Gear sleeve pin !!

[Marcq]

Every-time  I put that pin in, something tells me that I don't need to. If I have a tight drag why should I ?

Do you put it back in? I would trade a washer or two for that pin  

Actually, I just checked a used one and can't see any wear on it

Thanks, Marc..

[foakes]

The pin holds the sleeve in place on the shaft, so that there is no outward movement --  of the sleeve.

While true that when your drag is cranked down, it may not be apparent that it is needed -- the sleeve also needs to be in place so that it does not lift above the anti-reverse dog.

And your drag is adjustable, so when it is backed off -- there should be no movement in or out of the sleeve and handle.

Best,

Fred

[Marcq]

But even at minimum drag setting the sleeve is pushed towards the bridge , as soon the star drag touches the spacing sleeve, it can't move very much i would think

On some penn, not having to deal with that pin would make things a lot easier  

The best way is to test it

Marc..

[Alto Mare]

The pin is there for a good reason, If you don't want to damage parts or your knuckles, don't use your reel without it .

[Marcq]

The pin is there for a good reason, If you don't want to damage parts, don't use your reel without it .

Sorry, hard to picture the thing working   And when I do it serves nothing

Marc..

[Alto Mare]

No need to apologize, I just don't want you to get hurt when fishing it without it.
It's good to try different things, but unfortunately this one won't work.

[Lensters]

The pin keeps the main gear from rubbing on the side plate and aligns the main gear with the pinion gear.

[Alto Mare]

That all depends on which reel. On larger senators the sleeve, gear and handle would go flying out of the reel.

[Shark Hunter]

That would be bad!

[Marcq]

That all depends on which reel. On larger senators the sleeve, gear and handle would go flying out of the reel.

Marc..

[Lensters]

That all depends on which reel. On larger senators the sleeve, gear and handle would go flying out of the reel.

Really?  Did they make some where the main gear would fit out the drag quick change hole?  Or was it something else?

[Alto Mare]

That all depends on which reel. On larger senators the sleeve, gear and handle would go flying out of the reel.

Really?  Did they make some where the main gear would fit out the drag quick change hole?  Or was it something else?

Yes!
On most easy access drag system there is only 1/8" holding it back, the main gear would easely gring its way out under the right conditions.
On these, it would come right out, here is a shot of the largest Senator;

On the 10/0, the ring by the main gear would also come right.

This is besides the point, you should never fish a reel without the pin in the sleeve.
As Fred mentioned above, once the sleeve lifts itself, the dog or dogs would slide under it, that's when your knuckles would look like Rocky Marciano.
The bottom line... keep the pin in.

[Shark Hunter]

I have changed 14/0 main gears without taking off the side plate.

[Alto Mare]

I have changed 14/0 main gears without taking off the side plate.

You could do the same with the 10/0-12/0 bud, just pull on the ring and it will come right out.

[Shark Hunter]

The only reason I wanted to swap just the main's was the issue with the ss sleeve and the steel gear.