Hello,
New to servicing fishing reels, aka newbie. I have reels from 40+ years ago that I would like to service as well as newer Penn's, Newels, Shimano's and a few Diawa's. The Penn's are for saltwater fishing, both conventional and spinning. The Shimano's are conventional/spinning freshwater reels like the Curado's and some spinners in the 500-1000 size. I also have some old Mitchell/Garcia reels and some fly fishing reels as well.
I have been reading here about the different greases/lubes and it has been a great help. Going to get some Cal's Tan Reel/Drag grease, Blue Grease and I still have some Speed-X in my drawer from a few years ago.
My question is what type of grease should I use on like the Fly Reels and the smaller freshwater reels? The smaller Shimano's and the older Mitchell's? I read about the Cal Purple Grease. Should I use that or ?? Also any advice about heading in the right direction about what to use for greases/oils would be appreciated. Thanks in Advance...
1. Drag grease - cals
2. reel grease - any marine grease, yamaha is Alan's pick, I both yamaha and peak synthetic marine grease, I bought at pepboys,
3. Oil - TSI 321 cut with alcohol 25% TSI
is my list, your welcome to copy me, just send some good fishing mojo ;D
You can overthink this. If you get some Corrosion-X and Cal's Drag grease you'll be covered completely. If you are doing a lot of reels, Ca's can get spendy; in which case, you can use almost any marine grease everywhere except the drag washers. There are also faster oils than Corrosion-X but I doubt very many people will not the difference in practice.
Quote from: SoCal Perky on March 21, 2019, 10:46:01 PM
The Shimano's are conventional/spinning freshwater reels like the Curado's and some spinners in the 500-1000 size.
Heavier greases are OK for heavy reels but for smaller spinners and the like, you're gonna need some fineness. Shimano makes a range of light greases with a high Teflon content that are useful for both drags and general lubrication. ACE2 is a good versatile light grease. Permalub is a heavier grease but still way lighter than marine grease. It is good for bearings and gear sets.
Another approach is to roll your own by using something like Corosion X fluid to alter the consistency of say CX grease. This way you can make a range of viscosities to suit various applications.
Cavets:
Never use products containing graphite such as Penn's Precision Reel Grease for reel service. These will petrify in the presence of salt water turning grease into gravel.
Reserve Cal's for drags only. It can desiccate after several years in a hot climate leaving a caked "makeup powder" residue on mechanical parts.
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Make sure you go synthetic regardless of the brand you choose. In my opinion nothing beats Super Lube Multi Purpose. It contains PTFE, is salt water resistant, clear, easy to find, last indefinitely as long as it doesn't compromised or invaded and is a good bang for the buck. It can also be thinned where needed with synthetic oil. It's the only grease I'll put in my own reels and I've been using it for at least 15 years.
X 2 on the super lube grease. Great stuff and good price.
Cheers:
Todd
I started using Anti Seize MRO Solution 2400 - 8oz for the Stainless Steel screws in Aluminum frames, this formula in for Marine use.
Joe
Synthetic marine grease with teflon for everything except spool bearings that need to spin fast.
Baitcasters (or any casting reel) spool bearings, level winds etc., use TSI321. For extra speed cut it with IPA - 3 or 4 parts IPA with 1 part TSI321.
Quote from: exp2000 on March 23, 2019, 05:49:44 PM
Quote from: SoCal Perky on March 21, 2019, 10:46:01 PM
The Shimano's are conventional/spinning freshwater reels like the Curado's and some spinners in the 500-1000 size.
Heavier greases are OK for heavy reels but for smaller spinners and the like, you're gonna need some fineness. Shimano makes a range of light greases with a high Teflon content that are useful for both drags and general lubrication. ACE2 is a good versatile light grease. Permalub is a heavier grease but still way lighter than marine grease. It is good for bearings and gear sets.
Another approach is to roll your own by using something like Corosion X fluid to alter the consistency of say CX grease. This way you can make a range of viscosities to suit various applications.
Cavets:
Never use products containing graphite such as Penn's Precision Reel Grease for reel service. These will petrify in the presence of salt water turning grease into gravel.
Reserve Cal's for drags only. It can desiccate after several years in a hot climate leaving a caked "makeup powder" residue on mechanical parts.
~
I am confused, by your statement regarding Penn's Precision Reel Grease. I thought this grease comes highly recommended from this site by many members, am I wrong with my statement? I have been using it for all the freshwater reels I clean, and I have not had any problems so far. So you are saying that this is not a good grease to use or not a good grease to use for saltwater reels ? I don't see the ingredients on my jar, so you might be correct in saying that it has graphite. So I guess I should not be using this?
Yea: Grease is like a horse race, everybody picks his own winner. Cal's Yamaha and corrosion X TSI 321 are the most popular ones that most Reel guys use.
Alan Tani, Sal, Fred Are the go to guys around here.
Joe
All Penn reels leaving the factory have always been coated with Penn greases. I'm sure if there were a problem with it they would change the formula. I never heard of it containing graphite. Maybe somebody is trying to spread a rumor because they don't like Penn Blue grease. In fact Penn is even coating their drags with it. Not that I would, I'll stick with Cal's or Dupont Marine grease w/ Teflon for my drags. Any grease is better then no grease & marine grease is better then regular grease. I'd say that the majority here are using Penn Blue or Yamaha Marine grease. Some marine greases are thicker & some are thinner but they all work. It's your choice which you like best or go with the majority. Rudy
Most grease recommended here is good.
As for Penn grease, I do not have anything bad to say about it, I'm actually using it more and more lately.
I've been liking how some of the reels that I serviced a year or two ago look when they come back to me.
Can't really tell which is best, unless you use a couple.
My spinners get Shimano premium grease straight out of the container...just a personal preference, I guess
I also use this stuff on bearings.
Sal
Quote from: Cadman on March 24, 2019, 10:32:39 PM
I am confused, by your statement regarding Penn's Precision Reel Grease. I thought this grease comes highly recommended from this site by many members, am I wrong with my statement? I have been using it for all the freshwater reels I clean, and I have not had any problems so far. So you are saying that this is not a good grease to use or not a good grease to use for saltwater reels ? I don't see the ingredients on my jar, so you might be correct in saying that it has graphite. So I guess I should not be using this?
It is mot the first time I have been challenged on this and I am sure it will not be the last.
I was considering it myself once till I was constantly confronted by this nightmare and I am not the only one to experience this:
https://alantani.com/index.php?topic=18326.msg193907#msg193907 (https://alantani.com/index.php?topic=18326.msg193907#msg193907)
Scroll through this post for the awful truth.
I would never recommend it to anyone.
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Maybe the grease Down Under is different then what is available in the USA. It doesn't seem to be a problem here in the USA.
Quote from: RowdyW on March 25, 2019, 12:24:33 AM
Maybe the grease Down Under is different then what is available in the USA. It doesn't seem to be a problem here in the USA.
Yes. I wonder if it is manufactured by a different contractor. In any case there are better choices available.
I have only seen this outcome with one other grease and graphite was listed in the ingredients.
I first became aware of the problem many years ago when I experimented with graphite powder on worm drives only to watch it turn into concrete.
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should I try Cal's Purple when I run out of Penn blue -- has it changed?
my blue is prob >15yo & I rather like it for my sm/med spinners (mostly Shimano)
not too thick Jan/Feb & not too thin Jul/Aug... Goldilocks zone for my climate (SEPA -- same as Sal)
I will usually use grease recommended by people I trust, but it will still need to be tested by me and I'm sure so would anyone else.
I'm sure if there was an issue with Penn grease, they would have addressed the problem by now.
With that said, I'm not saying you are wrong, I just need to see it for myself.
Experience with Penn grease as been good for me so far, but will post if things change along the way.
Sal
Quote from: philaroman on March 25, 2019, 01:43:02 AM
should I try Cal's Purple when I run out of Penn blue -- has it changed?
my blue is prob >15yo & I rather like it for my sm/med spinners (mostly Shimano)
not too thick Jan/Feb & not too thin Jul/Aug... Goldilocks zone for my climate (SEPA -- same as Sal)
Penn has changed their grease formula a number of times.
If your batch is the older deep blue colour it is probably OK.
The concrete blend is labelled "Penn Precision Reel Grease" was released about 6 years ago?
It is sky blue in colour.
Stick to a good reliable marine grease or Corrosion X grease.
I recommend lighter Shimano greases for smaller spinners or you could try Superlube as it is more economical.
A "one size fits all" philosophy will only yield at best average results.
I use a variety of greases, each offering a distinct advantage for specific applications.
Daiwa, Shimano, Corrosion X - they all have a place.
Spinners have distinct requirements from conventional reels and get lubed accordingly.
Premium reels like Stellas and Saltigs get only the absolute best OEM premium lubes.
Economy reels still get quality lubes but more economical choices.
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Just tried out some "Green Grease" synthetic. Be warned, it is very thick. I used it on a 8000 size Shimano spinner and regretted it, it caused way too much resistance. I think it would be great on saltwater conventional reels though.
exp, I don 't know where you are getting your information from but it is all wrong. The latest Penn Blue is a dark blue in color not sky blue. It seems like your concrete grease is not really Penn grease. I'll bet you never tested Penn grease & only went by what someone said was Penn grease. Why are you the only one in the world that has a problem with Penn grease? What is the proof in writing that the grease is inferior to other greases? It seems like you just don't like Penn or it's products. You really don't need 6 or more kinds of grease to service a reel. With all those open containers of grease they must collect a lot of dust & dirt that you put into the reels you service. Send us some lab tests of Penn vs other popular marine greases. Like shear strength, temp range, salt resistance, what it contains. etc. Looking at it doesn't count. :D
Quote from: RowdyW on March 25, 2019, 03:51:38 AM
exp, I don 't know where you are getting your information from but it is all wrong. The latest Penn Blue is a dark blue in color not sky blue.
Obviously they changed again. Perhaps they returned to their previous formula. Ever think to ask yourself why? Perhaps they are dumping their obsolete stockpiled crap on lesser markets - works for Big Pharma!
Quote from: RowdyW on March 25, 2019, 03:51:38 AM
I'll bet you never tested Penn grease & only went by what someone said was Penn grease. Why are you the only one in the world that has a problem with Penn grease?
Think you owe me an apology on this one Rowdy. I sometimes service hundreds of reels every year so everything stated is based on hard personal experience. The shop I was working at back then received promotional containers from Pure Fishing as it was the brand new thing on the block.
As for me being "the only one". Yes, I do live in a remote part of the world so I am very isolated but it happens to be a fisherman's paradise. Another tech about a thousand clicks down the road also has the exact same experience with"the blue glue" as myself. I have not bothered to seek out supporters.
Quote from: RowdyW on March 25, 2019, 03:51:38 AM
What is the proof in writing that the grease is inferior to other greases? It seems like you just don't like Penn or it's products.
Even Allan Hawke describes it as best reserved for cheaper reels but if you cannot believe the evidence of your own eyes that I have presented in previous posts then I am afraid that I cannot help you.
I do not have the exposure to the full range of Penn products that you do in the states but this much I do know. Penn produced nice quality products twenty years ago - reels you could take pride in. Now some of their stuff breaks right outa the box - it's that cheap and nasty! I tell my clients don't ever buy a Liveliner - It's not a matter of IF it's gonna break - just WHEN. But if you examine my Facebook page you will see that I just tell it like it is and the Penn brand is far from exclusive in my critiques. I would love to get hold of some of their premium reels. Might give me a new appreciation?
Quote from: RowdyW on March 25, 2019, 03:51:38 AM
You really don't need 6 or more kinds of grease to service a reel.
You may notice that there are two trays in the picture. I typically use four different greases for conventionals and four others for spinners. This will cover appropriate choices for both economy and premium models. Shimano alone markets at least seven different greases in a range of viscosities - all of them far lighter than standard marine grease. You might not need these for a Senator but the reels that I typically work on are a tad more sophisticated and the results speak for themselves. Here is a testimony from one of my clients:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/KimberleyRodandReel/ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/KimberleyRodandReel/)
We highly recommend Brett for all reel servicing here in Broome.
We were sending our gear back to Shimano however we weren't satisfied with the quality of their workmanship & it was costly sending them to the Eastern states. With this in mind we decided to send our Stella 10000 & 20000, Calcutta 400 and Thunus 4000 to Brett and all were returned in perfect condition. They feel as good. He has the passion and know how.
Quote from: RowdyW on March 25, 2019, 03:51:38 AM
With all those open containers of grease they must collect a lot of dust & dirt that you put into the reels you service.
Seems like you are just out for vengeance now Rowdy! The containers are covered in a sliding drawer and it sure beats fiddling round with lids on a regular basis.
Quote from: RowdyW on March 25, 2019, 03:51:38 AM
Send us some lab tests of Penn vs other popular marine greases. Like shear strength, temp range, salt resistance, what it contains. etc. Looking at it doesn't count. :D
Yeah I kinda gathered that. Do not despair, Penn cam provide you with an abundance of theoretical literature documenting just how wonderful their products are but I prefer reality over hype.
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Agree with exp2000 regarding the necessity for different viscosity lubes for different areas in a high-end spin reels. I service/repair/rebuild and tune Saltigas, branzinos, certates, exists, Stella's etc etc on a daily basis and this is common practice and mandatory. As far as the 'finest OEM lubricants' go, I'm not so sure, I have the full range and healthy quantities of Daiwa and Shimano's lubes but I just don't rate them aye. I get a much better feel and se
Quote
rvice duration from CorrosionX grease cut with ReelX. Allot of the time I find myself requiring a viscosity of grease that will be intermediate to what Daiwa has available as it just doesn't feel right, especially to a picky customer who knows what they want. I would rather customize my own than be 'locked in' to what those rediculously overpriced little tubs have to offer. This if course is only my opinion of OEM, general pupose lubricants, Daiwas UTD and ATD drag greases are excellent
Quote from: farnorthlbg on March 25, 2019, 10:24:35 AM
Agree with exp2000 regarding the necessity for different viscosity lubes for different areas in a high-end spin reels. I service/repair/rebuild and tune Saltigas, branzinos, certates, exists, Stella's etc etc on a daily basis and this is common practice and mandatory.
Nice diet :) and thanks for the support.
Yes, the range of greases you buy from local service centers is what those techs themselves are using.
Quote from: farnorthlbg on March 25, 2019, 10:24:35 AM
As far as the 'finest OEM lubricants' go, I'm not so sure, I have the full range and healthy quantities of Daiwa and Shimano's lubes but I just don't rate them aye. I get a much better feel and service duration from CorrosionX grease cut with ReelX. Allot of the time I find myself requiring a viscosity of grease that will be intermediate to what Daiwa has available as it just doesn't feel right, especially to a picky customer who knows what they want.
I also roll my own range of CX blends for different applications.
I use these on conventionals, baitcasters and more basic spinners.
Along with Superlube and Cals, these constitute my "economy" line?
Guess you know what I pay so that should make you laugh!
But I find Castrol Spheerol to posess very similar properties to CX at a fraction of the price.
Rothmar put me onto it - he uses it working on the rig tenders. Thanks mate ;)
However when it comes to more sophisticated spinners I prefer to use the following:ACE-0 or TBM-0 ultralight Teflon grease for main-shaft and line roller bush lubrication.
ACE-2 Teflon grease for general purpose lubrication, especially on light spinners.
Permalub for bearings and light gear-sets.
Daiwa 300 for larger gear-sets. It has a unique waxy cushion property that makes for truly slick cranking.
Daiwa 555 for premium drag sets - Allan Hawke reckons it's the best and it is the defining feature in their new drag hype.
Quote from: farnorthlbg on March 25, 2019, 10:24:35 AMI would rather customize my own than be 'locked in' to what those ridiculously overpriced little tubs have to offer.
Yep, I hear you. I have yet to try other Daiwa service greases but one day maybe?
Anyone tried IOS Factory grease?
Is it really worth the exorbitant price tag or just inflated hype? I wonder?
~
The greases I use are Penn grease and blue marine grease from Auto Zone.
I've settled on using a soft mixture of Yamaha blue marine grease & CorrosionX in all my reels; it's super smooth and stays in place nicely. TSI321 for bearings in most reels, especially fw baitcasters. Grease/CorrX blend for bushings and some bearings in conventionals. Cal's for the drags.
When I first joined this group I was using Super Tech Marine Grease from Walmart. It seemed to do ok, but then I noticed most folks on here don't recommend anything pertaining to lithium. Specs say this Super Tech is base type lithium complex NLGI Grade 2. Any opinions here? It's a blue grease with a very strong smell.
So later I started using Ardent Reel Butter Grease and Reel Butter Oil picked up at the local Academy Sports. This is too expensive because it's only in 1 oz tubes.
Over the weekend I ordered a tub of Penn Grease and a couple tubes of Superlube. So I should be covered for a while.
Quote from: philaroman on March 25, 2019, 01:43:02 AM
should I try Cal's Purple when I run out of Penn blue -- has it changed?
my blue is prob >15yo & I rather like it for my sm/med spinners (mostly Shimano)
not too thick Jan/Feb & not too thin Jul/Aug... Goldilocks zone for my climate (SEPA -- same as Sal)
I've tried the Cal's Purple recently on some small spinners and really liked the feel. It seems thinner than the Penn Blue to me. I guess I should say "feels" thinner...as it does "look" about the same consistency. I use Penn Blue on all the conventionals and large spinners I service. Only two of those I've personally had in the salt, but they performed fantastic, grease still looks like it was just smeared on.
Quote from: festus on March 25, 2019, 05:49:16 PM
I started using Ardent Reel Butter Grease and Reel Butter Oil picked up at the local Academy Sports. This is too expensive because it's only in 1 oz tubes.
Over the weekend I ordered a tub of Penn Grease and a couple tubes of Superlube. So I should be covered for a while.
I agree Chester...that Ardent Reel Butter seems like a good grease...but the 1 oz. tubes are a teaser! You'll love the Superlube on your spinners.
Interesting that festus, most general pupose marine greases used by the awesome crew here are derived from a lithium or lithium complex soap base with a hydrocarbon based lubricant (mineral oil). They all have thier own variations of additives such as corrosion inhibitors, extreme pressure and anti-wear additives such as ptfe, dye's etc. Wouldn't go as far as avoiding lithium soap greases, they have thier limitations but they work great! If you're service/rebuild duration is inside a year you shouldn't have any troubles!