Nylon/plastic gears

[reelstory]

I'm new to the site, and find it to be extremely interesting.  I have just started to maintain my baitcasters, and wondered if nylon or plastic gears require any maintenance.  Several I have looked at appear to be dry.

[JGB]

Plastic gears require very little maintenance. They need to be kept clean and dry and the shafts lightly oiled. Nylon is self lubricating and using grease or lots of oil serves to attract dirt  and promote wear. The use of special lubricants apply for high performance tuning.
As a side not plastic gears are used for several reasons:
Low cost
Low maintenance
Light weight
Corrosion proof
In level winds they serve as a safety in case the level wind gets jammed (your finger - ouch). The gear just breaks.

Jim N.

[alantani]

steve carson of penn calls them lawyer gears.  they are designed to break before your fingers break when you get your fingers caught in the levelwind assembly. 

[reelstory]

Thanks for the info.  Now I know what to do.

[kevin cozens]

some reels such as abu ambasseaduers have conversion kits that convert to metal gears. you can also convert the whole level wind system to run on ball bearings.
https://www.mikesreelrepair.com/reel-tuning-upgrades/wormshaft-upgrades/