Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Fishing => Fishing Line, Knots, Splices and Rigging => Topic started by: alantani on May 13, 2021, 10:13:32 PM

Title: Why not use electrical tape under the braid?
Post by: alantani on May 13, 2021, 10:13:32 PM
When I'm rigging reels, I lightly grease the spool with an old greasy toothbrush,  then add a couple of layers of flex wrap.  I know that alot of shops use electrical tape. This is why. The tape hardens,  salt water gets underneath,  and you get corrosion. I am less concerned about what you use on the arbor and more concerned that you just use something.  Given a choice,  skip the electrical tape, the masking tape,  and the duct tape,  and use flex wrap.
Title: Re: Why not use electrical tape under the braid?
Post by: Gfish on May 14, 2021, 05:36:50 AM
Yeah. That looks bad. I use grease only if theres a pin, or the flex wrap + grease if there's no pin.
Title: Re: Why not use electrical tape under the braid?
Post by: nelz on May 14, 2021, 05:48:49 AM
Why tape at all, what about mono instead?
Title: Re: Why not use electrical tape under the braid?
Post by: Tiddlerbasher on May 14, 2021, 08:50:20 AM
Or just learn to tie a multi wrap arbor knot in the braid ala Jerry Brown's recommendation - and no it will not slip :D
Title: Re: Why not use electrical tape under the braid?
Post by: oc1 on May 14, 2021, 11:09:11 AM
We discussed this before.  I just throw eight to ten half-hitches around the spool.  All the hitches are going in the same direction (not alternating) and going in the same direction that the line will be wound.  The hitches will tighten themselves around the arbor instead of slipping.  If the reel is quick apart it is easier to do it with the spool removed.
Title: Re: Why not use electrical tape under the braid?
Post by: Keta on May 14, 2021, 01:06:01 PM
Quote from: nelz on May 14, 2021, 05:48:49 AM
Why tape at all, what about mono instead?
.

Or Dacron line, I use it or Vet Wrap (same as Flex Wrap but several $ less).
Title: Re: Why not use electrical tape under the braid?
Post by: alantani on May 14, 2021, 02:39:40 PM
yup, lots of ways to approach this.  Lots of ways work just fine.  i'm just not a big fan of this stuff but anything is better than nothing.  when someone tells me they are not getting drag, braid slippage is always my first thought! 
Title: Re: Why not use electrical tape under the braid?
Post by: thorhammer on May 14, 2021, 02:58:28 PM
I had a shop that "knew what it was doing" do just that...just tied a knot and spooled PP...I figured it out on a fish. Now I prewrap myself or at least confirm with the tech what they will do.
Title: Re: Why not use electrical tape under the braid?
Post by: foakes on May 14, 2021, 03:29:36 PM
I also have used flex-wrap for over 20 years.

It just works with no issues — and doesn't trap water.

If you get flex wrap that doesn't have a picture of a boat or a medical emblem on it — it is around a buck a roll on Amazon, eBay, or Wal-Mart.

I have a couple of 113H's, two 501's and two 500's to do for a client over the weekend — that will get the flex wrap before spooling them up.

One time, I ran out of flex wrap to finish up a batch of reels for a Charter outfit.  Just went to my Racquetball bag — and used the same stuff I use on the racquet handles for extra grip.

Main thing is — use something that won't trap moisture — and won't slip.

For me, this just works.

Best, Fred
Title: Re: Why not use electrical tape under the braid?
Post by: dlrider on May 14, 2021, 06:50:33 PM
Quote from: alantani on May 13, 2021, 10:13:32 PM
When I'm rigging reels, I lightly grease the spool with an old greasy toothbrush,  then add a couple of layers of flex wrap. 

The flex wrap will grip regardless the grease?
Title: Re: Why not use electrical tape under the braid?
Post by: JasonGotaProblem on May 14, 2021, 08:13:00 PM
Wouldn't a lightly corroded spool just be more grippy?

Win-win.  8)
Title: Re: Why not use electrical tape under the braid?
Post by: philaroman on May 14, 2021, 08:23:36 PM
you better delete that, before someone quotes it
Title: Re: Why not use electrical tape under the braid?
Post by: alantani on May 14, 2021, 09:38:44 PM
Quote from: dlrider on May 14, 2021, 06:50:33 PM
Quote from: alantani on May 13, 2021, 10:13:32 PM
When I'm rigging reels, I lightly grease the spool with an old greasy toothbrush,  then add a couple of layers of flex wrap. 

The flex wrap will grip regardless the grease?


yup!  i was concerned as well, but it seems to work just fine!
Title: Re: Why not use electrical tape under the braid?
Post by: conchydong on May 14, 2021, 11:55:32 PM
Quote from: Tiddlerbasher on May 14, 2021, 08:50:20 AM
Or just learn to tie a multi wrap arbor knot in the braid ala Jerry Brown's recommendation - and no it will not slip :D

This is what I do and never had a problem.
Title: Re: Why not use electrical tape under the braid?
Post by: jzman on May 16, 2021, 12:16:01 AM
I do two or three wraps of line around spool before tying the arbor knot.  I leave a 1/2-3/4 inch tag end from the arbor knot so that the tag-end gets wrapped around tightly against the spool when spooling the first couple feet of line.  This prevents it from slipping without tape.  Problem is if I get spooled the arbor knot may only then slip.

If there is an arbor pin (ie tld 15/30) or a hole in the spool (ie penn fathoms) I just use that.  No tape needed.
Title: Re: Why not use electrical tape under the braid?
Post by: Donnyboat on May 16, 2021, 02:56:20 AM
I always use grease then tape, then a knot plus 3 or 4 half hitches, the grease stops any corrosion, keeps the salt water out, cheers Don.
Title: Re: Why not use electrical tape under the braid?
Post by: gstours on May 16, 2021, 03:31:41 PM
After viewing page one it seems like people forgot about using a heavy wax , like heated beeswax on the bottom and sides of the lower spool.  Seals out the water and provides a tacky grip. ???
   Plastic electrical tape will be a pain to remove later on if desired.   Don't ask how I know?
       Some reel manufacturers still provide a hole inthe spool, knurled center seems like a good idea.🤷‍♂️
There's lots of good options and everyone has a preference,   Don't get spooled.🐟
Title: Re: Why not use electrical tape under the braid?
Post by: MexicanGulf on May 01, 2023, 02:24:33 PM
I follow
Title: Re: Why not use electrical tape under the braid?
Post by: Shellbelly on May 01, 2023, 09:22:23 PM
Quote from: gstours on May 16, 2021, 03:31:41 PMusing a heavy wax
I always wondered why there was a stubby candle in my grandfather's rod/reel stuff.  The melted end was concave.  NOW I know.  Thank you for that!

Adhesive tapes can leave a residue.
Title: Re: Why not use electrical tape under the braid?
Post by: jurelometer on May 01, 2023, 10:51:01 PM
Shockingly, this has been discussed before:

https://alantani.com/index.php?topic=36014.0 (https://alantani.com/index.php?topic=36014.0)

I am a fan of three coats of carnuba paste wax for my personal use, but may not so great if you are trying to get the reel filled and out the door in a short time for a customer.

-J