Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Here is a method I have used to take the handle play, and support the gearsleeve from axial movement which most stardrag reels suffer from.

  for starters the bushing (spacer) (tube) used under the star to push down on the dragwashers is generally too small in OD to provide any side play support from the sideplate.   Notice the gap in between the spacer and the endplate on a stock endplate. Pictured below.

  The factory spacer is shown below.  Note the outer dia>

  My idea is to use a spacer that is the same inner diameter as the factory one but with the outer diameter as the endplate. see the new brass spacer OD. below.

the last photo shows the new spacer as it installed.  It can move in and out as before, but the sidewall of the hole prevents lateral movement. I have used these on several reels now and think that they help as the reel wears to keep the play and wobble to a micro amount for almost no cost to the user.  I used a brass pipe nipple for the spacer tube stock, I dont have a lathe so I used a drill, and turned the O.D. using a belt grinder and turned it while sanding down the small amount needed.   A calipers that read in and outer measurements is handy but not totally necessary.
  I also have found out that some mass produced reels do not have the gearsleeve centered in the side plate when assembled.  The center can be adjusted over by removing material by trial and error, then a new bushing can be used that has the larger diameter of the corrected hole.    Its just something I did,  Its not for everybody, Its just another refinement.   Remember that your not done till you die!!         Ya I,d love to hear from anybody pro or con or get more ideas!


 

Here is the bushing in the reel with support from the sideplate.

Perfect. I've been talking with Alan T. About this but the tolerances between the reels as you have mentioned varies from reel to reel, stopping me from producing these spacers.

I believe Alan Chui has done this with jigmaster sized reels. I haven't see or used them yet but this is perfect to keep the gears in alignment when cranking hard is needed because the only secure meant is the gear sleeve shaft and that is a pivot point.

I plan to do this on my reels but will need to be custom per reel due to the manufacturing tolerances from reel to reel.

Good Work Gary! Repost that last pic with the spacer installed. I can't see it.

Sorry folks about the no last picture!  I should have checked the pictures as I usually do.  I might be the glitch!  so here it is!

   Thanks for commenting.    go fishing!

Gary, now it looks like too loose of a fit around the sleeve.     RUDY

Maybe fit the old one inside the new one.

If we were looking face on to the flat and not down the sides of the flats it would give a better idea of the closer tolerance . We need to see the tolerance between the thread and bush .

Good job and with limited tools .

Gary, not raining on your parade or anything like that, I enjoy all that you bring to us. I realize you didn't see this, so I wanted to mention it.
This was talked about a few years back, one of the guys that started it was John ( johndtuttle):
http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=3083.msg44188#msg44188
It was also addressed by Pro Challenger Alan C. (Black Pearl).
He requested using those custom sleeves with his custom gears on the Jigmasters.
They will also fit many other Penn reels
https://squareup.com/market/pro-challenger-llc/jigmaster-standard-gear-set-kit
I have those custom sleeves on Squidders, Surfmastrers , Baymasters, Jigmasters and more.
Later buddy.

Sal

I tried the custom sleeve on Tom's Jig Master & it wouldn't fit in the side plate. I put a standard sleeve in it.

Did anyone try the custom sleeve on a Newell yet?

Mike

Thanks for the comments on the Idea.  I do wish the pictures were better to show the details. The sleeve (bushing?) does fit quite tight  to the gearsleeve.  after installing it in there was very little side play to the gearsleeve at the crank arm.
  I am away from home for a while so I won,t be able to show a better view of the part and its top view or read a caliper to you all via picture.   I thought it was something that was worth doing to a hotrodded reel and was unaware that these bushings were being already marketed for interested persons.   I,m waay out of the mainstream of technology and information but am always to improve things if the need arises.    Thanks to all for this site,    I have a lot to learn for sure huh?

That is still some great work Gary. You have some skills for sure.

I did try a needle bearing that worked ok, Boca. it cost about 15$ and seemed to work on the plastic sideplate hole of the 113h.
  But the post is to show a DIY approach to solving a problem not where to buy more stuff for your reels.
   My method was primitive, but it will work on any reel that uses a tube under the star to put pressure on the drag washers.