The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

I like to give these guys a clean up put new oil in etc. Through time the screws can seize up like this bottom one which is very old and won’t budge. Any tips before a last resort of drilling ?

Get someone to hold the reel steady while you try undoing the screw and at the same time keep tapping the screwdriver with a small hammer.
This usually works if your screwdriver is a good fit in the slot.

Wal.

A decent penetrative oil and try tightening slightly before unscrewing

Soldering iron on the screw head to heat it up… if you’re brave

Got it.

Thanks for the suggestions

Nothing drastic just sat the reel on a hot central heating radiator ( it’s still Baltic up here )

Gave it one last go and away it turned. I’ve a small collection of these reels and that was the only screw I’d be unable to get loose, so all good.