Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Quote from: MarkT on May 03, 2024, 04:25:00 PMI use saliva but then I'm not a fly fisherman!

Hey! Only ethically sourced natural spring water in recyclable glass containers for us real^tm fly fishermen.  But some of the old timers still use lip balm made from 100% organic bees wax produced by union bees.

But seriously, the only credible studies that I have seen are from the medical side for sutures.  Studies find that the monofilament and braided line knots surgeons use will slip more readily when lubricated with water or other substances.

AFAIK,  the fishing literature on lubricating knots is all unsupported assertions or "tests" that contradict each other but do show that we all probably have a high variance in breaking strength when repeatedly tying the same fishing knot.

If you want to lubricate to help cinch down a type of knot that tends to slip, water is not a bad idea.  It is a reasonable lubricant, and the line is going to be wet anyways. You won't be making things any worse.

I am fighting the urge to go down yet another science based rathole, this time on knot theory.  There is a thread that discussesd this recently somewhere on this site.

-J

New information is always good to sort through to see if any advantages jump right out and grab you, but I learned a long time ago that if you have a proven process that serves your designated purposes well there's no reel    urgency to reinvent the wheel.  😉

Beautiful! But where do you spool the line?

Not a fan of electrical tape.

I use saliva but then I'm not a fly fisherman!

I read an article in a well-known fishing magazine where it is recommended to lubricate the knots with chapstick, natural without chemicals, to lubricate the knots. Has anyone already tried? feedback for this system?

Wow!!!

Glad to have you on the Site!

Best, Fred

Thanks for the enthusiastic welcome! Im going to enjoy looking into your many sub folders as im sure there's lots of good reading ahead.

Id mentioned "machinist" previously, well here's an example of how my mind works. I made this G.E frame 3 turbine model as a retirement gift for a decent fellow once; a long time ago!

Quote from: UKChris1 on May 03, 2024, 11:16:46 AMI confess that until I started using Yamalube and another marine grease, I always used car wheel bearing grease (in 1lb tins) and, similarly, car engine oil where oil was needed. It comes in one gallon (or used to!) cans. My thinking was that car engines and wheel bearings endure more stresses and strains than reels (if serviced regularly) so those lubricants ought to be fine.

If I didn't already have a system that has worked well for decades now on thousands of reel jobs —- I would try the motor oil and wheel bearing grease for reels.

I do my own service on our vehicles, equipment, repairs, etc. —- or at least as much as I feel I can accomplish properly 100%.

My motor oil has always been Mobil 1 synthetic, my grease for wheel bearings, axles, all zerk fittings, trailers, has always been Lucas Red "N" Tacky.

Maybe I'll try it on a few of my own reels just for fun.

Every time I handle it on vehicle maintenance —- it gives me a feeling that it may be really good on reels.

Who knows, it could be the most economical and best lube system ever —- or not.  Worth a try.

Best, Fred

Good to know. In the italian book on zangi. As i recall no mention. Will be on lookout for more Zangi variants.