Buying 2nd hand reel tips ..

In the past , I’ve just cranked the handle basically and if it's smooth and there’s no grind I presume it’s all good .. 
 
Apart from obvious cosmetics , what’s your dummies checklist of what to look out for buying used reels ?

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Intelligence is like a four-wheel drive. It only allows you to get stuck in more remote places.”


Walfootrot's picture

Posts: 1386

Date Joined: 23/07/12

Remove the spool and look

Wed, 2014-10-01 13:49

Remove the spool and look inside for sand, condensation and corrosion.

Check the drag at different settings.

Check that the shaft is not bent.

Check the anti reverse, both free and locked, turning the handle in both directions, checking for smooth operation.

Check bail arm for smooth movement and that the line runner (sic) is working.

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More drum lines, kill the bloody sharks!

Posts: 908

Date Joined: 06/05/12

As above, If it look good and

Wed, 2014-10-01 13:51

As above, If it look good and has been well looked after, It probably is ok. if something is wrong that you didn't immediately see , it wouldn't be a big fix anyway.

tim-o's picture

Posts: 4657

Date Joined: 24/05/11

Someone that keeps the box

Wed, 2014-10-01 14:21

Someone that keeps the box and its contents is someone that gives a fuck, so more inclined to look after the reel IMO

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I am, as I've said, merely competent. But in an age of incompetence, that makes me extraordinary.

chris raff's picture

Posts: 3257

Date Joined: 09/02/10

 I learnt a lesson awhile

Wed, 2014-10-01 14:38

 I learnt a lesson awhile back to check the spool properly as well .. having it respooled the tackle shop informed me of a small gouge on the inner lip that I didn’t see . 

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Intelligence is like a four-wheel drive. It only allows you to get stuck in more remote places.”

Geoff78's picture

Posts: 324

Date Joined: 05/03/13

 A good way of doing this

Wed, 2014-10-01 14:42

 A good way of doing this, is with a cotton wool bud. The fabric will get stuck in even the smallest scratch/crack. Run the cotton wool bud over the liner roller also.

pelagicyachts's picture

Posts: 1293

Date Joined: 23/02/11

If its a Penn International -

Wed, 2014-10-01 15:06

If its a Penn International - on the non handle side see if its got "Blue Kite" engraved on the side - if so its stolen (2009 -bstrds!) and i would like it back !! :-)

apart from that try out the drag at different pressures - on some overheads sometimes the release lever (from engaged to freespool) wears on the edge over time and will slip out under load if the spool has any side to side freeplay in it - its an easy and cheap fix on Penns not sure about others

cheers