Using WD-40 to clean grease

[Brystons]

So I've read that it's good to use and I've also read that you should never use it in your reels. Anyone use WD-40 to clean the inside of their reels?

[MarkT]

It's good for cleaning, even the inside of reels.  It's not good as a lubricant.

[Brystons]

Ok cool thanks. I know that WD-40 leaves an oily residue, is that something I should clean off with soap before I grease the parts?

[Dominick]

Yes.  Otherwise WD 40 dries like lacquer.  Dominick

[johndtuttle]

WD-40 is good protection (that varnish it leaves behind) but only on non-moving parts. It stops lubing almost immediately after it dries.

Its primarily a degreaser and water displacer....not at all a lube.

[foakes]

WD-40 (the fortieth atrempt to invent a Water Displacing lubricant for the government).

It works well for spraying down and removing stray grease and oil from the exterior of a reel -- after a complete service.  Spray lightly -- then wipe down well.

That is all I ever use it for.

Best,

Fred

[Brystons]

Right on thanks everybody. I'm just trying to figure out the best way to clean all the dirty caked up grease in my reel. Trying to restore the "shine" to all the parts inside.

[Cone]

On my personal reels I take them apart and wipe what grease I can off. I soak them in mineral spirits and brush them good. I don't always see the need to make them shiny but a soak in vinegar normally helps. Then theres polish if you want to go that far. I need an ultrasonic cleaner and clear sideplates.    Bob

[bigggfish]

I use goo gone first and then put parts in ultrasonic with diluted simple green.

[PacRat]

WD-40 is a great solvent, especially useful in a fix or when you want to blast and scrub that new 'pre-owned' reel that came in the mail. Generally when I'm blasting and scrubbing; I'll do it over a catch pan and soak any loose parts in it before scrubbing. Also as Fred said; it's very good for wiping down a reel after you've rinsed the salt water off. One of the major reel manufacturers (I don't recall which) states to do this after every use and they claim that the WD-40 has no ill affect on monofilament.
-Mike

[Newell Nut]

One of our regulars recently learned it does affect mono. He was the only one on the back of the boat that could not buy a bite and everybody else was catching. On the way in he told me read WD 40 was good to clean reels so he had sprayed it down real good the day before. Apparently the fish did not like the smell.

[Lunker Larry]

One of our regulars recently learned it does affect mono. He was the only one on the back of the boat that could not buy a bite and everybody else was catching. On the way in he told me read WD 40 was good to clean reels so he had sprayed it down real good the day before. Apparently the fish did not like the smell.

Funny about that. Years back it was popular with bass fishermen as scent.

[RowdyW]

When using Brake Clean always wear rubber gloves, safety glasses, and use it outdoors. It's nasty stuff. Any household degreaser works good and can be used in the sink after wiping the heavy grease off. You can follow up with dish detergent & hot water.    Rudy

[Keta]

When using Brake Clean always wear rubber gloves, safety glasses, and use it outdoors. It's nasty stuff.

X2, I use electrasol too and it is just as bad.

My preferred solvent is #2 diesel but I have it around.

[bluefish69]

One of our regulars recently learned it does affect mono. He was the only one on the back of the boat that could not buy a bite and everybody else was catching. On the way in he told me read WD 40 was good to clean reels so he had sprayed it down real good the day before. Apparently the fish did not like the smell.

Funny about that. Years back it was popular with bass fishermen as scent.

Years back up here we used it for scent for Winter Flounder

Mike