Have any of you worn grooves in the bodies of your fly reels? I have one developing on the side I strip line off of. It is getting so it is starting to score fly lines. Is there a way to repair this damage? Soddering or using a fine file? Should I get off my wallet and buy a new one? I have 3 spools for this model and I really like the reel…
Soldering aluminum is supposedly tough. Filing the reel will remove a lot of metal. And both solutions leave soft metal behind that will only get scored again.
The best fix is to find a reel machinist who can install a hardened line guard. The guard will wear far slower and is replaceable if it gets grooved.
The cheap fix is to consider if there is a different way to pull line off the spool. I realize that sounds overly simplistic. But to get a groove like that, the line must bend around that post while you are stripping. Are you stripping line towards your body or towards the stripping guide? Is it possible to strip line in a manner that doesn’t rub on the metal? If so, then maybe filing will be a sufficient fix.
Tom
Read the link JC posted!
You know the feeling you get when someone scratches a chalk board? I get close to the same feeling when I see people pull line off of the reel with each false cast. :shock:
That line takes an extreme turn off of the reel. It isn’t good for the reel or line guard or the line.
Strip what you need and lay it on the ground, in the water or in your stripping basket and avoid the problems.
Try some two part epoxy resin.There are differnet types. They come with a variety of applicators.Use 600-800 grit sandpaper to get a smooth finish.(I love being blue collar, the neat stuff I get to play with is incredible 
) Where I work we have some that even works for small cracks on boilers.
Start with 3M products, although there are other manufacturers. Change casting methods too and this won"t happen any more.
Ever notice that J.C seems to have a very good memory?
Articles from '99?
I can barely remember '99. :oops:
How about JB Weld? That is amazing stuff - supposed to be able to seal cracks in an engine block. Should be able to cover up a little groove.
please, no credit for memory, (use search alot though)
Yea i was going to recommend JB weld, i know guys that put the stuff on there reels when they first get them to make sure that does not happen.
I fixed my motor bike with that stuff, when i crack the cam caseing.
Dear clouserminnow,
Nevermind the repairs, what about the novel idea of keeping your off hand in line with your casting hand? You can strip line and make a billion false casts with your off hand and your line hand in line.
When you come to an intersection where you want to turn right do you turn right or make 3 lefts? It’s not hard to keep your hands in line while casting, it only takes a couple of seconds of thought and a couple of minutes of practice. Keep things in line and you won’t be so “groovy.”
Best Wishes,
Avalon
Sorry I treat my equipment like I own it. I was not blaming the manufacturer just looking for some hints if others have had this happen to them. I have had the reel for 10 years and have been through ten fly lines, two rod tip guides, 3 pair of waders, 5 pairs of wadding boots so things just get warn out. JB weld sounds like the cure. For the record I strip all the line I need to make the cast before I start casting so I am not one of those awkward looking casters that look like they are starting a chainsaw.
Thanks for the info. 
clouserminnow
Glad to hear that. Do you have any idea how the grove got in the reel?
I would take the reel to a machinist and have the opening enlarged slightly to remove the burr. You might be able to do it your self using metal files and wet/dry sand paper.
JB weld and similar epoxy products might work, but I think they are still softer than the aluminum.
If I had to guess how the damage occured I would suspect that dirt on the fly line was abrasive enough to gouge the metal.
Clouserminnow - That looks an awful lot like a Teton fly reel. If I were you, I’d contact Teton (if thats what it is) and talk to them. They would probably be interested in seeing the reel, and could give you the best option for getting it repaired. Another good option is to contact Archuleta’s. They could make a proper repair for you. JB Weld - uhhhh, no.
Wow,
I wish I had time to worry about that type of “damage” to my reel. I’d get over it so fast it couldn’t even be timed. But, that’s only my opinion. I could be wrong.
Mark
Buy a new reel.
Clouserminnow,
I wish I could wear out that much stuff. It means you are fishing when I’m wishing I could be fishing. I’m jealous!
I’m with J. Castwell on this - how did the groove form? If it’s from normal wear and tear, how do the reel’s innards look? Maybe a new reel with a big, bad, and HARD lineguard is the best option.
If you buy a new reel, the old one deserves to be mounted on the wall in a place of honor!
Tom
I think it must be the amount of silty rivers I fish and silt sticks to line and in return you get sand paper. The South Ram is silty at the best of times. The gears and the drag are still working fine so I will try the repair. The tip on my 6 weight IM6 Winston has worn to where the green is worn off and the nickle plate on the top eylete is grooved too. I am attached to my equipment that is why I want to fix instead of replace.
Clouserminnow out!
clouserminnow:
IF you are good with tools, drills & taps:
You might want to keep a lookout for some old reels at flea markets or such and see if you can find one with a simple flat line guard. There are reels out there, (sorry I can’t think of any brand names); that use a flat bow-tie shaped piece of steel or nickle silver that is screwed to the outside of the pillar where the wear occurs.
If you CAN’T find one that fits but you are good with tools you could fabricate one out of steel or even brass which is harder than aluminum; polish it with a Dremel so there are no sharp edges and mount it on your reel by drilling and tapping two holes to accommodate a 0-80 machine screw.
Obviously if this is out of your comfort level you can forget it but I have done similar repairs on reels in the past.