Reel Repair by Alan Tani

General Maintenance Tips => Pitfalls and Black Box Warnings => Topic started by: mo65 on July 12, 2018, 01:00:08 PM

Title: Discount Aftermarket Handles
Post by: mo65 on July 12, 2018, 01:00:08 PM
   I guess I don't get out enough, I just discovered these. There must be a billion listings on eBay for these aftermarket handles. Prices vary wildly, so surf. These ones I'm showing were all under $10 each, shipped. These can really change the feel of a reel, making a Penn designed for bay fishing feel like a nice round reel designed for bass fishing. Also a major upgrade for older ABUs with those tiny handles. These handles are a direct fit for Ambassaduers and such, but you'll need to Dremel a little to fit them on a Penn. I had a bit of a stumble on the Levelmatic 930...I like to make the hole a tight fit...using the handle screw to sort of "press" the handle on the gear sleeve. Well, I forgot how tiny the 930's handle screw is, and twisted it in half! Never fear, Scott's is here! Mo will have parts in my mailbox before I even stop crying! :D
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: cwillis85 on July 12, 2018, 03:55:15 PM
This is a great idea, my 5 year old daughter uses a 920 and could use a little more leverage on a full sabiki of greenies. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: xjchad on July 12, 2018, 04:12:26 PM
Mo,
I was scrolling through pages of those the other day looking for a cheap upgrade for my next Mag 10 build.  Ordered one from China so hopefully I can finish the Monster Mag 10 before it gets here and start on my next one.   ;D
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: Swami805 on July 12, 2018, 06:29:05 PM
When I was fishing abu 5500's the first thing I'd change was the handle. Bass pro had some called hog handlers. Made a huge difference. Benn thinking of something for my shimano TE 300. I'll check those out thanks
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: oc1 on July 12, 2018, 09:57:48 PM
Baitcasters never have enough speed or IPT's for me.  The only exception is Curado 70 with 8:1.  So, I'm thinking about shortening the handles and using a counter balance to keep from bumping my knuckles on the other knob.
-steve
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: mizmo67 on July 16, 2018, 06:14:57 PM
Quote from: mo65 on July 12, 2018, 01:00:08 PM
  I guess I don't get out enough, I just discovered these. There must be a billion listings on eBay for these aftermarket handles. Prices vary wildly, so surf. These ones I'm showing were all under $10 each, shipped. These can really change the feel of a reel, making a Penn designed for bay fishing feel like a nice round reel designed for bass fishing. Also a major upgrade for older ABUs with those tiny handles. These handles are a direct fit for Ambassaduers and such, but you'll need to Dremel a little to fit them on a Penn. I had a bit of a stumble on the Levelmatic 930...I like to make the hole a tight fit...using the handle screw to sort of "press" the handle on the gear sleeve. Well, I forgot how tiny the 930's handle screw is, and twisted it in half! Never fear, Scott's is here! Mo will have parts in my mailbox before I even stop crying! :D



Sometimes I get a yen to learn how to machine parts...then I smack myself because I already have no time!

These are really cool handles!
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: mo65 on July 16, 2018, 11:44:41 PM
   Got the new handle screw from Mystic Reel Parts. I modified the screw lock to fit the Penn screw, and the finished product looks and feels fantastic. I have a feeling this thing is going to find it's way onto a rod real soon! 8)
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: Maxed Out on July 22, 2018, 06:05:08 AM

That's one sweet looking levelmatic Mo

I really like the single cork knob too !!

Ted
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: JRD on August 26, 2018, 01:24:51 AM
MO I'm late to this party.  How did you bend the star on the Cortez???  One got a Revo handle I want to adapt to Penn but need the star out of the way
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: mo65 on August 26, 2018, 01:45:53 AM
Quote from: JRD on August 26, 2018, 01:24:51 AM
MO I'm late to this party.  How did you bend the star on the Cortez???  One got a Revo handle I want to adapt to Penn but need the star out of the way

   I used a small smooth jawed vise and just bent it by hand, one arm at a time. The brass star bends very easy...so go slow...just a little at a time. 8)
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: Cor on August 26, 2018, 07:56:22 AM
A few days after reading this I ordered two handle knobs from these guys, even for us pretty cheap, including bearings.

I have been burnt before, but could not resist.

They have not yet arrived, but it usually takes a long long time to get here!

Will let you know how they hold up!
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: mo65 on August 26, 2018, 02:25:32 PM
Quote from: Cor on August 26, 2018, 07:56:22 AM
I have been burnt before, but could not resist.

They have not yet arrived, but it usually takes a long long time to get here!

   We were talking about these cheapo handles on another thread here and I summed it up like this: A $10 chinese handle is like a lottery ticket...might be a winner...and it might not! 8)
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: Cor on August 26, 2018, 02:49:11 PM
Quote from: mo65 on August 26, 2018, 02:25:32 PM
Quote from: Cor on August 26, 2018, 07:56:22 AM
I have been burnt before, but could not resist.

They have not yet arrived, but it usually takes a long long time to get here!

   We were talking about these cheapo handles on another thread here and I summed it up like this: A $10 chinese handle is like a lottery ticket...might be a winner...and it might not! 8)
Maybe I did not make the connection or did not see.   Ill let you know what I recieve, maybe suitable for a sinker ;D ;D
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: mo65 on August 26, 2018, 03:05:42 PM
Quote from: Cor on August 26, 2018, 02:49:11 PM
   Ill let you know what I receive, maybe suitable for a sinker ;D ;D

   I ordered a few more around the time I made this post too. The one I really want hasn't shown, and that wacky chinese tracking doesn't seem to work. If it's any consolation one of them showed a few days ago, it was a $5 item, but you'd have no trouble paying $20 for that handle. It's nothing I'd put on a heavy duty application, but for what it's designed to do it should be fine.
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: oc1 on August 26, 2018, 08:57:49 PM
I can't figure out how the Chinese can mail stuff overseas so cheaply.  They must have some sort of government subsidy or incentive program.
-steve
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: Swami805 on August 26, 2018, 09:18:34 PM
There's a world wide agreement about mail and rates for postage,I don't recall the name of it. If you work the system it's much cheaper to mail something from China than it is to mail it domestically. Makes absolutely no sense. There was a good story on NPR about it last week, about a guy here who made tip proof coffee mugs and how that were knocked-off in China and sold for what he paid just for shipping. You could find it NPR's website I'm sure. Pretty interesting if you ever wondered.
Sorry for the thread jack.
Nice job on the levelmatic Moe,I have one but don't use it because that handle is so tiny, I'll have to check that out
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: Robert Janssen on August 26, 2018, 09:40:57 PM
It was an episode of Planet Money a few weeks ago. It explained the so-called Free Shipping thing and the Universal Postal Union rather well.

Edit: Episode 857: The Postal Illuminati
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: Decker on September 06, 2018, 12:39:02 PM
Mo, I'd like to find a double-paddle handle for this (Penn 259 plates on Tiburon P21XN), like the one on your Levelmatic 930.  Let me know if you have a lead... 8)  Thanks.

(http://alantani.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=26259.0;attach=59383;image)
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: xjchad on September 06, 2018, 02:25:41 PM
Quote from: Decker on September 06, 2018, 12:39:02 PM
Mo, I'd like to find a double-paddle handle for this (Penn 259 plates on Tiburon P21XN), like the one on your Levelmatic 930.  Let me know if you have a lead... 8)  Thanks.

(http://alantani.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=26259.0;attach=59383;image)

Joe, I have that exact handle that Mo put on his levelmatic.  Brand new, I didn't end up using it.   PM me your address and I'll send it out to ya.
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: mo65 on September 06, 2018, 02:59:19 PM
   Hey Joe and Chad, just a little "heads up", you'll have to Dremel the handle hole to fit the Penn reel. That handle has an Abu Garcia size hole on it. 8)
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: Decker on September 10, 2018, 04:02:41 PM
Good news and bad news  ::)

Good news is I received the "Godzilla" handle from Chad.  Thanks!  AND it looks great on the 259/P21XN!

Bad news is, I used a dremel on the mounting hole, and it was hard to control.  The handle material was a bit soft and even with the dremel at slowest rpm, the material went away too fast.   It fits, but too loosely.   Oh, well.   Woulda, coulda, shoulda bought a set of small files for this job instead.  

Maybe one of the site's metal fabricators will come up with a handle like this one day...
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: mo65 on September 10, 2018, 04:46:31 PM
   Darn! Hey...as low as they're priced...just order another one. I think the files are a good idea though. 8)
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: Decker on September 10, 2018, 06:13:13 PM
Quote from: mo65 on September 10, 2018, 04:46:31 PM
   Darn! Hey...as low as they're priced...just order another one. I think the files are a good idea though. 8)

Yeah, if at first you don't succeed... They are cheap.  BTW, I took off the slotted end of one of the knobs to see if it might be used on another handle.  Turns out the slot is a head-fake; the cover is lightly epoxied on the knob (no threads), and there is no hardware inside that can be undone.  What can you expect for $10? 


Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: mo65 on September 10, 2018, 09:44:13 PM
   Wow Joe, that would look great on that reel if you hadn't got the hole too large. I just checked this other handle I haven't used yet and it has a threaded cover and a bearing inside...and it was only $8.73 shipped! What the #%&@?? We better avoid those "top of the line" $10 cheapos. :D
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: mo65 on September 10, 2018, 10:17:27 PM
Hey...stop the presses! I just noticed that red package the "godzilla" handle came in, and remembered my handle came in a blue package. I went back to the eBay link to view mine and it appears to be a little different. It has 2 bearings per knob and the knob is removable! Here's a link to my handle if you decide to try another Joe. 8)

        https://www.ebay.com/itm/Powerful-Handle-for-Abu-Garcia-Daiwa-Baitcasting-Reel-EVA-Knobs-Baitcaster-Grip/113203645115?hash=item1a5b768abb:g:yM4AAOSwTZtbdDQk
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: Decker on September 10, 2018, 11:17:13 PM
AHA! You are the resident authority, Mo. My Godzilla was a cheap Chinese imitation of yours :D If we keep talking about this, they'll relegate us to a special sub-section of the site. That one looks like it may be worthy of buying the files. I want to build the modification skill pto do other handle brand switching. How others do it with a dremel, I don't know.
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: mo65 on September 10, 2018, 11:39:41 PM
Quote from: Decker on September 10, 2018, 11:17:13 PM
If we keep talking about this, they'll relegate us to a special sub-section of the site.

   I've never earned an Alan Tani wrench yet...maybe being a "cheap handle guru" will earn me a plastic wrench! :D

Quote from: Decker on September 10, 2018, 11:17:13 PM
I want to build the modification skill to do other handle brand switching. How others do it with a dremel, I don't know.

   I feel partially responsible for this failure Joe...as I never mentioned I have the battery powered dremel...and that junker slows to a crawl while grinding metal. Whether you attempt another handle mod or not get the files, you'll need them at some point. 8)

   
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: alantani on September 11, 2018, 05:49:02 AM
Quote from: mo65 on September 10, 2018, 11:39:41 PM

   I've never earned an Alan Tani wrench yet...maybe being a "cheap handle guru" will earn me a plastic wrench! :D
   

seriously?  send a pm with your address and i'll send you a wrench!   ;D
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: Decker on September 11, 2018, 06:39:04 PM
Congrats, Mo!

Thanks for your tips and encouragement!
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: mo65 on September 11, 2018, 08:01:45 PM
Quote from: alantani on September 11, 2018, 05:49:02 AM
send a pm with your address and i'll send you a wrench! 

   Thank you very much Alan!

Quote from: Decker on September 11, 2018, 06:39:04 PM
Congrats, Mo!

Thanks for your tips and encouragement!

   You're most welcome Joe, always glad to help!
Title: Re: Aftermarket Handles for Baitcasters
Post by: Cor on January 20, 2019, 07:41:41 AM
Quote from: Cor on August 26, 2018, 02:49:11 PM
Quote from: mo65 on August 26, 2018, 02:25:32 PM
Quote from: Cor on August 26, 2018, 07:56:22 AM
I have been burnt before, but could not resist.

They have not yet arrived, but it usually takes a long long time to get here!

  We were talking about these cheapo handles on another thread here and I summed it up like this: A $10 chinese handle is like a lottery ticket...might be a winner...and it might not! 8)
Maybe I did not make the connection or did not see.   Ill let you know what I recieve, maybe suitable for a sinker ;D ;D

I suddenly remembered that I promised some more info.....LOL

I Eventually received the two handle knobs, took 2 months all the way from China for about $5-00.   Looks OK, a little bit light for my liking, but it is what I ordered.    I fitted one to a Penn Fathom 25N handle, went and made about 20 casts and retrieves with it and packed it away.

I fitted it about 3 mm inside from where the original knob was and it does not "feel" quite right but I probably have to get used to it.    I don't like the reel so don't know when I'll use it properly so I can provide a durability report.

Quote from: oc1 on August 26, 2018, 08:57:49 PM
I can't figure out how the Chinese can mail stuff overseas so cheaply.  They must have some sort of government subsidy or incentive program.
-steve
Yes, they shipped it to Cape Town via Sweden?? must have some sort of scheme!   I also got a $5-00 discount from Alibaba which made it ridiculously cheap, 2 handle knobs, including bearings, for $5-00
Title: Discount Aftermarket Handles
Post by: mo65 on January 08, 2020, 03:58:42 PM
   There are lots of options for spinning reels out there too. These aftermarket knobs usually come with enough hardware to fit the knob to most any handle. Some drilling or filing may be required...depending on whether your knob shaft is a screw or peened in place.  8)
Title: Re: Discount Aftermarket Handles
Post by: RowdyW on January 08, 2020, 05:29:53 PM
I just got a round knob from China. The shank that goes through the arm is 3.45mm diameter. It said it would fit up to a 10000 series spinner. It's even to small to fit my BG 4500 handle arm. I guess that's why the don't give any dimentions. I'd have to make a bushing to make it fit.To expensive to send back to China.       Rudy
Title: Re: Discount Aftermarket Handles
Post by: Hankzudd on November 12, 2022, 01:35:36 PM
i'm learning how to do this on older penn spinning reels;

first one (Battle II), the new pivot screw was smaller than the hole in the original pivot, so i just unscrewed the pin off the chineese handle & used a brass rod peened on both ends to replace the screw; didn't want to drill out my original pivot in case i didn't like the new handle.

second one (850SS) i couldn't remove the screw that connects the pivot to handle (on orginal one), so orders a used pivot & drilled it out to accept the screw that came with the new handle. both feel great.

looking to do a 550SS with one of the handles you have to drill out the original attatching pin; should be ok.

BTW, you can get these Plano 4 Gun cases from WM online for $10, but there's a $35 minimum or pay shipping, but it's still cheaper than buying one for $30.
Title: Re: Discount Aftermarket Handles
Post by: handi2 on November 12, 2022, 11:37:32 PM
I have a bunch of these handles and knobs if needed. I just don't sell or install them anymore.
Title: Re: Discount Aftermarket Handles
Post by: handi2 on November 12, 2022, 11:39:43 PM
Here is one of those on an Daiwa reel. Anyone want it..!!

Keith
Title: Re: Discount Aftermarket Handles
Post by: Hankzudd on November 12, 2022, 11:42:29 PM
what size is the hole? think it would fit a Shimano Bantam 50?

i'll take it anyway, may work out on one of my freshwater reels;

where do i send shipping cost? take PP?
thank you

eta; looked at the pic, saw reel size; i'll take it in any case.
Title: Re: Discount Aftermarket Handles
Post by: handi2 on November 13, 2022, 01:13:30 AM
It fit that Daiwa reel perfectly. Just PM me your USA address and it's yours.

I don't need it for anything. Just to make sure I'm sending you the entire reel.

I do have more of these and other handles.

Keith
Title: Re: Discount Aftermarket Handles
Post by: handi2 on November 13, 2022, 01:18:26 AM
Mo I really like that Mitchell 308.

https://alantani.com/index.php?action=dlattach;attach=81683;image
Title: Re: Discount Aftermarket Handles
Post by: nelz on November 13, 2022, 11:53:25 PM
Quote from: handi2 on November 12, 2022, 11:39:43 PMHere is one of those on an Daiwa reel. Anyone want it..!!

Keith

I could use one Keith, if any are left.