Penn Reels 722 & 720Z - help replacing drag knob

Started by HenryNJ, May 02, 2021, 01:01:54 PM

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HenryNJ

Dear Friends,
I am new to this forum. Hopefully, I am posting my questions to the correct section. If I am incorrect, please let me know.

Help! I have two beautiful condition Penn 722 Z reels. They are in near perfect condition. My issue is that both are missing the drag knobs. I thought that an easy problem to solve by buying 2 drag knobs. I do know that the Penn 722 Z are MD. The knobs I bought don't fit although it is the correct part number: 52-720Z. I suspect there must be a part that is missing between the bail and the knob. I have attached a photo of a Penn Reel 722Z with knob which show my problem. I will explain: there is the spool shaft with spring and nut at end. I thought I would simply screw on the drag knob.  The knob hole is too large for the screw at the end of the spool shaft.

I would appreciate any guidance on what part I am missing to put these two beautiful reel back into service. Please include any part numbers to help me order on line. I am 69 years old and love the old products. Thank you for your help! my email address is:  henrybayard@gmail.com




Wompus Cat

#1
You have part of the old Knob . assembly still on there looks like .
Hold the Spool and Take a  pair of Pliers  or the proper size Wrench/Scket (8mm  or 5/16ths ) I think and turn it counter clockwise to remove it.
And  WELCOME to the FORUM !
If a Grass Hopper Carried a Shotgun then the Birds wouldn't MESS with Him

philaroman

whittle out a nice hardwood knob for old nut, as spare for F/W use

Gfish

Fishing tackle is an art form and all fish caught on the right tackle are"Gfish"!

foakes

#4
Quote from: Gfish on May 02, 2021, 02:47:01 PM
Mysticparts.com dosen't have them... Maybe ebay or  Ereplacementparts.com...?
Welcome HeneryNJ!

It looks like HenryNJ already has the drag knobs he needs, Greg —

Like the other Henry said — he just needs to remove the threaded brass insert from the spool shaft that became separated from the drag knob — then install the new knobs.

If both of your reels are like that — it could be that they were tightened down too far in storage?

A drag knob should always be left loose when stored on spinners — to prolong the life of the drag spring.

I do have those knobs — however, think he already has what it takes?

Best, Fred
The Official, Un-Authorized Service and Restoration Center for quality vintage spinning reels.

D-A-M Quick, Penn, Mitchell, and ABU/Zebco Cardinals

--------

The first rule of fishing is to fish where the fish are. The second rule of fishing is to never forget the first rule.

"Enjoy the little things in Life — For someday, you may look back — and realize that they were the big things"
                                                     Fred O.

HenryNJ

Gentlemen,

apologies for the delay in responding to your suggestions. I appreciate the support and recommendation received. However, I do not understand the actions for attaching the drag knob to my Penn 722 reels. The "screw spindle" is not long enough to be screwed to the drag knob. It does not appear correct to remove the screw, spring and bale front. Perhaps I am not understanding the suggestions correctly. Again, I appreciate your support and recommendations. You are a good group of guys.

Best regards,

Henry

Wompus Cat

#6
It is difficult for you to explain your dilemma to us but we are a Bunch of patient folks here and will get you squared away .
Can you remove the Nut I pointed to in my first post and give us a picture of what is under neath as well as turn the New  Knob over and give us a pic of that also .
Pretty sure if you will just remove the piece I posted a pic of it will all come together for you .
If a Grass Hopper Carried a Shotgun then the Birds wouldn't MESS with Him

Gfish

Yeah, what Fred and WC said. Was looking at the Z's the other day. Perhaps one of the quality made-last full rotor cup spinners of the 70's? Anyone have opinions about Greenies vs these?
Fishing tackle is an art form and all fish caught on the right tackle are"Gfish"!

oldmanjoe

 You have what is the remaining piece of the plastic knob , brass nut .     pair of pliers and turn counter clockwise will take it off 
IT will look like this picture .
Grandpa`s words of wisdom......Joey that thing between your shoulders is not a hat rack.....    use it.....
A mind is like a parachute, it only work`s  when it is open.......
The power of Observation   , It`s all about the Details ..
 Forget about all the reasons why something may not work. You only need to find one good reason why it will.   Alto Mare

HenryNJ

Thank you for the advice. I did give it a try. The issue is the spindle does not extend far enough to thread the drag knob. Any other thoughts would be appreciated.

regards,

Henry

oldmanjoe

#10
By any chance the spool may not be seated all the way down , that it is hung up on one of the drag washer .
 Can you post another picture  like above ?
   When you removed the nut you also removed the spring and washer also ?
  All that is built into the new plastic drag knob .
Grandpa`s words of wisdom......Joey that thing between your shoulders is not a hat rack.....    use it.....
A mind is like a parachute, it only work`s  when it is open.......
The power of Observation   , It`s all about the Details ..
 Forget about all the reasons why something may not work. You only need to find one good reason why it will.   Alto Mare

HenryNJ

Thank you for your advice. I have attached a photo of the reel with the nut and spring removed. The challenge remains that the screw does not extend far enough to enable the drag knob to catch and screw on. If I remove the entire spool, I can screw on the drag knob to the spool screw. I thought I might have a bad drag knob but I have 4 drag knobs and the result is still the same i.e. the spool screw does not extend far enough to engage the drag knob. As requested I have attached a photo of the reel with the nut and spring removed.

Perhaps does anyone have a Penn 720 or 722 Z that we can take a look at?

Perhaps that will give us the answers we are looking for?

Please see attached photo.

again thank you all for your assistance. I appreciate your efforts.

regards,
Henry


foakes

I don't suppose that you are trying to install the spring under the drag knob?

There is already a spring in your new drag knob — should just screw onto the spool shaft — if the spool is seating down in the lowest position.

Best, Fred

The Official, Un-Authorized Service and Restoration Center for quality vintage spinning reels.

D-A-M Quick, Penn, Mitchell, and ABU/Zebco Cardinals

--------

The first rule of fishing is to fish where the fish are. The second rule of fishing is to never forget the first rule.

"Enjoy the little things in Life — For someday, you may look back — and realize that they were the big things"
                                                     Fred O.

Wompus Cat

If a Grass Hopper Carried a Shotgun then the Birds wouldn't MESS with Him

Wompus Cat

Plus what Fred said .You won't need the other bits.
If a Grass Hopper Carried a Shotgun then the Birds wouldn't MESS with Him