do you really need a nut cover on the handle nut? will it always fall off ?

[pointbob]

I put together a reel and misplaced the nut cover for the handle nut. It's a weird handle and the cheap replacement covers i get from alixprss have a non standard location for my handle (the screw hole is further up)....can i fish as is without the cover? I have to head out fishing this weekend and like to use the reel...

[ReelClean]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002333657683.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.11.78b2558d3AVz22&algo_pvid=bef5272d-a33f-451c-9ee1-5407f3e5103d&algo_exp_id=bef5272d-a33f-451c-9ee1-5407f3e5103d-5&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21AUD%2110.01%215.21%21%21%216.30%21%21%402101e7f616982682659993217eae80%2112000020135119027%21sea%21AU%21859348964%21&curPageLogUid=l6pqclZ9UWnP

may fit, but even if the nut falls off the handle should have a c-clip holding it on?

[Reeltyme]

My opinion (for what it's worth), fish it. I have to believe that with all the vintage and antique reels that are still around and never had a nut lock on the handle retainer nut and STILL have their original handle and nut or screw, it isn't THAT important. Just check it periodically.

[pointbob]

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002333657683.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.11.78b2558d3AVz22&algo_pvid=bef5272d-a33f-451c-9ee1-5407f3e5103d&algo_exp_id=bef5272d-a33f-451c-9ee1-5407f3e5103d-5&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21AUD%2110.01%215.21%21%21%216.30%21%21%402101e7f616982682659993217eae80%2112000020135119027%21sea%21AU%21859348964%21&curPageLogUid=l6pqclZ9UWnP

may fit, but even if the nut falls off the handle should have a c-clip holding it on?

thanks...didn;t see those..may work ... abu is M8

[philaroman]

maybe, compatible screw w/ bigger head(OD), so it fits/lines up w/ sides of nut,
but stops the points from turning (like rotor nut in some spinners)

[boon]

Spot of loctite?

I've had a reel where I snapped off the retaining screw in the handle (soft stainless screw into aluminum, no surprise there...) and it would slowly loosen off over time. I just carried a small adjustable spanner in my tackle box for a while 

[DougK]

I have an older Abu 5000 that never had a lock plate.. lost the nut once in some rocks lakeside, was amazed to find it again. So I always check the nut before and after fishing.

[Cor]

In my experience handle nuts nearly always loosen without a locking device, initially burring the drive shaft the handle sits on and thereafter wobbling and nut and handle falling off.

Even older Penns had a screw to hold the nut in place.

[OhReely]

Blue Locktite or Locktite 222 for small fasteners on the threads.

[Shellbelly]

Even older Penns had a screw to hold the nut in place.

And many Ocean City reels incorporated a locking method.  Every Abu baitcaster I've used without a lock has eventually had issues.  It's an annoying distraction.  Search around and get a few if you can.  It's kind of like keeping spare pawls handy. 

[drumbum]

The early ABU's that didn't have the lock plate and screw,....had the "domed" washer,.....often missing.

[Bryan Young]

I have this synthetic rubber with light adhesive on one side that I punch washers out just slightly larger OD than the nut and ID the same as the handle shaft that has been very effective in keeping the nut from loosening up.

[pointbob]

I have this synthetic rubber with light adhesive on one side that I punch washers out just slightly larger OD than the nut and ID the same as the handle shaft that has been very effective in keeping the nut from loosening up.

"synthetic rubber with light adhesive on one side that I punch washers out just slightly larger OD than the nut and ID the same"

brilliant.