309 that won't retain a spool

Uncle Grizzly · February 10, 2026, 02:56:54 PM

I recently picked up a 309. When I got it home and took a closer look at it I discovered that the spool it came with would not lock onto the shaft. I tryed a spool I already had here and it was the same result, the spool will not lock into place. Is this a cleaning issue or do I need to replace the axle?

Buster

jtwill98 · February 10, 2026, 04:21:44 PM

It's hard to tell without a picture.

There should be either 2 or four prongs on top of the axle shaft that can accumulate lint and dirt or sometimes inside the spools. You might be able to clean away the lint or dirt under the axle prongs with a toothpick or dental pick.

It sounds like you eliminated the spools.

If not, then spray some lubricate into the spool opening and use a cotton swab to clean inside and ensure the release button is able to move freely.

Also, send a quick picture if you still have issues.

Maxed Out · February 10, 2026, 04:59:21 PM

Maybe also remove the head plate and then move the freespool lever back and forth to see if the pinion gear is moving forward. Its possible someone serviced the reel and left out the springs that hold up the yoke. Also possible the jack was improperly installed

foakes · February 10, 2026, 05:01:21 PM

The new Mitchell 309 I built for you went out in the mail yesterday.

Try the new spool on your problem child 309. Then if you need another spool or axle, let me know, and I'll send out what you need.

Like John said, it is either the spool arbor where the push button is, or the top of the spool shaft.

Best, Fred

Quote from: Maxed Out on February 10, 2026, 04:59:21 PMMaybe also remove the head plate and then move the freespool lever back and forth to see if the pinion gear is moving forward. Its possible someone serviced the reel and left out the springs that hold up the yoke.

foakes · February 10, 2026, 05:05:54 PM

Quote from: Maxed Out on February 10, 2026, 04:59:21 PMMaybe also remove the head plate and then move the freespool lever back and forth to see if the pinion gear is moving forward. Its possible someone serviced the reel and left out the springs that hold up the yoke.

I think Stan is referring to a tiny Mitchell 309, left-handed spinner, Ted.

You might be thinking of a Penn 309 large level-wind conventional reel?

Best, Fred

Maxed Out · February 10, 2026, 05:16:07 PM

Oh shoot, my bad. Ignore my previous post

foakes · February 10, 2026, 06:23:39 PM

Quote from: Maxed Out on February 10, 2026, 05:16:07 PMOh shoot, my bad. Ignore my previous post

No big deal, keep posting, Ted!

Your knowledge and expertise are invaluable to the members.

Best, Fred

Uncle Grizzly · February 13, 2026, 12:49:13 AM

THe "new" 309 arrived and exceeds my expectations. Thank you Fred!!

I tryed one of the "problem spools" on the new reel and it locked into place and released correctly. So I tried the new spool that Fred sent with the new reel and it stiffly locked into place on the problem reel. It seems to be stuck on the axle of the problem reel. The button at the top of the spool will not depress and, probably coincidentally, the reel itself will only crank approximately 3 turns in either direction. This is probably something I did when I opened it up to look at what might be going on with the gears. It is possible that something fell out and went unnoticed when I picked up the occillation block and gear.

OOPS!!!

jtwill98 · February 13, 2026, 01:44:08 AM

Did you drop the retaining pin anchoring the oscillation block that mins it to the axle?

Have a look at this video:

Dennis does a good job with his videos on showing how to disassemble the reel, clean and put it back together.

The video shows Dennis removing the brass retaining pin/clip at the 2:32 minute mark. if you dropped it it should have been easy to find and if its lost, Fred or possibly I will have the clip. we could send you.

-John