazed at the amount of grime buildup near the bottom of the inside of the reel. And when I oiled the spool it was remarkable the difference. 

 

So for me, I fish maybe 3 days a week for 4 hours a day approximately 5 months of the year. I have around 30+ setups. So how often should I clean the reel. And, should I just clean and oil the spool, or do full and comprehensive cleaning including greasing of the gears? Thanks. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

As a baseline I recommend annual deep cleaning. Adjust as circumstance and symptoms dictate. 

[Poolshark]

I have mine deep cleaned and regreased once a year. I clean the frame, pinion gear, clean/oil the brakes, brake raceway and relavent bearings periodically.

[DogBone_384]

How many reels are you planning on having serviced? You mention spending a few hundred dollars.  I just had three reels cleaned & super-tuned by Deleware Valley Tackle (a forum sponsor) for just over $100, which included a drag upgrade for one of them.

[BaitMonkey1984]

12+ reels or so. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The cost of cleaning for members here is $19.80 ea $237.60. For 12.   DIY is a viable alternative for many but not all. One thing to consider is that I put an average of 1.5 hrs into each reel. Novices should plan on at least double that . That's 36 hrs, almost a full week worth of work on this example. 

[iabass8]

I have 5 months of winter to get through each year. I tear down 12-14 of my own to the bare bones and deep clean every inch. polish internals that need be, and put on fresh oil/grease once a year. Passes time and I make sure anything that needs replaced or upgraded gets done before open water. I only do 1-2 on Sundays during football anyway so I'm not rushed. I'll clean a few peoples or fix one at random if somebody asks me to but I like to keep it to a winter hobby. If you aren't comfortable doing it just send them in to a reel tech. It's a one time headache free fee where you know you're getting them back in probably better working order than you were capable of if you aren't proficient in it. 

[tbone1993]

I normally clean my reels twice a year.  One big cleaning at the beginning of the year and another after my last summer tournament or when I stop fishing slop. I want to remove the green slime and buildup as soon as possible. 

[CarolinaBoy4Life]

I go over my reels and lube them but at the end of this season I will be sending mine in to DVT and having them cleaned and bearings upgraded and the drags upgraded. I typically wouldn't do a mass upgrade like that but I have found the reels I have in my lineup are exactly what I am looking for and think they will be in it for quite some time so mine as well get the best out of them that I can. But many people don't want to touch their reels themselves and prefer others more knowledgeable do it

[T-Rick]

I took the professional route too.  

I sent 6 baitcasters to DVT this winter.  They all came back looking and feeling great.  I can't wait to give them a try this spring.

[BobP]

I clean mine about every other year because I typically fish fairly clean water and have quite a few reels so any one reel gets fairly light use.  I think it also depends on how you clean your reels and what kind of lubricants you use.  Some last longer than others.  Between 100% cleanings, I oil the spool bearings and level wind gear as needed.  The biggest change I had in how often I needed to clean my reels was when I began using Superlube grease.

[BaitMonkey1984]

16 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

The cost of cleaning for members here is $19.80 ea $237.60. For 12.   DIY is a viable alternative for many but not all. One thing to consider is that I put an average of 1.5 hrs into each reel. Novices should plan on at least double that . That's 36 hrs, almost a full week worth of work on this example. 

1.5 hours on each reel? Wow. I am definitely going to need to send you my reels at the end of the year, because I did not spend that much time on these reels and $20 per reel seems very reasonable. It will give me something to look forward in October when I put the boat away for Archery season. At least I can take some solace in the fact that my reels are getting some much deserved attention. Thanks DVT.

[greentrout]

I once tried cleaning and repairing a reel thinking an intelligent person could do it with ease. Wrong. Unless you have patience and an eye for detail, you are better off taking your reel/reels to a shop that has a professional on hand who knows how to clean and repair reels. True.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

It's not rocket science but each reel model has a "gotcha" of some sort. Like everything there's a learning curve and tricks of the trade that are hard to pick up doing a handful of reels here or there.  I learn something every day. 

[RB 77]

Live it, learn it, love it! I agree an annual deep cleaning is the way to go. Strip it to the frame, clean everything meticulously and re grease the gears and drag washers. Oil the bearings and worm gear and you're good to go! In between just periodic oil to the bearings and worm gear.