Product Description
Shimano 10FJK Pawl Cap (BNT2373)
The Shimano 10FJK Pawl Cap (BNT2373) is the threaded cover that secures the line guide pawl inside the levelwind carriage. This small but critical component maintains the necessary vertical pressure to keep the pawl's "teeth" engaged with the grooves of the worm shaft.
Because it is located on the front of the reel, it is the first part to be hit by salt spray and road grime during transport. The BNT2373 is a legacy standard for Shimano, known for its deep screwdriver slot and durable threading. If this cap is lost or the threads are stripped, the levelwind system will fail immediately as the pawl will jump out of its track.
Product Specifications
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Part Name: Pawl Cap
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Part Number: 10FJK
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Shimano Code: BNT2373
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Material: Chrome-Plated Brass
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Function: Holds the line guide pawl in place and protects it from debris.
Alternate Part Numbers
This part is a cornerstone of Shimano's classic baitcasting designs and is identified as:
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BNT2373
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BNT0660 (Legacy version often found in early Bantam models)
Compatibility & Fitment
The 10FJK (BNT2373) is one of the most widely used caps in Shimano’s "Golden Era" of baitcasting reels. It is a direct factory fit for:
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Shimano Curado Series: CU-200B, CU-201B, CU-200BSV, CU-200DPV (The classic "Green" and "Deep" Curados)
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Shimano Citica Series: CI-200B, CI-200D
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Shimano Calcutta Series: CT-50, CT-100, CT-150, CT-200, CT-400 (Standard and "B" models)
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Shimano Cardiff Series: CDF-100, CDF-200, CDF-300, CDF-400 (All "A" models)
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Shimano Corvalus Series: CVL-200, CVL-300, CVL-400
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Shimano Corsair Series: CS-200, CS-300, CS-400
Key Features
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High-Mass Threading: Designed with a robust thread pitch that resists backing out due to the vibration of the levelwind's lateral movement.
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Protective Shielding: The solid metal construction acts as a shield, preventing sand and grit from entering the pawl "pocket."
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Standard Slot Size: Engineered to be removed with a standard flat-head screwdriver or even a small coin in emergency field situations.
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Corrosion Resistant: Chrome plating prevents the brass base from oxidizing and seizing to the carriage.
Maintenance & Installation Tips
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The "Hidden" Washer: When removing this cap, always check inside for the Pawl Spacer (BNT0060). It often sticks to the bottom of the cap. If you lose this washer, the levelwind will likely "click" or skip because the pawl has too much vertical play.
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Anti-Seize: Apply a tiny amount of grease to the threads of the BNT2373 before installation. This is the best defense against "salt-locking," which often requires drilling the cap out if it becomes frozen.
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Don't Over-Torque: Tighten the cap until it is firm, but do not crank it down. Over-tightening can crack the plastic or composite line guide carriage it threads into.
Pro Tip: If your levelwind is failing and you notice this cap is loose, tighten it first before assuming the pawl is worn. If the cap is tight and it still fails, the Line Guide Pawl (BNT2150) likely needs replacement. You can view the full levelwind stack for your reel at www.reelschematic.com.
