Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Just saw these on Ebay. 19.95ea.
Is this something new?
I have not been keeping up with the site.

"Custom made replacement drag knob for the old classic USA made Penn 714Z, 4300SS and 430SS open face spinning reels.

The original drag caps (part number 52-714) from Penn were made of an acrylic plastic that without fail will crack and spilt apart. With no replacement part available, Max Parts has created a solution. Made with naval brass insert machined specifically to fit the original spool shaft and a body made of PETCF (Polyethylene Terephthalate - Carbon Fiber). Strong and resilient especially in saltwater conditions.

A direct replacement to an otherwise obsolete reel. Ships same or next day. "

Tom came up with them awhile back.  

https://www.cortezconversions.com/product-page/penn-spinfisher-replacement-drag-knob-prt-52-720z

It's a brave new world.

Tom, Cortez Conversions has them for the 4200ss, 420ss, and 716z. Just bought one from him a couple weeks ago, and it's really nice. Looks like Max Parts in Port Saint Lucie, FL is making them for the 4300ss, 430ss, and 714z.

Quote from: MACflyer on December 08, 2025, 01:43:54 PMTom, Cortez Conversions has them for the 4200ss, 420ss, and 716z. Just bought one from him a couple weeks ago, and it's really nice. Looks like Max Parts in Port Saint Lucie, FL is making them for the 4300ss, 430ss, and 714z.

Tom's making them for all the models listed above plus the 720 series.

Quote from: Midway Tommy on December 08, 2025, 06:49:42 AMTom came up with them awhile back.  

https://www.cortezconversions.com/product-page/penn-spinfisher-replacement-drag-knob-prt-52-720z

Tom's version looks much better than the one I saw on Ebay.

That is just fantastic!

Tom's making them for all the models listed above plus the 720 series.
[/quote]

Good to know Tommy, as I'm just going off what I see on FeeBay. Tom's work is top notch.

My 4300 SS drag knob show some crack so I put it in small cup to seal the edge ,pour the 2 parts thread sealer on top , move the glue to get even thickness . It will hold strong again

Quote from: quang tran on December 08, 2025, 10:29:05 PMMy 4300 SS drag knob show some crack so I put it in small cup to seal the edge ,pour the 2 parts thread sealer on top , move the glue to get even thickness . It will hold strong again

Nice tip, especially for reels still being used a lot! Thanks, Quang! 

Quote from: sandbar on December 08, 2025, 02:38:40 AMJust saw these on Ebay. 19.95ea.
Is this something new?
I have not been keeping up with the site.

"Custom made replacement drag knob for the old classic USA made Penn 714Z, 4300SS and 430SS open face spinning reels.

The original drag caps (part number 52-714) from Penn were made of an acrylic plastic that without fail will crack and spilt apart. With no replacement part available, Max Parts has created a solution. Made with naval brass insert machined specifically to fit the original spool shaft and a body made of PETCF (Polyethylene Terephthalate - Carbon Fiber). Strong and resilient especially in saltwater conditions.

A direct replacement to an otherwise obsolete reel. Ships same or next day. "

Just some guy's 3D printed part with a threaded insert press fit in.  The print quality does  not look  impressive.

The plastic is PET (the stuff that clear plastic bottles are made from) with  shredded carbon fiber added to make the plastic stiffer.  It is a somewhat reasonable choice, but is something that any kid with a hobby 3D printer can make.

A 714 doesn't use much drag, so a knob made with these materials and equipment could work just fine, if the maker did a good job.  But for about the same money, I'd get the professionally made ones from Cortez.


Various 3D printed reel parts pop upon the auction site from time to time.  Most of them look kind of sketchy, but they might be better than the alternative when the alternative is nothing.

-J

Quote from: jurelometer on December 09, 2025, 07:13:21 AM

Quote from: sandbar on December 08, 2025, 02:38:40 AMJust saw these on Ebay. 19.95ea.
Is this something new?
I have not been keeping up with the site.

"Custom made replacement drag knob for the old classic USA made Penn 714Z, 4300SS and 430SS open face spinning reels.

The original drag caps (part number 52-714) from Penn were made of an acrylic plastic that without fail will crack and spilt apart. With no replacement part available, Max Parts has created a solution. Made with naval brass insert machined specifically to fit the original spool shaft and a body made of PETCF (Polyethylene Terephthalate - Carbon Fiber). Strong and resilient especially in saltwater conditions.

A direct replacement to an otherwise obsolete reel. Ships same or next day. "

Just some guy's 3D printed part with a threaded insert press fit in.  The print quality does  not look  impressive.

The plastic is PET (the stuff that clear plastic bottles are made from) with  shredded carbon fiber added to make the plastic stiffer.  It is a somewhat reasonable choice, but is something that any kid with a hobby 3D printer can make.

A 714 doesn't use much drag, so a knob made with these materials and equipment could work just fine, if the maker did a good job.  But for about the same money, I'd get the professionally made ones from Cortez.


Various 3D printed reel parts pop upon the auction site from time to time.  Most of them look kind of sketchy, but they might be better than the alternative when the alternative is nothing.

-J

I bought a 3D printed crosswind block for a 720 series reel. Broke promptly. The Cortez I then purchased was perfect, probably better than the original part ever was. I'd try their drag knobs before anything 3D printed. I had used a washer with the knurled drag knob core after the knob cracking and falling apart. Works but it's unsightly.

I still have a few of these originals for the collectors, but I'd go for Tom's if I wanted something to fish with. Everything I've ever bought from him was top notch.

Quote from: Woodpuppy on December 09, 2025, 01:49:03 PMI bought a 3D printed crosswind block for a 720 series reel. Broke promptly. The Cortez I then purchased was perfect, probably better than the original part ever was. I'd try their drag knobs before anything 3D printed. I had used a washer with the knurled drag knob core after the knob cracking and falling apart. Works but it's unsightly.

Back when the 720 crosswind blocks were unavailable, I 3D printed up about a dozen for members, got some positive feedback, didn't hear about any breaking.  Also made some drag knobs and handle knobs. I do think that it is possible to 3D print some parts that are useful.  Having said that, for a sliding wear part like a crosswind block, I would definitely expect that the machined version from Cortez would be the most reliable option.

Nowadays, anybody with a couple hundred bucks to invest can make plastic parts.  A lot more variability in quality out there than we are used to.

-J