Reel Repair by Alan Tani

General Maintenance Tips => Smoothdrag.com => Topic started by: Salmon Head on September 22, 2022, 07:16:53 PM

Title: Drag washer life
Post by: Salmon Head on September 22, 2022, 07:16:53 PM
I installed smoothdrag washers in my last generation Takota 600. All went well, and greased them lightly. The difference in the drag setting and performance is amazingly better.
My question - What's the life span of smoothdrag washers compared to stock washers?Should they be replaced periodically?

p.s. I troll for salmon out of the golden gate.

Thanks much.
Title: Re: Drag washer life
Post by: Gfish on September 22, 2022, 08:06:18 PM
Good question. All mine have lasted since installed, except the ones I put in a 6/0 Penn and Long Beach 68. These 2 I use to put doner-reel drag friction on braid that I'm winding onto other reels. The worn-out washers were slightly compressed and smooth-glazed. Average age for my regular reel washers: ~5yrs.
Be sure to remember to loosen the drag right after fishing and during long-term storage.
Title: Re: Drag washer life
Post by: alantani on September 22, 2022, 08:29:19 PM
decades.......
Title: Re: Drag washer life
Post by: Salmon Head on September 29, 2022, 10:31:01 PM
Excellent. Thanks guys.

p.s. Should I clean and lightly regressed them annually, after each salmon season?
Title: Re: Drag washer life
Post by: foakes on September 29, 2022, 10:47:46 PM
Quote from: Salmon Head on September 29, 2022, 10:31:01 PMExcellent. Thanks guys.

p.s. Should I clean and lightly regressed them annually, after each salmon season?

Only if they are jerky (they shouldn't be) —-or if you dunked the reel.

Next time you service the reel is a good time to check them and re-grease them with Cal's.

Best, Fred