- I keep all my reel schematics in a notebook, that has clear plastic page protectors that I can slide the schematic into. When I get the paperwork for a reel, I slip it into the protector, so I know exactly where to find it. Any notes I take during reel disassembly, I also put in the protector, so I have it later.
- You can download reel schematics for many reels off the web. (Previous TT posts covered some good sites for this, so I won't repeat them again.) The nice thing about many of these schematics is that they come in .pdf format, and you can increase the size of an area by hitting the "+" button in Adobe reader, and print out a blown up section of the schematic. Many schematic show a lot more detail if you blow them up, and they are much easier to read.
- I keep a log when I work on my own personal reels. I've found that I have so many reels, that I need to track mods, upgrades, bearings, etc. on each reel. That way later, if I have a question or need to know what I did, I can go back thru the log and find it. I mark each reel with a number (e.g. 1, 2, 3, etc.), and refer to the type and number of reel in the log when making entries. For instance, the last entry in my log was: Alphas ito #2 - upgraded drag washers to Carbontex, lubed them with Cal's, checked drag after upgrade worked fine. I use a 3 ring binder for my log and plain 3 ring notebook paper. You don't need anything fancy, just something that will help later.
- I keep an clipboard handy with 3 ring notebook paper at my workbench, so I can take notes. Trust me when I say 'sticky pad notes' just don't find their way into the notebooks later.
- My notebook also has a page where I started to keep important phone numbers, like Daiwa parts, etc. However, I have to admit that I don't keep it updated very well.
- Use the right tool for the job when working on your reels. Use sockets when possible, the right width flat tipped screwdrivers, etc. The wrong tool can lead to part damage, and you can even slip and scratch the paint on a reel plate. Philips head screws found on the inside frame of most reels can be especially troublesome, since they are seldom removed once they leave the factory. Select the right philips head screwdriver and exercising care when removing one of these screws will prevent major headaches later.
- Don't overtighten screws and nuts, since you can easily damage the threads on mating components and/or distort or score metal in the process. If you need to insure something won't work loose (like screws in a reel handle), put a very small dab of 'Blue Loctite' on the first few screw threads before putting it in. Most parts won't need this however.
- Make sure the work area has plenty of light so you can see what you are doing. You'd be suprised at how easy it is to momentarily loose some of the small reel parts, on a poorly lit workbench.
- I've laid parts out on the bench and put a small piece of tape marked with the part number beside them, for reels I've never worked on before. (Many washers look the same, but are really a little thinner or bigger in inner diameter, or made from slightly different material than the others.)
Chuck
