Steps to Cleaning Your Bearings with Lighter Fluid

[islandbass]

I just want to check to see if the steps I plan to follow are correct.

Place the bearings into a container (like a jar)

Pour in the lighter fluid

Use circular motion to clean the bearings

Let bearings dry

Wipe down bearings  just in case

Lubricate bearings with just a little bit of lube

Replace bearings to the reel

Is there anything else I need to do? Thanks!

Given that the entire week is going to not get warmer than 30 degrees, I might as well get my reels cleaned, both spinning and casting.

[BassBandit35]

I just want to check to see if the steps I plan to follow are correct.

Place the bearings into a container (like a jar)

Pour in the lighter fluid

Use circular motion to clean the bearings

Spin it on tip of pencil or cone dowel

Let bearings dry

Wipe down bearings just in case

Lubricate bearings with just a little bit of lube

Replace bearings to the reel

Is there anything else I need to do? Thanks!

Given that the entire week is going to not get warmer than 30 degrees, I might as well get my reels cleaned, both spinning and casting.

[islandbass]

Thanks, BassBandit! I feel more comfortable now about doing this.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

some ppl light um fire for a few seconds BUT becareful some bearings have plastic or composite races that can be damaged

[lubina]

Use circular motion to clean the bearings

.

Oiled bearing clean in 15-20 min of submersion in Nafta, Acetone or Absolute Alcohol ( or Reel Scrubber, but it is expensive ), stirring or better shacking them in a covered container helps. Greased bearing may take 24 h or more. Change the solvent solution if becomes turbid and until clear.

Before they dry should be flush with air compressed, specially Nafta that has residual when it drys.

You can let then sit or dry them with a hair dryer.

Apply oil to the spool support bearing ( one drop ) Grease to the frame bearing and either to the handle bearing if any ( personal preference ).

Very good info in this article.

http://www.tackletour.com/articlebearings201.html

[OnthePotomac]

Shark makes a small, hand held electric blower with three nozzle sizes for computer keyboards, which works great for blow drying bearings. I put one at a time on a dowel tip sharpened like a pencil and hold it in the nozzle opening.

[vicdotcom]

some ppl light um fire for a few seconds BUT becareful some bearings have plastic or composite races that can be damaged

Wouldnt that leave residue?

[Jimzee]

some ppl light um fire for a few seconds BUT becareful some bearings have plastic or composite races that can be damaged

I would not recommend this at all. The flame does nothing but burn off the excess solvent which will air dry in a few minutes anyway. You can even use compressed air in a small can to help clean and blow out excess solvent.  I use industrial strength acetone and a ultrasonic cleaner for bearings but that is just personal preference.

[Jimzee]

some ppl light um fire for a few seconds BUT becareful some bearings have plastic or composite races that can be damaged

Wouldnt that leave residue?

Yes, it would.

[OnthePotomac]

I agree.  Burning off a cleaner is not a good idea at all.  Before this, I have never heard of it.

[lubina]

I use industrial strength acetone and a ultrasonic cleaner for bearings but that is just personal preference.

Me too, the best and fastest.