Cleaning/restoring old reels: So, I got some old reels about 10-15 years old probably. Pretty beat up... rust, corrosion, scratched etc. To get some of the rust off I was thinking of...

FS Digest

So, I got some old reels about 10-15 years old probably. Pretty beat up... rust, corrosion, scratched etc. To get some of the rust off I was thinking of leaving the reels in vinegar a few hours then reapplying oil and lube to all the parts that require it after. I just need to learn what parts need oil or lubricant lol. Does this plan sound good? I just want to make sure the vinegar isn’t a bad idea or if anyone has any better suggestions. Thanks!

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by Rocky172

bottomcoon Loc: Tahlequah, oklahoma

FS Digest wrote:

So, I got some old reels about 10-15 years old probably. Pretty beat up... rust, corrosion, scratched etc. To get some of the rust off I was thinking of leaving the reels in vinegar a few hours then reapplying oil and lube to all the parts that require it after. I just need to learn what parts need oil or lubricant lol. Does this plan sound good? I just want to make sure the vinegar isn’t a bad idea or if anyone has any better suggestions. Thanks!

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by Rocky172

Be cautious with that vinegar Rocky. I had heard about using it to help remove rust. I purchased a Sako 7 mag rifle that had been stored with the bolt removed & stored elsewhere. The bolt was pretty sad. I put the bolt in vinegar for 24 hours & it was totally destroyed. I usually sandblast but made the mistake of trying vinegar. Won't do that again. No, I haven't replaced the bolt. That's just over $800 & a long wait. PB blaster is a wonderful rust inhibitor. Tight lines.

Captain Lahti Loc: Kennewick, WA

There is a rust eraser that you use like a regular pencil eraser. That might be a better bet for spot rust. Then you can repaint with Rustoleum. Another trick would be to use brake degreaser to remove all old grease and oil. Then start from scratch. Then a dab of reel grease on the gears and a touch of something like sewing machine oil where other parts That move can’t be greased.

Raven 1 Loc: Cocoa Beach, FL

Kerosene is an option for gunk, not sure about rust. I just cleaned up an old Mitchell 402 using kerosene and it came out great.

DeeJay Loc: Southwest Virginia

No don't use vinegar, I use denatured alcohol and Q-tips, or a tooth brush trimmed to let it go into small places. A round nylon brush that would fit inside a straw works well. Vinegar is an amino acid and very corrosive, might ruin some parts. Keep fishing. DEEJAY

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

No Vinegar.
use Naval jelly.
Grease on gears. Oil on bearings. Remember , a little goes a long way.