Mike's Reel Repair

dutchie · smolt Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 25 54 credits

Hi,

I was reverse filling (to be able to fill the reel to just under the rim) my newly acquired (and admired...) Hardy Swift reel with fly line, backing and gel spun on top. When I was almost done, the reel seized. I thought that somehow the backing was squeezed by the gel spun, so I cut away all line and thought this would free the reel. It didn't... What happened? Now I'm left with (although warranty should cover this) a reel that is not turning anymore (although I've taken off all line). I was able to gently remove the spool (with some force, I must admit) but the spindle will not happily accommodate the spool anymore. I'm really puzzled...!

Regards,
Patrick

Ken D · Posted: Fri Feb 15, 2008 9:22 pm Post subject:

EGADS !!!!! A POST ON THE FLY REEL Section !!!! Unlucky it has to be an unhappy one.... Your reel has suffered a seizure. I have no first hand knowledge of the Swift series. All my Hardys are the Marquis and Silex series'.

What has happened: the reel ran out of oil or grease on the center pin, and the revolutions used to fill the spool caused a giant heat buildup, which swelled the center pin.

You got lucky. You got to remove the spool. I do not know Hardy warranty policy. But I suspect you will be a lucky man to get warranty,
which, unless the language is inclusive of your case, does not cover misuse or abuse by the owner. Warranties usually cover defects in material and workmanship.

No matter..... you reel can be easily made right. You need to source 2 sheets of abrasive grit. Very fine. The North American names are:
wet and dry sandaper 600 grit, and crocus cloth.

Over here, these sheets are the size of a sheet of paper: 8.5 x 11"

Before you begin, if you can take your reel's spool only, to a stockist, and ask to try the spool on a new reel.
There will be (of course) 2 scenarios: either it fits or it does not.

Start reducing the center post **all around the circle**, with a thin strip of wet 600 grit, like you were shining a shoe, light pressure, wet paper with light oil.
Work in quadrants, counting the passes in each. That will keep the post true enough. Try 10 passes. Then try the spool. As soon as you get REAL close, switch to the crocus cloth.

As soon as you get a nice fit, remember to clean the post with alcohol, to remove any frass, then lube the post with a good grade of grease.

After each fishing trip, examine the post, and add a small drop of oil.

Rock on.........Kennie Dee.

dutchie · smolt Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 25 54 credits

Hi Ken,

Thanx for the explanation, I figured it would be something like that. Now I'm no metallurgist , but I expected the spool would fit again after cooldown but it (the spindle we guess) has permanently expanded (I'll try that other spool as well to be sure). Weird stuff! Anyways, let's see what our posh Hardy friends in the UK come up with, I'll keep your suggestions as a second option. By the way: crocus cloth is apparently something to polish with, right?

Thanks again!!!!

Regards,
Patrick

Ken D · Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 2:38 am Post subject:

Hio, Patrick... yes..... crocus cloth is an "emery cloth" sheet, impregnated with jewellers rouge. "emery cloth" is a brand of cloth-backed grit sheet, with grits from 50 odd all the way up to crocus cloth.
Best, KD
PS: another faster solution, but probably more spendy is: install a new center pin. They make those every day. But at a cost for the pin, plus install.

dutchie · smolt Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 25 54 credits

Hi Ken,

I thought what the heck and just tried the finest waterproof sandpaper I could find, it seemed to do the trick very well, no discernable scratching of the spindle whatsoever. After refitting the spool and giving the reel a thousand spins it was still running smoothly. I removed the spool , took away the now black grease (metal residu, I presume) and relubricated.
So all's well now, thanks for the advice!

What's the real reason a completely new quality reel seizes like this? Maybe it's the ridiculous close tolerances Hardy use, for instance when I remove the spool it creates a vacuum. On the other hand any problems like this should have been tackled while field testing the prototypes. Anyway, it now operates great and it sure looks the part (I'm a bit of a magpie if you hadn't guessed it...)!

Ken D · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 7:34 pm Post subject:

Hio, Patrick.......The "siezing" results are felt by most center pin reels, that warm up some. So it's not just Hardy.
I will pose the question to some machinist folks I know, to get the technical answer to the question.
The tight tolerances are also common to most center pin reels. Over time, the interior brass/bronze bushing wears some, so they start off snug to take this into account.

Frogfish · Joined: 15 Mar 2008 Posts: 2 5 credits

That's just some bad luck...I have a 6/7 Hardy Angel, and it is one of my favorite reels. It has a silky smooth drag, and just looks so damn sexy.

It's my perfect streamer and lake-run brown reel.

dutchie · smolt Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 25 54 credits

Hey Frogfish,

A Hardy Angel, that's a serious reel. Almost a shame to take fishing, it's a piece of art!

Regards,
Pat

Ken D · Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 11:11 am Post subject:

Several Hardys have since failed up this way, so they have been given a new name. Hardy: House of CRAP....

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Ken D · Posted: Mon May 03, 2010 3:00 am Post subject:

More fuel to the fire: Hardy's now the house of pacific rim crap....Their market share in North America's fading fast, now that word's out they are alledgedly made in some chicken coop on a farm somewhere in Asia...
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