Ardent Reel Kleen

[papajoe222]

It's getting to be around that time when I start servicing my reels.  I've always used acetone to clean parts, allowed them to dry and rinsed before drying again. I'm considering using Reel Kleen in place of acetone, mainly to cut down the time involved in my cleaning process.  Are there any downsides to using it like residue?

[newapti5]

I only use acetone in an ultrasonic cleaner to clean my bearings, which I don't need to rinse after. All the rest of parts are cleaned by good ol' Dawn and a toothbrush. After a thorough rinse with tap water, I don't see any residue.  I've never used Reel Kleen, and don't know how the "protective barrier" it leaves behind will react with new grease/oil. 

[FishTank]

I have been using it off and on for a while and I like it but prefer acetone or simple green for bearings.  Reel Clean works best at getting the gunk and old grease off of a real.  It does leave a light residue but it makes the reel frame feel smooth and clean. It's supposed to add a protective barrier > not sure on that claim. Also, a little goes a long way for the internals. I use to use the Ardent Reel Butter Grease and Oil but have since moved on to 321 oil, Shimano Drag Grease, Bantam oil, and Cal's.  

[Deleted account]

I've never met an Ardent reel clean or lube product I liked.

[J Francho]

10 hours ago, papajoe222 said:

I'm considering using Reel Kleen in place of acetone, mainly to cut down the time involved in my cleaning process.  Are there any downsides to using it like residue?

Yeah, it doesn't clean the parts well and takes longer than just using acetone.  Please note, I would only use acetone to clean bearings.  Anything else gets industrial strength degreaser and a fresh water rinse. I use Perfect Solution: https://rotundacleaning.com/rotunda-store/perfect-solution

[MidwestBassAttack]

I would advise against it. Tried it once on a test reel and it left a weird haze. I just did two tear downs, cleaned and soaked all parts in 91% isopropyl, rinsed, and dried. Re-lubed with Lucas Oil reel lube and marine grease. 

[MN Fisher]

I keep to the same cleaners I've used for decades.

 

Simple Green to get the worst of the grease/oil off parts

Acetone for metal parts with a 91% Alcohol rinse after

Just the 91% Alcohol for the rest

 

It's worked...no need to 'redesign the wheel'.

[garroyo130]

MAF sensor cleaner is the best thing ive found. Safe on plastics and extremely effective. A big pricey but it goes a long ways. I use this for bearings only. Everything else gets simple greened followed up by a quick 99% alcohol rinse. 

[KP Duty]

Do any of you do a quick spool bearing flush and oil without removing it from the spool shaft?  

[J Francho]

1 hour ago, KP Duty said:

Do any of you do a quick spool bearing flush and oil without removing it from the spool shaft?  

Not really.  I have a couple tools to remove the pin.

[garroyo130]

2 hours ago, KP Duty said:

Do any of you do a quick spool bearing flush and oil without removing it from the spool shaft?  

 

Nope, I remove/replace shields during the cleaning and oiling process. Hedgehog studio tool is good. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Ya, not a fan either. I love Perfect Solution also but for a few DIY reels, Simple Green concentrate and acetone are plenty good and readily available. 

[MN Fisher]

2 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Ya, not a fan either. I love Perfect Solution also but for a few DIY reels, Simple Green concentrate and acetone are plenty good and readily available. 

Nice to hear I've been doing it right all these years...thanks for that, Mike.

[Log Catcher]

I have used it and never had a problem with it. I don't know anything about ultra sonic cleaners. The only time I ever used acetone was for a job I had to do at work. I nearly had a disaster with it and have refused to use it for anything since then.