716z handle. Re-bending

[Fishgolfman]

Flea market find. Both shaft and handle bent. I have another 716 shaft but finding a handle expensive. Posting a picture of the bent handle. Use heat to rebend?? Btw how does someone bend both shaft and handle? Big fish??

[Glos]

That is why material for handle has to be brittle, like zinc. There are many cases when those bend just a little bit and you don't even see it, but it is malfunctioning.
It has to be either exactly the same or broken.

[Midway Tommy]

If it were mine I would warm it up with a hair dryer or heat gun, lay it on a block of wood with the concave side down and with a block of wood on top and a hammer tap it down until it's straight. It's not difficult if you do it that way a little at a time. You could also start the process using the wood blocks on both sides and a strong C-clamp and then go to the hammer & blocks to finish it up. 

[foakes]

About half the attempts to straighten these cranks work for me.

But sometimes — even with a torch, vise, and removing the plastic knob —- they snap in two, or develop an obvious stress point that I don't trust.

But it is always worth a shot.  And it may bend back OK — but look ugly.  Or maybe be just fine. If fishing it myself — I would not mind.  If doing it for a client —- it would get a new handle, because I would not want them to have an issue when fishing.

I generally install a new crank —- if not completely confident in the result after attempting a re-bend job.

If you get stuck —- here is a new crank assembly.  $25.

Or I can just sell you the new shaft without the knob, screw, attachment hub, and top thumb nut —- for $19.

Best, Fred

[Fishgolfman]

Thanks Fred. Know if i try and break it.    It can be saved?and fixed

[foakes]

Yes, it is generally saveable.

Patience & a plan using a couple of blocks of wood in a vise will work.

It helps to rout a groove on one of the blocks of wood so that the handle will stay in place —- and not turn sideways —- when the vise is tightened.

Really worth a shot —- nothing to lose.

Let us know how you do.

Best, Fred

[Fishgolfman]

Well the drama on 716z continues. The stem on body is bent as well. I only noted the bent handle and shaft initially. Btw I re-bent handle.  See pics of straight handle. Now the body? What do i do to rebend???

[foakes]

Those stands on the frame are generally good for (1) twist back to square.

It helps to be slow and careful.

I clamp the stand in a vise with wood-faced jaws — then slowly (a bit at a time] —- twist the body/frame back to square.

Not too fast —- or too far —- just up to the point where the stand is aligned with the reel frame.  Don't want to go back and forth.

Shouldn't be an issue.

I do have a frame — but they are rare and pricey.

You might check the bail when you are finished with the foot.

I think an ice chest, or heavy tackle box slid into this reel in a boat or in the bed of a pickup.

Best, Fred

[Glos]

It helps to heat it up before straightening.

[Midway Tommy]

It helps to heat it up before straightening.

Too hot & the paint will bubble & peel.

[Glos]

In moderation, as someone said, heat gun or similar.