Hello all / Tommy:
What types of bolts/screws can be used to repair a plastic cardinal 4 spool where the top has broken off? I think it's a binding post? Trying to get more life out of my plastic spools before investing in aluminum spools for my entire arsenal.
I had a plastic spool break off on me yesterday while salmon fishing. But I got the fish in and had a spare spool in my tackle bag. >:D
Well done!
Yes, a little glue like Super or Goop to keep the parts lined up correctly should be provided first. After it dries either metal or nylon binding posts or Chicago type screws will get you additional use out of the spools and secure them well. It's best done using a drill press & making a jig so the holes are drilled in the right spots. It's tedious & precise work, though.
Quote from: Midway Tommy on August 21, 2025, 06:13:06 PMWell done!
Yes, a little glue like Super or Goop to keep the parts lined up correctly should be provided first. After it dries either metal or nylon binding posts or Chicago type screws will get you additional use out of the spools and secure them well. It's best done using a drill press & making a jig so the holes are drilled in the right spots. It's tedious & precise work, though.
Gotcha. Thanks!
I have the same problem with Zebco 4 spool that the top have been broke off but not complete fall out .I use the 2 parts rod finish epoxy ,put spool on rod drying motor and brush about 1/8" thick of glue .when it's dry I pour about 1/16" thick glue on top outer surface of spool .Hope it will hold good
Spool now fixed and also looks good
I doubt the epoxy repair will hold under stress. A lot of force is put against the front spool lip.
I'd try JB Weld for plastics. It worked on my microwave handle!
It would be my suggestion not to waste one's time, money or effort repairing a broken ABU or Zebco Cardinal 3 or 4 plastic spool with any type of glue unless it is also pinned. Glue alone will not last under the eventual stress of a hard fighting fish. Many have tried and, eventually, all have failed. One would be much better off purchasing an aluminum spool, especially is pinning isn't a option, and maybe even if pinning is feasible.
Quote from: Midway Tommy on September 07, 2025, 05:38:00 PMIt would be my suggestion not to waste one's time, money or effort repairing a broken ABU or Zebco Cardinal 3 or 4 plastic spool with any type of glue unless it is also pinned. Glue alone will not last under the eventual stress of a hard fighting fish. Many have tried and, eventually, all have failed. One would be much better off purchasing an aluminum spool, especially is pinning isn't a option, and maybe even if pinning is feasible.
I feel it hold quite strong now but at least I have to try this reel out , I found this reel in a tackle box that I store since 2000 , I think it belong to one of my friend and I think spool already broke before I put line on . I will try to fish with it and if I like it I have no problem to get metal spool
As Tommy said, aluminum is the only reliable option. The elasticity of mono will pop the plastic spools every time. The constricting force of mono will break the plastic, even while in storage. I love Cardinal 4s but won't fish them with plastic spools anymore. Spooling it with braid might help. Hopefully someone smarter than me knows for sure.
An aluminum spool is worth every penny and you will experience the confidence you deserve while fishing your classic Cardinal 4.
While it may work to repair a Cardinal "4" spool, I would not recommend or want to rely on it, unfortunately.
The 6's & 7's have aluminum spools —- no issues.
The plastic 3's seldom break for some reason (I have only seen 3 of those break in 40+ years). Like Mike and Tommy say —- a "4" spool will break just sitting in a closet, minding its own business.
The Cardinals are one of the highest quality reels from the "golden age" of spinners. They are sought after, hold their value, appreciate in value, and most importantly —- they are capable reels to fish with confidence. I replace all of my "4" spools with aluminum ones.
Les Shaw in the UK, or Jimmy Daiwa are the reliable sources.
For me, $50, shipped is a small price to pay for knowing my reel will not fail if I ever manage to hook the fish of a lifetime.
Or, just send me your old broken Cardinal 4 reels —- and I will buy them, install aluminum spools, and pass them out to others.
I don't have the time or patience to "cringe" over a possible failure when fishing. And I won't let my friends, clients, and members do that either.
Best, Fred
Try out the reel on Monday with 20 lbs braid ,casting 1/2 0z spoon . The reel handle well just gear ratio quite slow to fish with spoon and no manual bail close .Line winding even ,catch no fish to see how the the spoon repair work and how the drag work
No, they don't have a simple manual bail close, but it can be done, although it takes some practice, by moving the bail trip lever with one's thumb. I'm surprised you feel a 5:1 retrieve ratio is too slow. They also made a 4X higher speed version for those that wanted a faster retrieve, but I never cared for that 6:1 ratio.
Just check it out and yes it is 5:1 gear ratio .I may need to install better knob for handle