Oiling fly reels?

[herefishy]

I just noticed something on the auction site about an oil for fly reels - am I missing something by not oiling my reels?

[WarrenP]

All systems with moving parts need some sort of lubrication and I do lubricate my fly reels. The most important thing to remember, in my opinion, is not to over lubricate a fly reel. Too much oil or grease will attract dust, sand, etc. I only use Quantum Hot Sauce reel oil and Quantum Hot Sauce reel grease on my reels. Remember that a drop of oil goes a long way and just grease the teeth on gears and do not apply in excess. I do not lube the drag system, just the spindle and gears. These are the moving parts that get the most use.

The above are just what I do and my opinions.

[Uncle Jesse]

When metal is rubbing against metal, some type of lubrication is usually a good idea. There may be some exceptions and oil may not always be the lub of choice, but it doesn't usually hurt to wipe the axle clean and add a drop of oil from time to time.

[TyroneFly]

I use the little kit made by Abel. I believe they call it the Sportsman Lube Kit. It comes with oil, grease and neetfoot oil (for the cork drag). I tear apart my reels at least once a year and do a thorough cleaning then oil and grease. Like Warren said all you need is a little to do the job.

Here is a link. Able Sportsman Lube Kit

[DG]

I grew up using a little sample bottle of Skelly cotton picker spindle grease for all reel lubricating needs. Worked great, still does. Skelly is long gone, but other companies make it. Bear in mind that unless you can find a sample bottle it comes in 35# buckets or 400# drums, which makes it harder to stash in the cabinet while at the same time ensuring you never run out...

On second thought, probably easier to use commercial reel lubricants sold in one-ounce bottles or tubes, although they probably get the product in 400# drums and charge you to put it in the tubes....

And I do recommend cleaning and lubing your reels, at a minimum every time you swap out the line / backing, or before going on a road trip, or at the start of the season.

[kbproctor]

I use engine assembly lube. Waterproof, light grease that is very slick.

[herefishy]

I'm interested to see so many people who do oil their reels - I better get to it.

[bgreer]

Some reel manufacturers recommend to *not* lubricate their reels.
Ross is one that does not recommend lubricants. Their internal parts are self-lubricating.
Good cleaning, especially after salt-water use is still, definitely recommended.

[herefishy]

Thanks, the Rosses were where I was going to start.

[bgreer]

Thanks, the Rosses were where I was going to start.

This is from the Ross Reel website:
http://www.rossreels.com/images/tech...-Drag-Reel.pdf