Penn Squall Lever Drag Lever Problem

[ijlal]

Hi Alan,

I have a small Penn SQL30LD reel I just cannot love less. The only issue with this little beauty is the lever of the drag is very stiff and difficult to move while it should glide smoothly forward or backward like any other lever drag. There is nothing wrong with the drag itself, though. Do you think adding a fiber or plastic washer in between the lever and the side plate might smooth it up? Penn have not provided that little washer that I have found on every other lever drag reel I have serviced or used.

Thanks!

[akfish]

Is it also harder to turn the handle than it should be? If so, then odds are the pinion bearing is bad.

[ijlal]

Is it also harder to turn the handle than it should be? If so, then odds are the pinion bearing is bad.

Nope. As I said, no problem with the reel... just a sticky drag lever. The drag itself is silky smooth!

[handi2]

It wouldn't hurt anything at all to add a thin plastic washer.

[SoCalAngler]

ijlal,

What is the drag setting at strike with the lever hard to move? Check it with a scale if you have one. It may be that you have set the drag higher at strike than Penn's specs for that reel.