Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Conventional and Bait Casting Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => Newell Tutorials and Questions => Topic started by: Newell Nut on April 03, 2013, 12:28:27 AM

Title: Threaded Inserts for Newell 200 and 300 Series
Post by: Newell Nut on April 03, 2013, 12:28:27 AM
I recently was in need of some threaded inserts for a friends Newell 220. Alan was able to bail me out on this one but I have since found options.
Option 1 is to replace the threaded inserts on a 220 with a Penn crossbar from a 501. It is a perfect fit and greatly increases the strength of the 220 frame.

Option 2: I tried to recreate the threaded insert and found a way.
McMaster Carr part numbers 93090A430 and 93090A420. These are SS and called ClinchStyle Captive Female Thread Round Standoff with Closed end. The two number represent 3/8" and 5/16" length. You also need to order the 4-40 SS screws. Newell uses 5-40 but no problem the 4-40 phillips head screw works perfect and certainly strong enough to hold the side plate and rings tightly together to keep water out.

Small problem: These pieces are not threaded as deep as the originals so you must order 3/8" screws and 5/16" screws to match the insert.

Next small problem: The inserts are .0015" larger than the inner ring hole because Newell designed it to grip the knurled insert that he bought. Simple fix is to buy a miniature round file from ACE hardware and hit it about 3 to 4 quick strokes on the inner ring hole and .0015 is gone. Do not over do it. .0015 is about half the thickness of printer paper.


I have 50 sets with screws if some of you want a set or two for a small fee. Just PM me or order a bag of each.
Title: Re: Threaded Inserts for Newell 200 and 300 Series
Post by: bluefish69 on April 03, 2013, 01:44:47 AM
Someone on here told me to drill the inserts with a size 38 or 39 drill bit & tap the inserts with a 5/40 tap.


VW has 5/40 taps 4 sale
Title: Re: Threaded Inserts for Newell 200 and 300 Series
Post by: alantani on April 03, 2013, 07:21:57 AM
thanks for the info!
Title: Re: Threaded Inserts for Newell 200 and 300 Series
Post by: Newell Nut on April 03, 2013, 08:04:14 AM
No need to drill and tap. The 4-40 ss screw is plenty strong and the head size is only a few thaousandths smaller than a 5-40 head and snugs up in the ring recess just fine.

Got a note from Greg Chow and for the 229s and 332s you can use a Penn 112H 3/0 crossbar which would add quite a bit of stiffness to the frame for another option.
Title: Re: Threaded Inserts for Newell 200 and 300 Series
Post by: Newell Nut on April 03, 2013, 11:51:57 AM
One more update to this little adventure. Rather than folks spending $4 in gas to get a $2 file, I tried cutting a little strip of sandpaper and rolling it up and with the side plates in place I could just twist the sand paper around in the hole in the SS ring. This took 3 of the little strips of sand paper and all of about 3 minutes time and the inserts fit.
These inserts will actually last longer than the Newell ones because they have a thicker wall mainly due to being drilled and tapped for 4-40 instead of a 5-40 screw.
The Newell ones will last as long as the reel except for the people that don't wash their reels after fishing. Failure to properly maintain a reel allows these little thin walled inserts to rust out. I have only seen this in two reels that were seriously neglected.
Title: Re: Threaded Inserts for Newell 200 and 300 Series
Post by: Newell Nut on April 05, 2013, 11:53:14 AM
The inserts are now listed on ebay under Newell 200. Pics are there so you can see what they look like and the finished product on my 229.
Title: Re: Threaded Inserts for Newell 200 and 300 Series
Post by: Bryan Young on April 05, 2013, 01:58:42 PM
Quote from: Newell Nut on April 03, 2013, 08:04:14 AM
Got a note from Greg Chow and for the 229s and 332s you can use a Penn 112H 3/0 crossbar which would add quite a bit of stiffness to the frame for another option.

I've done this on a few reels. Works great if you don't mind the cross bar.
Title: Re: Threaded Inserts for Newell 200 and 300 Series
Post by: Newell Nut on April 05, 2013, 02:50:52 PM
The crossbar on the little reel makes it extra stiff though. Does it interfere with casting at all on the little 220? I have stiffened all of my little reels with Tiburon frames.

The new inserts are the way to go and keep it clean. I am using Mil Spec 316 screws to match the 316 insert and they should last as long as the reel now.
Title: Re: Threaded Inserts for Newell 200 and 300 Series
Post by: tenderloin on November 12, 2018, 07:47:53 PM
On eBay there are quality brand new SS inserts. Both sizes made to OEM specs at reasonable pricing.
Title: Re: Threaded Inserts for Newell 200 and 300 Series
Post by: Frank on November 12, 2018, 10:04:35 PM
Quote from: tenderloin on November 12, 2018, 07:47:53 PM
On eBay there are quality brand new SS inserts. Both sizes made to OEM specs at reasonable pricing.

I can attest to the high quality of these replacements! I bought several and I'm very happy with them.
Title: Re: Threaded Inserts for Newell 200 and 300 Series
Post by: Swami805 on November 13, 2018, 01:47:22 AM
Me too, all the parts have been top shelf. Nice to have a source to keep the newells going!