Wind the spring tensioner and then hold the lever down to engage the spring. Feed the line onto the spool while under tension so you get even line distribution. If you plan on using backing, you may have to "rewind" the spring tensioner. (Check your spool to make sure you have enough room for a moderate ammount of backing first...) I don't think that you need to worry about busting a tip unless your spring is at full tension and you are winding in a few feet of line. Learn to moderate your pressure on the lever, it's not an on/off switch! And remember to release the tension on your spring when it's not in use. I used one a lot for bass and bluegills when I first started, but it got mothballed because of it's weight...