Reel Repair by Alan Tani

General Maintenance Tips => Tools and Lubricants => Topic started by: GerryR on June 14, 2024, 06:30:22 PM

Title: Penn Grease
Post by: GerryR on June 14, 2024, 06:30:22 PM
The label on the container states that it is good for "drag systems" which infers, at least to me, that it can be used on the drag washers.  Has anyone used it for that purpose?  I downloaded the MSDS for the Penn graese, but it doesn't mention what is in it, proprietary formula.  However, Cal's grease is a general purpose grease containing teflon which is also good for the drag washers.  I've asked Penn if they consider the washers as part of the "drag system" but have not gotten a response from them.
Title: Re: Penn Grease
Post by: JasonGotaProblem on June 14, 2024, 06:45:47 PM
Quote from: GerryR on June 14, 2024, 06:30:22 PMThe label on the container states that it is good for "drag systems" which infers, at least to me, that it can be used on the drag washers.  Has anyone used it for that purpose?  I downloaded the MSDS for the Penn graese, but it doesn't mention what is in it, proprietary formula.  However, Cal's grease is a general purpose grease containing teflon which is also good for the drag washers.  I've asked Penn if they consider the washers as part of the "drag system" but have not gotten a response from them.
Yes you can use it on the drag washers. Penn does.
Title: Re: Penn Grease
Post by: Maxed Out on June 14, 2024, 08:18:05 PM
Cals is what I use, and it is specifically intended for drag washes. Also comes in 2 different flavors. I use Cals purple, because I'm in a more tempurate(cooler) environment.
Title: Re: Penn Grease
Post by: GerryR on June 14, 2024, 09:29:42 PM
Quote from: Maxed Out on June 14, 2024, 08:18:05 PMCals is what I use, and it is specifically intended for drag washes. Also comes in 2 different flavors. I use Cals purple, because I'm in a more tempurate(cooler) environment.

What made me ask this question is that Cal's is advertised as a "Universal Reel and Drag grease," so it is dual purpose.  The same with the Penn Grease, "Good for main gears, pinion gears, spool shafts and drag systems."  I just want to be sure I'm on the right side of the performance curve and will have one less item to stock.  If Penn is using it in their drag systems, then I'm OK with that.
Title: Re: Penn Grease
Post by: Maxed Out on June 14, 2024, 09:49:28 PM
Yep, I use the Cals on everything when it comes to reels. Screws, gears, and light coat on all inner surfaces and moving parts
Title: Re: Penn Grease
Post by: MarkT on June 15, 2024, 03:55:38 AM
I use Cal's on drags but would have no problem using Penn grease on everything else that calls for grease.
Title: Re: Penn Grease
Post by: GerryR on June 18, 2024, 03:48:36 PM
Finally heard from Penn:

Hello Gerry.
Thank you for contacting PENN.
Yes, the PENN grease can be used on the drag washers too.
However do not overdue the amount of grease, a little bit is enough and it will make it smooth and clean.
Thank you
Penn customer Service
Title: Re: Penn Grease
Post by: JasonGotaProblem on June 18, 2024, 03:58:32 PM
I wanna be clear. Yes you can absolutely use penn grease on drags. It'll be just fine. Yes cals is generally agreed to be a bit better, and can also be used on gears. Can someone outside of a laboratory setting actually notice that difference ? I'm not sure. Is that "bit better" worth buying it? That's a personal call. I have both and use both, and others, depending on the task.

Both will separate over time. I'm more fond of superlube than either one, because it doesn't seem to separate.
Title: Re: Penn Grease
Post by: Squidder Bidder on June 18, 2024, 04:05:21 PM
I put a little in the shaker when I'm mixing up a Blue Hawaii.  :P 
Title: Re: Penn Grease
Post by: nelz on June 18, 2024, 04:48:24 PM
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on June 18, 2024, 03:58:32 PMI'm more fond of superlube than either one, because it doesn't seem to separate

Which superlube type do you use?
Title: Re: Penn Grease
Post by: JasonGotaProblem on June 18, 2024, 04:53:56 PM
Quote from: nelz on June 18, 2024, 04:48:24 PM
Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on June 18, 2024, 03:58:32 PMI'm more fond of superlube than either one, because it doesn't seem to separate

Which superlube type do you use?

The "general purpose" synthetic with PTFE
Title: Re: Penn Grease
Post by: Shark Hunter on June 18, 2024, 07:49:29 PM
I clean the Penn Grease off my drag washers and use Cals.
Just how I do it. Penn Blue inside.
Title: Re: Penn Grease
Post by: Lunker Larry on June 18, 2024, 07:51:04 PM
I'm a superlube fan. Recently got their oil too so I'm eager to see how it lasts. Both products make everything silky smooth and the grease can be used on the CF drag washers.
From what I remember reading, which is more for the salt water guys, is Cals is rated to 500 degrees and Shimano is 300.  Makes a difference if you're smoking reels.
Title: Re: Penn Grease
Post by: jgp12000 on June 21, 2024, 12:36:49 AM
Mostly freshwater fishing for me,I like things simple,super lube on gears & drags,Lucas reel oil everywhere else makes for a smooth reel :fish
Title: Re: Penn Grease
Post by: Donnyboat on June 21, 2024, 03:11:28 AM
I found that when the covid started, Yamaha was getting grease from New Zealand, also yamaha prior to that was selling Marine grease in the tube, but the tubs or buckets they were selling it in, did not have marine grease written on them, I find Cals is a bit more expensive, than Yamaha, so I only use Cals on the carbon fibre washers, Yamaha on the screws & gears, pinions, cheers Don.
Title: Re: Penn Grease
Post by: Maxed Out on June 21, 2024, 06:31:32 PM
Donny, I don't do tubs of Yamaha grease, so never noticed if it said "marine grease", but I do use squeeze tubes and grease gun tubes, and both say marine grease on the label.
Title: Re: Penn Grease
Post by: Donnyboat on June 21, 2024, 11:26:50 PM
Thanks Ted, yes the tubs we get here in West Aussie, never had marine written on them, even before the covid epidemic, I use a brush to apply my grease with, I do have small gun, but I dont like using it on screw holes, as your never to sure how much you have placed in there, cheers Don.