Oil for roller guides?

[FatTuna]

What products are you guys using to service the roller guides on rods? I have some 80lb and 130lb rods that need to be lubricated. The rollers on one are really gummed up. I was thinking of keeping it simple. Disassemble, scrub with a toothbrush, and add ReelX. Possibly replace the sleeves inside.

[Dominick]

What products are you guys using to service the roller guides on rods? I have some 80lb and 130lb rods that need to be lubricated. The rollers on one are really gummed up. I was thinking of keeping it simple. Disassemble, scrub with a toothbrush, and add ReelX. Possibly replace the sleeves inside.

This is the way I handle the lubrication of the rollers.  Dominick

[FatTuna]

Thanks Dominick, I'll give it a go. I figured it was easy, I just wanted to double check.

[Tiddlerbasher]

Personally I would go with TSI321 (it seems to last longer). In fact I now use 321 on just about anything that supposed to move - like hinges, tools etc. If its stationary it gets coated with CorrosionX

[Wolli]

i use CorrosionX HD. Last longer than any oil i used the years before.

[FatTuna]

Hey guys, I was reading some stuff earlier and I found this printed on Aftco's website. Interestingly, it specifically states not to use oil with their rollers...... I personally can't think of a reason not to use oil. I would imagine that grease would gum up more than oil would.... The part about not using solvents on the sleeves makes sense.

I set all of mine up with ReelX. They turn super smooth. I tested it with grease too. Not as smooth. I'm going to keep them as is but I'm curious as to what their logic is.

Q6. How do I maintain my roller guides?
A. To keep your rollers turning freely, always flush the entire guide (and tip-top) with fresh water each time you return to the dock. This will wash away the saltwater residue that can buildup between the roller and frame, and is all the short-term maintenance required to assure that your roller guides will perform perfectly.

Do not attempt to lubricate AFTCO roller guides with spray lubricants, as these chemical solvents will actually gum up the rollers and ultimately hinder their performance. Instead, we recommend a waterproof grease - such as Penn's® Blue International Lube - to be applied sparingly to the outsides of the bearings.

AFTCO recommends that every year or two your roller guides and tops should be disassembled, cleaned and lubricated. After removing the pins and screws (using a #2 standard screwdriver on each side of the guide or top), all parts, including the inside of the frame, should be wiped clean with paper towels using a mild solvent or thinner. Then, lubricate the outside of the bearing (black) with a small amount of waterproof grease (not oil) before pushing it back into the roller. Finally, center the pins and screws and thoroughly tighten with the screwdriver. Any roller that only rolls when screws are loose should be checked for damage or epoxy rod finish buildup inside the guide frame.

[Shark Hunter]

Use Reel X. Its the way to go.
People were probably using WD-40 or some other cheap oil lubricant that leads to the gumming.
I only use WD for cleaning. Its really not good for anything else.
I clean the rollers really well with brake cleaner to remove any deposits and one small drop of reel x will make them perform like they were meant to.

[Dominick]

AFTCO's recommendations defy logic.  If you follow their recommendations maybe they get to sell more roller guides???    Dominick

[sdlehr]

AFTCO's recommendations defy logic.  If you follow their recommendations maybe they get to sell more roller guides???    Dominick

I don't know for sure, I'm just going to throw this out there.... the grease on the guides will protect better than a light oil like ReelX. Considering the magnitude of the forces involved in catching a big, heavy fish, I'm guessing that if the roller guides don't spin freely when not under load it won't be of practical significance... you'll never feel the difference.... not to say they shouldn't be maintained and cleaned, but this isn't where I would spend a lot of effort. Now if you are casting with this rig I'd have a different opinion....


Sid

[steelfish]

Use Reel X. Its the way to go.
People were probably using WD-40 or some other cheap oil lubricant that leads to the gumming.

Mr Sharkman is right,

AFtco instrictions are for normal people that will use any lubrican on hand that you can get on wallyworld
AT members dont qualify as normal   (me included)


I also have a all rolling guides rod and have always used reelX and lately tsi321 never found anything wrong on the guides

[FatTuna]

I'm going to stick with the ReelX. I just did a bunch of them last night and they are all super smooth. I 

I would like to test out TSI one of these days though.

[mikeysm]

Some use a special dry lube and only requires a drop of reel oil after washing with water to remove the salt. So what ever they are using doesn't come off. Also if you use the wrong lube like wd40 it will dry up and leave a sticky film that attracts dirt and takes a solvent to remove.

Mike

[FatTuna]

Some use a special dry lube and only requires a drop of reel oil after washing with water to remove the salt. So what ever they are using doesn't come off. Also if you use the wrong lube like wd40 it will dry up and leave a sticky film that attracts dirt and takes a solvent to remove.

Mike

What companies are using the dry lube?

[SoCalAngler]

I have not checked out AFTCO's website for several years but they do have two types of roller guides. One is the normal metal type and their ALRG's which are designed to fish 40 lb test and below. I have a few rods with the ALRG's and no lube is recommended on these because of the graphite body and titanium roller and bearing/sleeve.

EDIT: I have never lubed mine and they still work fine after 10 years on one rod. I did have a screw come off one of the rollers and lost the bearing. I looked around and the only company on line that had them instock wanted $10 for shipping. WTH? I called AFTCO and they sent me 7 free of charge and a new catalog. I will support and buy AFTCO because of their quality of product, substantially fishing efforts and customer service. Also their about a 20 minute drive from me and that's not bad

But, this is from AFTCO's website.

Do not attempt to lubricate AFTCO roller guides with spray lubricants, as these chemical solvents will actually gum up the rollers and ultimately hinder their performance. Instead, we recommend a waterproof grease - such as Penn's Blue International Lube - to be applied sparingly to the outsides of the bearings.

For me I think I know what "spray lubricant", and "chemical solvent" their talking about (WD), sure it was plural but we know what's up

TSI 321 and CorrosionX are not solvents, or have a solvent in them.

[mikeysm]

I just bought a set of all american roller guides. They sent me a sheet telling me that they used a special lube that should last the lifetime of the roller. They said wash out the rollers after fishing with plain water and one drop of reel oil is all it will ever need.

Mike