Reel Repair by Alan Tani

So as fate would have it the experience of this afternoon gave me something to add to this.

I took a new reel to the shop to get spooled (metal spool baitcaster not a plastic spool spinner but nonetheless).

Dude looked at me funny when I said no I don't want mono backing but I do want tape on the spool. Then started a discussion about ways line fails on spools. It really highlighted how much misinformation is out there.

I hesitantly mentioned that if a knot is well tied, with a few arbor loops, anecdotal evidence shows the tape is unnecessary. but this spool has holes drilled so the tape helps with the sharp edges. And I'm glad I did it because even though his knot looked ok, I've never seen that much variation in hand-applied drag pressure on a filler spool. Including letting go entirely a few times. I don't know if I even wanna go cast this backlash factory he created, before I take it home and re-wind it.

If you're trying to fail, you're going about it the wrong way. You start with good knot cinched down tight and then tight wraps on the spool. Try tying a bad knot, not cinched down and then put the line on without much tension. Then you'll succeed, if that's what you call success!

I love it. I often spend way too much time/effort on stuff that, to others, might not be worth it. But there's a great feeling that comes from resurrecting stuff that would have ended in the landfill, but can now be used again, good as new or better! 

Nice!  A very light reel for the size. 

I'd check with Van Staal about getting some backup seals - the bottom one too, not just the o-ring.  This is what eventually fails on these "sealed"reels with a one way bearing.   These reels were made in China for Van Staal for just a couple years, and no schematic, or even product mention on their web site, so finding parts might get tricky as time passes. Freshwater only use should get you a longer lifespan on these reels.

You can see the seals in this video:

https://bearsden.com/blogs/how-to/how-to-change-the-retrieve-on-a-van-staal-vf-series-reel


Personally, I'd take the Abel, but not at that price either.  Simple cork drag designs  don't get the respect they deserve.
 
Now go out a catch another slab!  With the crowds you are drawing, I expect that you will be attracting  some tackle company sponsors soon. 

-J

This topic has been moved to Penn Tutorials and Questions.

https://alantani.com/index.php?topic=38402.0

Quote from: Midway Tommy on Today at 05:11:55 PMA Benora tutorial sure would be nice. 

Yes. That one was a real bugger. Many micro parts and a couple very fragile parts, too.
 Not for the faint of heart, for sure.

A Benora tutorial sure would be nice. 

Quote from: MarkT on Today at 03:35:09 AMThe people who have it slip don't try as hard as you... which is why it slips!

" Friendly banter "    Like Fishermen who buy pre snelled hooks by the six pack verses the one who buy bulk hooks .   Beginning to understand why slip on shoes is the new fad .
 

Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on April 29, 2024, 04:03:15 AMThe other idea if you're feeling tedious is to replace all the inner components (springs and rollers) Shimano uses metal spring ARs so that's actually an option if cleaning isn't.

I once tried that on another reel, and learned that it is above the pay grade of my hands and eyes, but thanks for the suggestion.