Reel Repair by Alan Tani

General Maintenance Tips => Tools and Lubricants => Topic started by: Brewcrafter on May 22, 2025, 10:42:30 PM

Title: Drag Scales
Post by: Brewcrafter on May 22, 2025, 10:42:30 PM
Looking to poll the AT Ohana for what they are using, why they like it/don't like what they have or what they would do different.  I will preface this by saying: family pointed out that I didn't get anything for my birthday and Father's Day is coming up.  9 times out of 10 when asked "What would you like?" My answer is usually "I'm good".  Now, I DO have a drag scale, and it works fine and is affordable (Charkbait, 25# max) but since I'm dealing with reels that exceed that on a regular basis I figured it's time to stop borrowing my buddies scales or relying on what is on the boat.  I know the same model is available in a 50# model, but what is evereyone else using out there?  My only requirement is that (beyond being reasonable accurate  ;D ) it needs to have some sort of tattletale or digital memory that "grabs" the setting so that when I'm alone I'm not trying to pull consistent drag and watch a readout at the same time.  Thanks! - john
Title: Re: Drag Scales
Post by: Alan M on May 22, 2025, 11:11:52 PM
Shimano ~$75, Chantillon ~$125.

Both have tell tales and can be calibrated
Title: Re: Drag Scales
Post by: Keta on May 23, 2025, 12:09:01 AM
Get a reasonably priced spring scale, we are not dealing with scientific standards.  If I had any of the 0-50 pound scales I had a pile of I would  give you one.  All I have is 0-8 pound ones.
Title: Re: Drag Scales
Post by: alantani on May 23, 2025, 12:09:50 AM
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K6F9B86?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1&th=1
Title: Re: Drag Scales
Post by: Keta on May 23, 2025, 12:17:06 AM
Damn good price!  I would not take one on the water but for the shop it would be handy.
Title: Re: Drag Scales
Post by: day0ne on May 23, 2025, 12:56:19 AM
This is what I use:

https://scales.net/in-050m-brass-in-series-linear-fish-game-scales-with-maximum-pointer/?gQT=2

Shop around, you can often beat that price.
Title: Re: Drag Scales
Post by: Hardy Boy on May 23, 2025, 01:23:27 AM
I use a spring scale (have 3) and a electronic rapala....... all work. .... like Lee said it's not rocket surgery.... as long as it hits the number you want.
Title: Re: Drag Scales
Post by: Gobi King on May 23, 2025, 01:25:49 AM
Cheap electronic luggage scales work too. They are like $5 bucks each
Title: Re: Drag Scales
Post by: Hardy Boy on May 23, 2025, 01:27:07 AM
Quote from: Gobi King on May 23, 2025, 01:25:49 AMCheap electronic luggage scales work too. They are like $5 bucks each

For walleye..... lol.

Cheers

Todd
Title: Re: Drag Scales
Post by: oc1 on May 23, 2025, 04:27:37 AM
I use a length/weight table and tape measure.
Title: Re: Drag Scales
Post by: Keta on May 23, 2025, 04:32:57 AM
Hard to set drags that way.
Title: Re: Drag Scales
Post by: Benni3 on May 23, 2025, 08:30:06 AM
Quote from: day0ne on May 23, 2025, 12:56:19 AMThis is what I use:

https://scales.net/in-050m-brass-in-series-linear-fish-game-scales-with-maximum-pointer/?gQT=2

Shop around, you can often beat that price.
Me to but $10to$25 on ebay might be 100yrs old but tests good,,, ;)
Title: Re: Drag Scales
Post by: oc1 on May 23, 2025, 10:27:56 AM
Quote from: Keta on May 23, 2025, 04:32:57 AMHard to set drags that way.
Oh yeah, that was the topic.  I don't have a drag and can't contribute.
Title: Re: Drag Scales
Post by: Gobi King on May 23, 2025, 02:52:19 PM
Quote from: Hardy Boy on May 23, 2025, 01:27:07 AM
Quote from: Gobi King on May 23, 2025, 01:25:49 AMCheap electronic luggage scales work too. They are like $5 bucks each

For walleye..... lol 8) .

Cheers

Todd
Walleye
We fichiganders use center pin reel on mooching rods

8)
Title: Re: Drag Scales
Post by: Bill B on May 23, 2025, 03:49:30 PM
I like the spring scales with a tell tale.  I have a 0-8 and 0-25 which covers 75% of my reels.  A 0-50 would cover the rest.  Bill
Title: Re: Drag Scales
Post by: steelfish on May 23, 2025, 05:01:25 PM
Chantillon

Title: Re: Drag Scales
Post by: Benni3 on May 25, 2025, 03:34:48 PM
Yes chatillon scales are the best even the ones made in the 1800's 50% might be off a oz or 2 after 100yrs used,,,but thats why i pushed the needle down to make it right,,, ;) you can't kill them,,,, :o