While trying to mount the reel on a deckhand rod must have over-tightened and the screw came out. Will no longer screw down tight. Is there enough material in these frames to tap? Does it make a difference that this is diecast aluminum vs. machined?
If it's a cast frame it's much softer than something machined from billet.
From a quick look it seems like a replacement frame is less than $40 from Mystic. Not a huge job to change the frame over either; it's what I would do for the most reliable repair.
Can you stick a clamp bolt in its place going down instead of up ?
Tried that, still doesn't hold
Probably more hassle than what it is worth, New frame is the easy/best solution, but since it is a metal body other options might include drilling and retapping oversize (and hope it works with the clamp) or drilling and helicoiling back to original size - but anyone of those options in my mind is not something that you are going to want to be repeatedly taking apart. But still, options are options! - john