It’s also a one-drop-at-a time applicator, which is good, since reels only need very little lubrication. I’d characterize this oil as medium weight—it’s not too runny. Put a drop of oil into each side of the flipping mechanism where the bail meets the assembly. Flip the bail back and forth a few times to let the oil seep in. Before tearing into a reel, assemble everything you’ll need.
Never put a wet reel inside a plastic bag or a sealed container. I divide reel care into three categories; daily care, periodical care, and seasonal care. I’ll explain my recommended procedure for each, and you can always add your own tweaks based on the particulars of your fishing. Next, disassemble the reel to expose the gears and see if greasing/gear lube is needed. Check with the reel manufacturer for lubricant recommendations. A good gear lubricant or NLGI #2 grease should do the trick.
What are the alternatives to using gun oil on fishing reels?
It bonds well to metal, leaving a thin, protective film on the surfaces of gears and bearings. Fishing Reel bearings generally do not require a lot of lubrication if they are being used for casting. Trolling Reel bearings may require a thicker lubrication depending on the environment they are being used in. Over lubricating will kill the bearings performance in a casting reel.
There are more specific saltwater cleaning directions at Apply grease to the bearings and gear inside where the handle braces the assembly. Also apply tiny amounts on the inner side of the screw cap, and inside its hole. Place three drops of oil into the maintenance port, if the reel has one. Apply one drop of oil to all bearings and lightly oil the case for the casting brakes. Work grease into the main drive gear with your fingers.
Liquid gun oil
Sign-up to receive our monthly newsletter with interesting blogs about fishing and boating. Get fishing tips and tricks and read personal stories from anglers who live and breathe fishing and boating. Learn new fishing skills, boating resources, fishing etiquette, conservation and more. The best way to keep everything organized is to spread out a mat or towel over your work area. Then, stick a long piece of masking tape onto the mat. As you start taking your reel apart, you’ll lay each part next to the strip of tape and label with a number — 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.
Bonny Fryer has always been interested in animals, even since she was born. This interest led her to get a degree in Veterinary Medicine and start working as a veterinarian when she was only 22 years old. She is now 44 years old and still works as a veterinarian. She loves her job and finds it very fulfilling to help animals stay healthy and happy.