Remove shaft from Penn aluminum spool?

[EEames]

Has anyone here ever removed the fixed shaft from a Penn aluminum spool without destroying the spool? I have a Squidder 145 and Penn aluminum spools were apparently never available for this model. The dimensions of the Penn 209 spool are within .003" for width and diameter but the shaft won't work. If I could remove the old shaft without destroying the spool, I could turn and install a new one to the correct dimensions for the 145. Penn 209 spools are readily available for about $20 while aftermarket 145 spools are over $60 delivered.

[Keta]

So far I'm 4-0 trying this.  The shafts bend before they move.

[EEames]

Thanks Keta,

I'm glad I asked. Have you tried putting a strain on the shaft and then heating the spool with a heat gun?

Eric

[Keta]

Thanks Keta,

I'm glad I asked. Have you tried putting a strain on the shaft and then heating the spool with a heat gun?

Eric

Yes.

[EEames]

Thank You,
The aftermarket spool will have to do.

[Bryan Young]

0.003 is very small.  I'm sure you could use a fine file and a drill with some lubricant to reduce the diameter and length.

[doradoben]

If Bryan's suggestion doesn't work out, maybe try looking for some bearings that have the same o.d, as a squidder and the correct i.d. for the 209 spool that you would like to install.

[EEames]

The spool is the correct size to go in the reel. The problem is the shaft on the 209 spool is too short on either end to reach the bearings on the Squidder. The 145 Squidder overall is approximately 1/4" wider than the 209. In the meantime, I filled the Squidder plastic spool with 100 yards of 20 lb dacron flyline backing and topped it off with 20 lb Maxima Ultragreen. I'll fish with it, see how it holds up, and keep an eye out for a deal on an aftermarket aluminum spool.

Thanks, Everyone, for your valuable input.

Eric