Degreasing Old Fixed Spool Reels

[Bogger]

You can degrease with various products, as mentioned above. Personally I use 'panel wipe' degreaser as used in the automotive refinish industry.

It usually comes in 5lt tins. It will remove all grease and oils, very quickly. I put about 100ml in an old margarine/butter tub and use a paint brush to agitate and clean off the grease.

Panel wipe does not affect paintwork and dries within a few seconds. 5ltrs will cost about £15.00 to £20.00 and lasts for ages if not wasted.

If you have anything oily or greasy that needs cleaning, panel wipe will do the job.

Bogger

[Rockape]

A question from an engineering numpty.

What is the best way to remove old, hardened grease, when servicing a fixed spool reel?
Is there a magic degreasing solution, or is it just a matter of wiping it off using cotton buds and patience?
Petrol?
Meths?
WD40?
Washing-up liquid?
Lemon juice and vinegar?

My searches reveal no answer, it is as though this should be instinctive knowledge to any man!

Or, given my obvious lack of nous, should I send them off to a professional?

DW40, no question!

[Wakou]

If you have other hobbies and are using a lot of degreaser, this stuff is inexpensive, does the trick, and does not stink the place up like ie Gunk, Jizer, WD40 etc.

[Rockape]

To deal with possible corrosion problems caused by paint loss as mentioned by Nobby I spray the inside of the body with Corrosion X before reassembling and lubricating. Far better than WD40.

Agreed, I only use WD40 as a degreaser (which it does really well), along with some cotton buds to clear out tubes and corners, then the alcohol.

On the rebuild I brush a thin layer of blue ACF50 corrosion block grease on all internal surfaces, then more on the gears etc, I also use Lucas reel oil on some components.

I guess eveyone has their own lubrication preferences.

[Russell Howard Brown]

As per the Honorable Rockape I've had 100's of reels in pieces and for degreasing,nothing beats petrol.Also,for removing hard,compacted grease I only use Q-tips,lolly sticks and toothpicks to avoid scraping metal on metal.Better still,write some easy to understand instructions........and get to HER to do it for you.TTFN

[Wanderer]

I think that your "Her" might just be a little bit more compliant than mine, Russell....
My request for her to degrease my fishing reels would be met by short shrift, as they say !

[Rockape]

As per the Honorable Rockape I've had 100's of reels in pieces and for degreasing,nothing beats petrol.Also,for removing hard,compacted grease I only use Q-tips,lolly sticks and toothpicks to avoid scraping metal on metal.Better still,write some easy to understand instructions........and get to HER to do it for you.TTFN

A big thumbs up on petrol; that will beat WD40, hands down, but I have a mortal fear of using the stuff indoors (says he who uses IPA (not the beer) regularly..lol!).

And cotton buds / Q tips; I go through boxes of those like there's no tomorrow!

Btw Russ, talking of having lots of reels in pieces, I saw your TJH Bantam pics today, as I was perusing some old posts, and Wow! What a unique gear arrangement! After seeing that, a Bantam is now high on my list of wants. If you ever see another one for sale please let me know.

[Wallys-Cast]

Petrol and small paint brushes are mainly all I use. The artists brushes with stiff bristles are dead cheap and perfect for the job.

Wal.

[Keston]

I much prefer to use GT85 rather than WD40 . Cotton buds are great , but occasionally leave fibres . Cheap toothbrushes work well , especially tight little areas .

[Russell Howard Brown]

As per the Honorable Rockape I've had 100's of reels in pieces and for degreasing,nothing beats petrol.Also,for removing hard,compacted grease I only use Q-tips,lolly sticks and toothpicks to avoid scraping metal on metal.Better still,write some easy to understand instructions........and get to HER to do it for you.TTFN

A big thumbs up on petrol; that will beat WD40, hands down, but I have a mortal fear of using the stuff indoors (says he who uses IPA (not the beer) regularly..lol!).

And cotton buds / Q tips; I go through boxes of those like there's no tomorrow!

Btw Russ, talking of having lots of reels in pieces, I saw your TJH Bantam pics today, as I was perusing some old posts, and Wow! What a unique gear arrangement! After seeing that, a Bantam is now high on my list of wants. If you ever see another one for sale please let me know.

Hi Rockape,Yes the Bantam had a quite unique internal design.Regarding the TJH FSR's,it took me some time to accumulate all their different models but once I'd got them all my short term fanaticism was sated and I promptly sold all of them !!! If I see a Bantam though,Honorable Rockape will be messaged asap.It is foretold that your quest WILL have a reelly fruitful outcome.......Russ (ShyTangler).