Reel Repair by Alan Tani

General Maintenance Tips => General Questions and Trouble Shooting => Topic started by: Crow on June 24, 2019, 02:18:25 PM

Title: 14-99 spring
Post by: Crow on June 24, 2019, 02:18:25 PM
A question for you fellas that have had more reels apart, than I have. Are there any springs used (coil type) that are longer than the 14-99 ? Or , will I have to wind my own, if I want a longer , stiffer spring ?
Title: Re: 14-99 spring
Post by: RowdyW on June 24, 2019, 03:21:33 PM
I don't know of any in a Penn reel. To long & more pressure might cause it to buckle losing any advantage unless it is made of thicker ss wire. JMO.           Rudy
Title: Re: 14-99 spring
Post by: Crow on June 24, 2019, 03:56:05 PM
OK, Thanks , Rudy ! A little longer spring would *probably* be ok, for me, as it's about "half covered" (captive) in a "pocket", but I can always put a small "block" of plastic  In the "pocket", under the spring...that will do what I need to do.  Thanks again !
Title: Re: 14-99 spring
Post by: RowdyW on June 24, 2019, 07:19:55 PM
Quote from: Crow on June 24, 2019, 03:56:05 PM
OK, Thanks , Rudy ! A little longer spring would *probably* be ok, for me, as it's about "half covered" (captive) in a "pocket", but I can always put a small "block" of plastic  In the "pocket", under the spring...that will do what I need to do.  Thanks again !
How about a small piece of plastic or graphite behind the spring to increase the tension?
Title: Re: 14-99 spring
Post by: George6308 on June 24, 2019, 09:23:53 PM
I lost the detent ball out of a FN trigger quite a few years ago. Shimmed the small spring with a small detent ball to make the length and strength need. This might work with the 14-99 spring. The roundness of the spring will hold the required detent ball in place in its hole.
Brownells has the detent balls or one might be obtained  from a local gun shop as you only need one. They also carry the detent springs however 1/16 is their smallest diameter.
Title: Re: 14-99 spring
Post by: Crow on June 24, 2019, 09:59:49 PM
Shimming the spring...with something, ....is probably the easiest way out. I'd tear a Bic lighter apart...I seem to remember that the spring they use is *about* the same O.D. as the dog spring....but, I don't smoke, so, no lighter ! 
Title: Re: 14-99 spring
Post by: Bill B on June 25, 2019, 08:42:28 PM
Try the cheaper lighter, the Bic brand springs seem a little too small.  I have a neighbor that picks up trash around our lake and he has been bringing me all the lighters he finds.  I will post some pictures of the springs when he brings the next haul of lighters....Bill
Title: Re: 14-99 spring
Post by: mo65 on June 25, 2019, 11:15:34 PM
   We have successfully used the lighter springs in Penn reels...here's a few pics...and a facebook post discussing it. 8)

                        https://www.facebook.com/groups/todayonthewater/search/?query=Penn%20350%20post%20by%20jeff%20shaver&epa=SEARCH_BOX
Title: Re: 14-99 spring
Post by: Robert Janssen on June 26, 2019, 04:41:56 AM
IIRC Bic Mini lighter springs are smaller than Bic Standard springs.

For very small springs, have a look at spring bars for wristwatches. Usually available in ten-packs at hobby type stores for a few bucks.

.
Title: Re: 14-99 spring
Post by: Crow on June 26, 2019, 01:16:01 PM
   As luck would have it, my wife picked up a "Scripto" disposable lighter, on her walk, yesterday. When we do our "walk a bouts", we generally pick up any trash we come across, and dump it in the trash can at the park (across the street from us) on our way home. When I mentioned to her to "watch for a lighter", she said she'd just "trashed" one....so, I did a bit of "dumpster diving" ;D. I didn't measure the spring, when I took the lighter apart...but it appears to be the same diameter, longer, and a bit "stiffer"....so I should be able to cut it to the length I need !
   Actually, if I had paid "better attention", the "stock" spring would have been able to be used, but, I had a "bit of a slip" with the Dremel ::)
Title: Re: 14-99 spring
Post by: foakes on June 26, 2019, 03:23:53 PM
If, when completely servicing a Penn reel — I feel it needs a little more spring tension — usually just stretching the spring works for me.

It gives it a little more tension — plus it is contained within a spring cavity anyway.  If that doesn't work, I just install a new spring.

Most any spring will work — if it is the right size and suits the purpose.

Sometimes, if a spring is too stiff — other issues will arise over time — extra wear, catching, etc..

On some Penns that use a copper flat spring — for more tension, I just bend the strip straighter — then install it.

Daron, on the larger Senators, used the SS strips from an old windshield wiper blade.  I also have done that, after Daron's recommendation — and it works very well.

Best,

Fred
Title: Re: 14-99 spring
Post by: oc1 on June 26, 2019, 07:37:10 PM
I believe lighter springs will rust fairly quickly, but they're easy to replace.
-steve
Title: Re: 14-99 spring
Post by: Crow on June 26, 2019, 09:25:28 PM
   I've stretched them , a little , too, but I need "quite a bit" of extra length.....maybe another 1/8 inch, so shimming the original, or making a longer one seems like the best option.  I plan on a stainless sleeve....and dogs, if I can get some, so they should hold up to the 'slightly' stiffer spring. As to the rust, maybe some Corrosion X grease would hold it down to a minimum ? This whole project (a 49 width 113H) is a shot in the dark, anyway.......just another chance to "tinker" :D
Title: Re: 14-99 spring
Post by: RowdyW on June 26, 2019, 09:42:40 PM
Crow, if I may ask, why do you need a longer spring in a 113h plate when you are changing the width of the reel. The 113h plates will fit on any width 113h reel without alteration. It's a bolt on operation.