How to Oil a Shimano Baitcasting Reel

There's nothing worse than a length of fishing line becoming snagged in a dry or gummed up reel. If you often fish in saltwater or inclement weather, the reel's inner assembly may be dried of lubricating oil or beginning to rust. Long-term storage of reels also allows dust and dirt to mingle with old lubricant, resulting in a thick sludge which slows down your reel's action. To protect your Shimano baitcasting reel from damage and interior corrosion, clean and oil the assembly regularly.

Things You'll Need

  • Cotton balls
  • Cotton swabs
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Shimano reel oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate the locking turnkey dial on the underside of the reel. Flip out the dial and rotate it counterclockwise to access the inner spool assembly.

    • 2

      Remove the spool assembly and place it on a paper towel. Moisten a few cotton balls with isopropyl alcohol and wipe the outside of the reel casing and rotating handle of visible dirt, grease or residue.

    • 3

      Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and clean the inner pinion gear, which holds the spool assembly in place, of all dried or dirty lubricant.

    • 4

      Locate the brake collars on the flat side of the spool assembly. Clean the collars and the outer platform of the spool assembly with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol. Apply two light drops of oil to each collar once the alcohol has evaporated.

    • 5

      Wipe the spool shaft which protrudes from the spool assembly clean with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol. Avoid applying any oil to the shaft. Apply a small drop of oil to the spool bearing, located just below the shaft, if necessary.

    • 6

      Clean the brake casing, which houses the flat side of the spool assembly, with a cotton swab. Apply several drops of oil around the casing.

    • 7

      Replace the spool assembly inside the reel. Ensure that the flat side of the assembly sits flush inside the brake casing. Close the reel's casing and rotate the turnkey dial clockwise to lock.