How difficult is swapping Curado K handles?

[michael1]

I have a 6.2 Curado K with the 90 MM handle and my buddy has the 8.5 with the 95 MM handle and we want to swap the handles on the reels. I am not very "handy" and want to make sure I am not going to get half way in and mess things up. Is this an easy procedure? Also obviously Shimano designed them with these handle sizes, is there any possible negatives to doing this? I know you can buy larger aftermarket handles so I would doubt it so I figured I better ask first.

[JustJames]

Very easy, remove nut cap, then remove nut bolt with I believe 10mm wrench. Keep pressure on handle when removing the nut bolt since that handle is sit on spring load. The only hard part is to align the slot under handle with drag pressure bolt (square type) when installing handle back on.

[r83srock]

Just curious, the two ratios come with different length handles. I have a 7.2 and an 8.5 and I’ve never noticed a length difference.

[jbsoonerfan]

Disclaimer ****DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE HANDLE NUT WHEN YOU PUT IT BACK ON****

 

Don't ask me how I know LOL

[michael1]

The 6 and the 7 have a 90MM. The 8 has a 95MM. I want the 95 to go on my 6 that I use for deep cranking. Can anyone offer a reason they do have different sizes per model? Just curious if there would be any adverse effects. I also have a 7, is there a reason I "should or shouldn't" change it to a 95 as well?

[JustJames]

There is no reason whatsoever do however you like it. I normally use whatever handle come with the reel, 80mm Daiwa, 84mm shimano only exception is all my lefty reels (only 2 right now) have to have at least 90mm for me to be able to crank smoothly.

[Tywithay]

Pretty simple process. I usually try to hold the drag star down when sliding the handle off, because it will spring off sometimes. Other thing to look for is shim washers. Usually they're stuck to the back of the handle with oil. They help keep the drag star from rubbing directly on the handle and help keep it from having any excess play.

[jbsoonerfan]

1 hour ago, michael1 said:

The 6 and the 7 have a 90MM. The 8 has a 95MM. I want the 95 to go on my 6 that I use for deep cranking. Can anyone offer a reason they do have different sizes per model? Just curious if there would be any adverse effects. I also have a 7, is there a reason I "should or shouldn't" change it to a 95 as well?

You won't really notice much difference at all. I can't tell the difference on the water between a 90 and a 95. I swap them around sometimes just because. You are talking about 2.5 mm on each end of the handle, only a slight difference. The only thing I have to have that stays consistent from reel to reel are the knobs. I put the Shimano Power Grip R handles on all my reels. 

[The Bassman]

I was going to suggest being careful with the click plate on the drag star sticking to the handle. There's a tiny pin and spring in the star that's easy to lose. I took a quick look at the schematic for the reel and it uses a hex retainer to hold everything in place. Why Shimano doesn't do this on all of their reels is a mystery to me. It can't really affect cost. Makes working on reels so much easier.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The trick with those hex retainers is lining up the shaft and retainer to seat properly and holding it while installing the handle and nut

[The Bassman]

27 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

The trick with those hex retainers is lining up the shaft and retainer to seat properly and holding it while installing the handle and nut

I usually take whatever's handy (sometimes my thumb) And rotate the click plate until it's square with the star's hole. A lot easier than turning it on the drive shaft looking for it.

[rtwvumtneer6]

4 hours ago, r83srock said:

Just curious, the two ratios come with different length handles. I have a 7.2 and an 8.5 and I’ve never noticed a length difference.

Side by side they difference is apparent.  And I can tell after throwing the 8.5 for a while and then picking up the 7.2.  I'm figuring this accounts for some of the .2 oz weight difference, also.  

4 hours ago, jbsoonerfan said:

Disclaimer ****DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE HANDLE NUT WHEN YOU PUT IT BACK ON****

 

Don't ask me how I know LOL

^^^ truth.  

[Tywithay]

22 minutes ago, rtwvumtneer6 said:

Side by side they difference is apparent.  And I can tell after throwing the 8.5 for a while and then picking up the 7.2.  I'm figuring this accounts for some of the .2 oz weight difference, also.  

^^^ truth.  

.2 oz difference is a combination of the handle and larger gear.

 

I can tell a difference between my HG and XG as well. I've actually purchased a lot of 100mm and even 105mm aftermarket handles though, because they're more comfortable to me. I don't know if it's because I have really long fingers or whatever, but those 84mm and even 90mm to an extent, feel like toy handles to me.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

1 hour ago, The Bassman said:

I usually take whatever's handy (sometimes my thumb) And rotate the click plate until it's square with the star's hole. A lot easier than turning it on the drive shaft looking for it.

Absolutely. I see quite a few from customers where the plastic is rounded out. Another thought, tighten the drag nut well to make room for it to seat. 

[michael1]

Is it the same simple process and just as easy if we were talking about a Curado DC or are there other factors to take into account?

[jbsoonerfan]

Same. I have been changing handles on a lot of my reels here lately. Adding 96mm swept handles from the Chronarch G series to some of the Chronarch e series reels. Those need a shim between the handle and the drag star to work properly.

[garroyo130]

1 minute ago, BaitFinesse said:

Imagine the simplest mechanical task your have done but easier.

Just for that hes gonna overtighten the screw on that little plastic cap and crack it ...