Mitchell 302/402 bail wire lock nut?

[newfuturevintage]

Looks like mine fell off my 402 the last time I went snare crabbing. D'oh!

I wanted to ask, even though I suspect the answer will be no, is this a standard metric thread? If so, I'd love to use a stainless nylock as a replacement. The originals seem prone to loosening and being, ahem, 'difficult' to tighten sufficiently with the wrenches I have.

This is part number 81388 on the schematic. I haven't checked closely enough to see, but I'd be surprised if I didn't also lose #81387 the 'lock' washer.

Thanks!

Ron

[Swami805]

I'm fortunate to have a specialty fastener shop close to my office and get lucky most of the time finding a screw/nut that work. Bring the reel with you if you have a place like that.

[foakes]

Hi Ron —

Here are a couple of the NOS pieces for your 402.

You certainly could put a lock nut on the bail — however, it would be better to install the correct factory pieces.

Notice that that the underside of the domed hex nut is recess/machined slightly to allow the lock washer to operate properly while still offering no gap against the bail lever to accumulate crud.  

If installed with the proper torque using a 8mm nutdriver or socket — it will never loosen until you want it to.

Plus, these will not rust.

If you will PM me your full address — I will send these to you at N/C.

Best,

Fred

[newfuturevintage]

Thanks (again!) Fred!

PM sent with address.

I wonder if my 402 even had the lock washer installed when the nut went away. Very possibly it didn't. This reel's definitely had some "unauthorized modifications" performed on it over the years.

[foakes]

Yeah, those little things get lost all of the time over the years.

On the way to you, Tuesday...PO closed Monday for the Holiday.

Best,

Fred

[newfuturevintage]

Thanks so much, Fred! Looking forward to getting this back in use. This is one of my favorites for pier crabbing.