"Click-on " the monthly links below for helpful fishing and fresh-water boating information.

Al Winco

1-Shimano drag washer grease: Cleans and lubricates

2- Shimano reel schematics

3- Three (3) 1 oz. Glass jars (for M.E.K. bearing cleaning solution)

4- Metal lids for 1 oz. glass jars

5- Ardent reel cleaning kit

6- Methyl Ethyl Ketone (use in a well ventilated area or outside)
Do not use around,touch or soak plastic parts in M.E.K.-they will soften

7- Shimano reel cleaning guide w/pics for bait casters

8- Shimano reel cleaning guide w/pics for spinning reels

9- Others items that may be helpful-needle nose pliers, tweezers, precision, small slotted and regular screw driver, large-white towel, a 12” X 12” piece of clear plastic wrap and a 12 mm open end wrench

Super Tuning your Bearings

Take the 3-1 oz. jars and label them 1, 2 and 3. Fill each half way w/ M.E.K. and place the lid on each jar tightly. Remove the lid and soak your reel bearings in no 1 for 5 minutes, rotating the jar by hand 2-3 x’s. Remove and rotate the bearing and then repeat in No#2 and No#3 jar. Remove the bearings and let them air dry for 2 minutes on a paper towel. Rotate bearings to make sure all the grease has been removed. Apply 1-2 drops of Ardent bearing oil to each bearing and rotate.

Caution: M.E.K. vapors should not be inhaled. Use a ventilated spray booth, approved organic vapor mask or work outside w/ M.E.K. Do not smoke, use any open flames or sparks around M.E.K. M.E.K. will soften(and melt) any plastic parts that it comes in contact with.

REMOVING BEARING RETAINERS AND “C” CLIPS FROM REELS

Reel bearings are held in place w a fine wire retainer and internal shafts are held in place w/ “C” clips. Place the clear plastic wrap over the reel when removing and installing these as they can fly into outer space if not installed/removed securely.

TAKE NOTES W/ A PAPER AND PENCIL

Take notes on washer alignment and bevel position when removing them. Have a separate surface to place the stack of washers (inside casting reels) Precise placement of the thin, copper spacers used on reel handles and some bearings should also be noted. It is recommended to place a large, white towel on the table top before working on your reel- remove everything else from your table.