bushing reel maintenace

Bushing reels rely on a very thin oil film and clearances for optimal performance. Optimal startup wont be achieved until the reel is fished and critical surfaces wear in. Spinning it on your couch will take forever. Not much else to say here but go fish it!

 Clean the pin with a soft cloth, paying special attention to the groove and larger journals. Inspect them carefully for any signs of wear or damage—the surfaces should be smooth, polished, and free of deep marks or imperfections. 

 Use a Q-tip to remove any debris and old oil from the bushing. Light wear marks on the bronze surface are normal, but deep gouges or the presence of bronze shavings indicate a problem. Excessive wear is most often caused by dirt contamination or insufficient lubrication. 

 This lever locks into the spindle groove and secures the spool to the reel. Keep the area around the lever clean and free of dirt or sand, and ensure it moves freely and springs back properly. Avoid pulling upward or bending the lever, and never force the spool onto the reel without first opening the lever. Do not attempt to remove the cap—small internal parts may eject unexpectedly. If you experience any issues with the lever mechanism, please contact me for assistance. 

Proper lubrication is essential to prevent metal-on-metal contact and to keep your reel spinning smoothly. Apply one to two drops of light oil to the pin journals (the larger diameters), the tip, and into the groove.

Suitable options include gun oil, sewing machine oil, or air tool oil. Avoid oils that emulsify with moisture or thicken in cold temperatures, as these can hinder performance. Personally, I recommend air tool oil for its exceptionally thin viscosity—but if you’ve found an oil that works well for you, I’d love to hear about it.

Over time—especially with a new reel—the set screw and retaining lever will bed in, which can create a small amount of axial (in/out) play. This is often noticeable as a light “clank” while reeling. If you’d like to reduce it, turn the set screw clockwise in very small increments (about 1/32–1/16 of a turn) and recheck. The goal is minimal axial movement without introducing any binding.

This adjustment may need to be fine-tuned periodically throughout the season. Do not overtighten this adjustment screw.

The end play adjustment set screw is secured with a low-strength thread locker. This allows it to remain adjustable while still being held in place. If the set screw turns too freely, remove it immediately and reapply a low-strength thread locker, or contact me for assistance. 

 If you encounter debris while on the water, it’s acceptable to rinse the reel in the river to flush out any contamination. However, running the reel without lubrication will accelerate wear, so it’s a good idea to carry a small bottle of oil with you. Reapply oil as soon as possible after rinsing. 

 Bushing reels can slow down in freezing temperatures. Avoid over-oiling, as oil thickens in the cold and can drastically reduce spool speed. If needed, wipe some oil off the spindle or use a thinner oil. Never dunk the reel in the river when temperatures are below freezing. 

Have a question or need help with something?   Shoot me an email and I will respond ASAP.