Reel grease

[Bill Kowalski]

This I'm sure has been covered before, but I am looking for grease suggestions to keep my father's reel going not to mention my own.  Can I find reel grease at my local Wal-Mart or my local hardware store?  Is there a brand I should seek out?

[Stingray23]

I like using Abu Silicote and also Daiwa blue grease. I've been using that Abu grease for many years. In fact, I just relubed my brother Daiwa Tatula yesterday using both greases.

[The Bassman]

Seldom mentioned but the best buy going is Yamaha Blue Marine grease at boat supply stores. It's perfect for reels, under 10 bucks, and will last you forever. Another site which deals primarily with saltwater recommends it. I use it.

[Bill Kowalski]

Thanks for the input guys.

[BobP]

My favorite is Superlube multipurpose grease with PTFE bought at NAPA stores in a 400 g can.  Very slick stuff and will not gum up or become hardened.  It's white, looks clear when applied and seems to last a long time.  It's also sold in little tubes but the can is reasonably priced and lasts for years in reel lubrication.

[johnD.]

I use this. About $16 for a big tub off the auction site.

 

[iabass8]

SuperLube is hard to beat if buying local. you can find it at most any home improvement store or Ace hardware types. Cost is around 6-7$ a tube and will last a long time. Penn and Daiwa Blue are great if you want something specific for reels. 

[OnthePotomac]

I second Yamaha Blue Marine (not Yamaha general purpose grease) and Super Lube.  Used both in reels (not at the same time LOL) and they are great.

[MassYak85]

11 hours ago, Stingray23 said:

I like using Abu Silicote and also Daiwa blue grease. I've been using that Abu grease for many years. In fact, I just relubed my brother Daiwa Tatula yesterday using both greases.

x2 on the Silicote. Did all my reels with it this year and haven't had any issues the previous years I've used it. 

[Davidhorowitzski]

16 hours ago, The Bassman said:

Seldom mentioned but the best buy going is Yamaha Blue Marine grease at boat supply stores. It's perfect for reels, under 10 bucks, and will last you forever. Another site which deals primarily with saltwater recommends it. I use it.

This is exactly what I use most of the time along with Abu Oil for the ball bearings.   I think the best idea is GO LIGHT!   I've seen many people scoop the stuff and just smear it on everything inside. 

I just finished cleaning a nice Team Daiwa reel from about 15 years ago. Looked horrid at first but now it feels like silk.  

[RoLo]

 

I'm not aware of any brand of oil or grease causing issues.

As a result, the brand you're using is likely to become your favorite brand.

The most significant variable is 'viscosity'.

 

Roger

 

[nameiztaken]

On 3/17/2017 at 9:40 PM, Stingray23 said:

I like using Abu Silicote and also Daiwa blue grease. I've been using that Abu grease for many years. In fact, I just relubed my brother Daiwa Tatula yesterday using both greases.

You used 2 greases together? 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The blue marine grease and superlube are good and readily available. Lubricant wise fishing reels aren't a really unique or special application. Lubricants appropriate for the application and cleaning prior to application are the keys. 

[Stingray23]

44 minutes ago, nameiztaken said:

You used 2 greases together? 

I used the blue grease on the internal gears and the abu grease on the worm gear.

[nameiztaken]

Just now, Stingray23 said:

I used the blue grease on the internal gears and the abu grease on the worm gear.

Ah, I was thinking it would be the drag and gears or something, too tired to think straight aha

[Falkus]

Ardent Reel Butter Grease  - you can pick it up at walmart if they have it there, its the Yellow stuff  

 

[J Francho]

I've found greases like Reel Butter, Hot Sauce, and Silicote break down, eventually turning brown, and in the case of Hot Sauce, staining metal parts.  Cal's Original, Cal's Light Purple, and Shimano Star greases are all I use now.  I also use Shimano Permalub on Shimano spinning reels.

[OnthePotomac]

Either Yamaha Blue, or Superlube.. not together.

[Stingray23]

On 3/20/2017 at 0:38 PM, J Francho said:

I've found greases like Reel Butter, Hot Sauce, and Silicote break down, eventually turning brown, and in the case of Hot Sauce, staining metal parts.  Cal's Original, Cal's Light Purple, and Shimano Star greases are all I use now.  I also use Shimano Permalub on Shimano spinning reels.

 

I never once had the silicote break down or turn brown and I've used it for over 10yrs.

[J Francho]

15 hours ago, Stingray23 said:

 

I never once had the silicote break down or turn brown and I've used it for over 10yrs.

 

I've never found rhyme or reason with it breaking down.  If it's working for you, stick with it.  I did a guy's 20 or so Revos, used the Abu silicote.  Got them back for a cleaning the next year.  Some were fine, but most had fouled.  As more Abu reels came, that I had done previously, most were fouled.  Too many variables in usage to say what the issue is, but the greases I mentioned above work, and don't break down.  My own testing with Hot Sauce, and Reel Butter revealed the same.  I've also seen in Daiwa grease, but not as much.  @.ghoti. and I debated Reel Butter forever, him swearing he'd never had an issue.  One day he messaged me with the inevitable "it happened."  

 

One thing is for sure, and Mike mentioned it above, you have to thoroughly degrease every single part.  Adding new grease to old grease might make things seem fine, but it's just a bandaid.  I like Perfect Solution for this.  I also think that people who frequently clean their reels don't see these issues.