Reel Repair by Alan Tani

So, after a bit of a wait, my snap spring pliers arrived in the post. So I finally got round to doing a complete strip and clean of my 330. It was nice to remove all the old grease from the worm gear, hope I called it by its correct name. Wasn't as intimidating as I thought it would be.

Next up will be the Quick 3000. And if that goes according to plan, the ABU Cardinal 66 will get some attention later. However, not a fan of these E Clips.

Best piece of advice I can give you, whatever method of removing those E-clips you choose, do it inside a gallon Ziploc bag. That way if it goes flying it won't go far. Same approach for any retainer springs in general.

  Those clip are easy .  Wait till you do the microscopic size retainer clips . 

Keep those clips contained. They have a tendency to try to run/fly away. I've been fortunate not to have any escapees, but I use a small magnetized screwdriver with my hand over it to pry/twist them off. They don't move much that way. I've popped them off in a white bucket a couple of times when they were tough to get to and I was afraid one might grow wings. 

Thank you for all the tips and advice. I am using magnetic tools and I have a transparent plastic cover over the reel to catch the clips in the event of one deciding to make a break for it. I also managed to get the shredded screw out of my Mitchell 300 Pro, by using an old rubber band. Transfering a screw from another Mitchell; not the exact same, but does the job! However, as my journey continues with vintage reels, have to say, that the DAMS are quickly becoming my favourite to work on. Everything about them spells quality. Mitchells, once my dream reels are now being pushed to the side, as I find out more about DAM reels where the German engineering is far superior in my humble opinion; cant believe that Mitchell would use such a soft alloy for the screws.....

Your next revelations will come when you start playing with, and/or using, the ABU or Zebco fulcrum drag Cardinal reels. They're my absolute favorite to use, extremely high quality and quite  simple to work on. 

I have a few ABUs. 2 x Cardinal, Cardinal 57 and a 66. I don`t have a 14mm Socket wrench yet, but will tackle them when it arrives, The Drag stack looks complicated but will take plenty of photos to aid reassembley. I have bought 29 reels over the last couple of months.........more than enough for me, and most may never see water.

No fears, there are detailed detailed tutorials in the appropriate sections. 

Whoa, 29 reels. You ain't messing around. You should be a pro after they get the works.

The worst for me are those tiny spool axel C-clips like on a Mitchell 302 or on a Shimano Baitrunner.

When I service my Cardinals,I loosely zip tie the drag stack to hold it together in place as one assembly.Sometimes I just put a drop of Lucas reel oil across the top let it seep in & call it done.

The Cardinal Drag Knob screw  has left hand threads.Hence- Righty loosey, lefty tighty

On my Dam Quicks 220 & 285 all have Fast Eddy Ceramic bearings 8*22*7 mm,they spin for days...
This size fits the 330 as well.