Is non reel oil okay to use?

[topwaterw]

I just got a really nice reel but it feels like it needs some oil so it'll run smoother, I've heard people have really mixed emotions on using oil thats not made for reels. I have some 3-IN-ONE oil right now (multi purpose oil/lubricant) and I'm just wondering if that would be okay to use for my new reel, because I really don't want to mess it up.

 

 

Thanks.

[WRB]

No, don't use 3 n 1 oil! 

Discribe "needs to run smoother" and what reel?

Tom

[topwaterw]

Just now, WRB said:

No, don't use 3 n 1 oil! 

Discribe "needs to run smoother" and what reel?

Tom

It just feels a little gritty and not feeling very smooth, anyway its a shimano caenan 151 baitcaster, saved up my money for it.

 

edit; if 3 n 1 is not good for reels than could you recommend a good reel oil to me?

 

thanks

[Jeff H]

If you just got it take it back and exchange it.

[topwaterw]

Just now, Jeff H said:

If you just got it take it back and exchange it.

I might be mistaken I don't think it's that major, it'll probably feel smoother when the line comes on. However if it does present any problems in the future I have a warranty on the reel.

 

Regardless of those points though, I just want to know for the future.

[WRB]

You can search "reel lubrication" on this site, lots of threads to read.

1. Check the spool for free spinning by disengaging the spool like you are going to cast and spin it with your index finger. The spool should spin freely for several seconds.

2. Engage the spool and turn the reel handle and listen for any grinding sounds, should be quite with no noise.

Did you take it apart?

Factory reels can have too much gear grease, that makes the turning with the handle have more stiffness but doesn't make grinding sounds. Grinding means something is broken.

Too much, too little or too heavy weight oil slows down the spool spinning, nothing to do with the cranking handle.

Your reel came with oil and instructions how to lubricate properly, read the instructions!

Tom

[topwaterw]

Just now, WRB said:

You can search "reel lubrication" on this site, lots of threads to read.

1. Check the spool for free spinning by disengaging the spool like you are going to cast and spin it with your index finger. The spool should spin freely for several seconds.

2. Engage the spool and turn the reel handle and listen for any grinding sounds, should be quite with no noise.

Did you take it apart?

Factory reels can have too much gear grease, that makes the turning with the handle have more stiffness but doesn't make grinding sounds. Grinding means something is broken.

Too much, too little or too heavy weight oil slows down the spool spinning, nothing to do with the cranking handle.

Your reel came with oil and instructions how to lubricate properly, read the instructions!

Tom

I didnt take it apart yet but It's making a sound similar to what it sounds like to reeling in braid to a really low extent and alot of a lower pitch, I really don't know if something is broken or anything because I just got it and took it out of the package, I'm going to put line on and give it a cast and ill let you know how it sounds.

[YaknBassn]

Don't use anything other than reel oil.  Abu Garcia makes reel oil.  Just don't get carried away with oil and grease.  It'll actually cause more problems.

[WRB]

23 minutes ago, topwaterw said:

I didnt take it apart yet but It's making a sound similar to what it sounds like to reeling in braid to a really low extent and alot of a lower pitch, I really don't know if something is broken or anything because I just got it and took it out of the package, I'm going to put line on and give it a cast and ill let you know how it sounds.

Spin the spool before putting line on it, should be silent and spin easily. Same with the cranking, it's not going to get better with use if something isn't right.

I use Break-Free CLP, 2 oz liquid lubricant. 1 drop on the spool shaft ends and 1 drop on the level wind gears as needed, about every 10-12 outings of use.

Tom

PS, 1200 drops in 2 oz of oil, 3 drops per reel service = 400 services, 2 oz lasts a very long time!

[topwaterw]

34 minutes ago, WRB said:

Spin the spool before putting line on it, should be silent and spin easily. Same with the cranking, it's not going to get better with use if something isn't right.

I use Break-Free CLP, 2 oz liquid lubricant. 1 drop on the spool shaft ends and 1 drop on the level wind gears as needed, about every 10-12 outings of use.

Tom

PS, 1200 drops in 2 oz of oil, 3 drops per reel service = 400 services, 2 oz lasts a very long time!

Thanks for the advice, I've realized it wasn't really a grinding noise more of what is sounds like to cast but not as loud or high pitched. It feels fine with line on it though, lol.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

This guy uses 3n1 has pretty good credentials

 

"Not to brag but I won 5 National Casting Championships with 3&1 oil and still is my choice with all my conventional fishing reels. Hope this helps..."

Ron Arra 

http://www.stripersonline.com/surftalk/topic/26801-rocket-fuel-3-in-1-oil-owl-snotwhat-reel-oil/?page=3

[Basswhippa]

Lots of world champion casters use 3 n 1

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

A fishing reel does not require specialized lubricants, only application appropriate ones. There are tons of threads suggesting what to use where. 

[MickD]

Just don't use that red stuff.  Stains everything it touches, and in my experience, it tends to dry up much sooner than other oils.  Seems to me the biggest challenge in choosing a reel oil is the container it comes in.  Most of the oil I buy ends up leaking out of the container and I end up with a plastic bag all gooped up with oil.  Remember the old Pflueger oil bottle with the little thin wire in it?  Didn't leak, hard to over-lube with it, seemed to work fine.

[Sam]

Topwater, you use oil on the outer parts of the reel and grease on the inside parts.

 

Do what Tom (WRB) says as he has a lot of experience with reels.

 

And I also vote for taking the reel back and exchange it.

 

If you do take it back and get a replacement, open the box at the store with the clerk and see if the replacement makes the same sound.

 

I was told that sometimes the factory grease dries a little if the reel has been on the shelf for a long period of time.  I have no idea if this is true but it is a valid theory.

 

Let us know what you do and what you find out about your reel.