Reel Repair by Alan Tani

I am looking to see if anybody can help me? I am working on a buddy's SR-12 and trying to remove the Bail Roller it's not rolling good and want to clean bearings or replace them. Thanks Bob V.

It should have 2 bearings in it. Remove the screw on the end and it should all just come apart?

Thanks for the reply I did remove the screw and the roller and bearings will not come out. I am not sure if a stud holds the bearings and roller in the bail?

I just found out what the part is called it's the bail roller shaft it holds the bearings and roller to the bail I have tried WD-40 - PB Blaster and a little heat while using needle nose pliers trying to unscrew.

alluminium when rusted will stuck very bad . Use liquid plumber for few hour to eat the rust out to remove it

Quote from: quang tran on August 17, 2026, 05:31:46 PMalluminium when rusted will stuck very bad . Use liquid plumber for few hour to eat the rust out to remove it

That sounds like it could get very destructive.

A spinner can still function with a line roller that's turned into a line guide. You might have to stop and ask what level of risk the owner is willing to take to improve something that functions as is.

Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on August 17, 2026, 06:33:35 PM

Quote from: quang tran on August 17, 2026, 05:31:46 PMalluminium when rusted will stuck very bad . Use liquid plumber for few hour to eat the rust out to remove it

That sounds like it could get very destructive.

A spinner can still function with a line roller that's turned into a line guide. You might have to stop and ask what level of risk the owner is willing to take to improve something that functions as is.

Yes ,some chrome surface will get dull but can be polish it back

For really rusted/stuck metal parts, I've had good results w/the homebrew of 50/50 ATF and Acetone. Mix it good before every use, then apply with a brush or swish it around in a jar and soak.

https://www.thetoolyard.com/2026/06/acetone-and-atf-penetrating-oil-does.html?m=1

I had 2 Shimano Stratic's with an aluminum sleeve part in the line roller. A saltwater corrosion magnet.

Yes ,that's way I prefer older reel with no roller,no ball bearings ,just more problems .salt always get in to these bearings and often have to replaced it

Thanks for all the reply's I got it out! more PB Blaster and set it out in the sun for a few hours and used some crimping pliers with the () got a good grip better than my needle nose cracked it loose.

You got a grip! (On the repair... )