Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Conventional and Bait Casting Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => Penn International Tutorials and Questions => Topic started by: Porthos on April 26, 2025, 10:04:07 PM

Title: 16VSX Stand Screw Removal...the damaged one.
Post by: Porthos on April 26, 2025, 10:04:07 PM
So the prep for the 2025 July SOA 3-day starts. After giving myself "clearance" to augment my offshore lineup with 2-spds, I started searching in late March for suitable candidates on BDClassifieds, craigslist, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Offerup. This 16VSX came up and was "marked down" to $300...relatively the lowest price amongst the sites.

(https://i.imgur.com/da9s4Ex.jpeg)

The first order of business was to start the pre-service maintenance. After separating the four primary components, I proceeded to remove the 31-16vsx stand screws from the frame since there were visible traces of salt buildup. Just my luck, one out of the four refused to turn and in spite of WD-40 injection, the rubber band trick, and a heat gun, it remained tight...and eventually the slot stripped.

(https://i.imgur.com/A0HujRp.jpeg)

So it was time for the screw extractor kit:

(https://i.imgur.com/Fz7zDAs.jpeg)

Punching the starter indention:

(https://i.imgur.com/ZAsHqPU.jpeg)

Don't have photos of the drilling since my hands were full. Started with the #0 extractor (drill end) and switched to an appropriate drill bit; the #0 extractor end was unable to grab and only made the hole wider. Proceed to the #1, repeated the same steps, and the same result. Progressed to the #2 that was finally able to bite into and unscrew the 31-16vsx.

(https://i.imgur.com/MYAh1i2.jpeg)

The justification for the whole effort:

(https://i.imgur.com/vzq1UAH.jpeg)

After a scrub with freshwater and drying, started the treatment of the corroded spots with CorrosionX.

(https://i.imgur.com/lzo0Tgd.jpeg)

When the spots are clean of corrosion, will apply clear nail polish as a sealant before reattachment of the stand...
Title: Re: 16VSX Stand Screw Removal...the damaged one.
Post by: Keta on April 26, 2025, 11:05:21 PM
Nice save. 

A bit of grease saves a lot of grief.
Title: Re: 16VSX Stand Screw Removal...the damaged one.
Post by: Rancanfish on April 27, 2025, 02:16:40 PM
I saw the title and was immediately confused wondering why You were asking for advice, lol. I knew you would get it.

Coincidentally I just went through this on a mower exhaust bolt. Got it done but haven't reassembled it yet.

Title: Re: 16VSX Stand Screw Removal...the damaged one.
Post by: Mjg378 on April 27, 2025, 09:41:43 PM
I Love the reel.  Have that and the 12VSX tried the 30but it was really heavy after a long night.  They're Great bang for the buck.   I know they're old reels now. But compared to the reels you use.  This will be so futuristic, it'll  be a world of difference!!  ;D 
 That huge yellowtail you caught on the 5 day years ago, even though you had no trouble on that Sealine?,  Would have been not near the fight.   Can't wait to see how you finish this reel up. 
Title: Re: 16VSX Stand Screw Removal...the damaged one.
Post by: Porthos on April 28, 2025, 04:02:50 AM
Mike,

The 12VSX's I found were more $$ than this 16VSX. Did see some Super 12's but felt those were one line class below what the 16VSX is to replace: the Daiwa 600H w/100lb metered.

Will have a Fathom 60 for 80lb.

60lb and below, it's still the Sealines, the Monofil 27, and Mag Power 970.  ;)
Title: Re: 16VSX Stand Screw Removal...the damaged one.
Post by: MACflyer on April 28, 2025, 11:38:27 AM
Nice reel. Any tips for using a screw extractor such as speed, torque, pressure, etc? I don't seem to have much success using them.
Title: Re: 16VSX Stand Screw Removal...the damaged one.
Post by: Porthos on April 28, 2025, 03:05:13 PM
Quote from: MACflyer on April 28, 2025, 11:38:27 AMNice reel. Any tips for using a screw extractor such as speed, torque, pressure, etc? I don't seem to have much success using them.

The centered guide hole I drilled down to 1/16" deep (probably should have gone a little deeper) to start with the #0 extractor. Apply as much pressure with the extractor against the screw as appropriate for the object; gauge by the object's "give."

The counterclock-wise turn must be slow. If the extractor's "bite" merely strips more metal (which was my case), stop and restart process with the next sized #1 extractor. The #1 extractor's "bite" also merely stripped more metal, so it was on to the #2 whose "bite" stayed intact and turned the screw loose and out.
Title: Re: 16VSX Stand Screw Removal...the damaged one.
Post by: oldmanjoe on April 28, 2025, 03:28:09 PM
   I say respectable , start with a good penetrating oil .  W D 40 is not the one .   
Title: Re: 16VSX Stand Screw Removal...the damaged one.
Post by: Keta on April 28, 2025, 04:18:32 PM
I like Kroil and Marvel Mystry Oil.  ATF and acetone works but it is tough on paint and plastic.
Title: Re: 16VSX Stand Screw Removal...the damaged one.
Post by: Gfish on April 28, 2025, 04:30:15 PM
If known, where's a good brick n' mortar store to get a screw extractor kit?
Title: Re: 16VSX Stand Screw Removal...the damaged one.
Post by: foakes on April 28, 2025, 05:08:03 PM
Quote from: Keta on April 28, 2025, 04:18:32 PMI like Kroil and Marvel Mystry Oil.  ATF and acetone works but it is tough on paint and plastic

Haven't used Marvel Mystery Oil —- but Kroil stays handy on the bench, and in a small container to drop parts into for a soak.

Best, Fred
Title: Re: 16VSX Stand Screw Removal...the damaged one.
Post by: Brewcrafter on April 28, 2025, 09:35:02 PM
Quote from: Gfish on April 28, 2025, 04:30:15 PMIf known, where's a good brick n' mortar store to get a screw extractor kit?
Not exactly sure what options you have on the islands, but I would be willing to guess there may be at least one tool truck (Snap On, MAC, etc) that services the pro shops?
And I will throw this word of caution to those who are uninitiated - extractors are NOT where you want to go cheap (the set I have would probably be $150-200 if I had to buy it today).  Hard to justify for something that is used infrequently, and I hve some sizes that have never been used.  BUT...when you are turning to the reverse thread drill bits, extractors, and EZ-Outs, you are already dealing with a problem.  And a broken screw extractor or EZ Out suddenly turns what was a difficult problem into a monumental Excedrine headache (ask me how I know!).  So you want ones that can deal with the abuse and stress. Glad that Porthos was able to save that International frame, clearly not his first rodeo.  Good job Sir and thanks for sharing!!! - john
Title: Re: 16VSX Stand Screw Removal...the damaged one.
Post by: cbar45 on April 29, 2025, 05:09:28 AM
Quote from: Gfish on April 28, 2025, 04:30:15 PMIf known, where's a good brick n' mortar store to get a screw extractor kit?

I've used Fastenal. Kits are pricey, but they do sell individual extractor bits and taps if you know the needed size.
Title: Re: 16VSX Stand Screw Removal...the damaged one.
Post by: alantani on April 29, 2025, 11:13:32 PM
i have a propane torch.  30 seconds with the torch usually works.  if not, i'll get a good fitting flat screwdriver bit and a hammer.  the frame has to be properly supported, but if you give the screw a couple of good solid whacks, it can break the screw loose and you can get it out. 
Title: Re: 16VSX Stand Screw Removal...the damaged one.
Post by: Donnyboat on April 29, 2025, 11:28:42 PM
I have worked on a few internationals, once I separate the stand from the frame, and clean all the corrosion, I use plenty of grease, and place a bit of this plastic, between the 2 metals, that keeps the chemical reasion from the 2 metals.