Product Description
Shimano 10FSM Handle Nut (BNT2117)
The Shimano 10FSM Handle Nut (BNT2117) is a specialized fastener used to secure the handle assembly to the drive shaft on Shimano baitcasting reels. Unlike standard nuts, the 10FSM is specifically designed for Right-Hand (RH) retrieve models and features a distinctive Chrome or Polished Finish, which was a hallmark of Shimano’s high-end "Green" and "Silver" reel eras.
This nut is a "Standard Thread" component (tightens clockwise). It serves as the primary anchor for the handle, ensuring that the pressure you apply while cranking is transferred efficiently to the main gear. Because it is often made of a softer alloy than the stainless steel drive shaft, it is designed to be replaced if the threads become flattened or the hex head becomes rounded from using the wrong size wrench.
Product Specifications
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Part Name: Handle Nut (Right-Hand)
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Part Number: 10FSM
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Shimano Code: BNT2117
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Material: Chrome-Plated Brass / Alloy
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Threading: Right-Hand (Standard) Thread
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Function: Anchors the handle to the drive shaft on RH models.
Alternate Part Numbers
This part is one of the most frequently ordered replacement nuts for legacy Shimano reels:
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BNT2117
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BNT0661 (Found in very early Bantam schematics)
Compatibility & Fitment
The 10FSM (BNT2117) is a universal-fit nut for a massive range of Shimano’s "Golden Era" baitcasting reels. It is a direct factory fit for:
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Shimano Curado Series: CU-200B, CU-200BSV, CU-200DPV, CU-200E, CU-200G
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Shimano Citica Series: CI-200B, CI-200D, CI-200E, CI-200G
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Shimano Calcutta Series: CT-50, CT-100, CT-200, CT-400 (Standard, B, and S versions)
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Shimano Cardiff Series: CDF-100A, 200A, 300A, 400A
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Shimano Corvalus Series: CVL-200, 300, 400
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Shimano Corsair Series: CS-200, 300, 400
Key Features
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Aesthetic Finish: High-polish chrome plating provides a premium look and excellent resistance to saltwater "pitting."
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Precision Hex Head: Typically a 10mm hex, engineered to fit perfectly inside the Handle Nut Retainer (BNT2114).
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Standard Thread Pitch: Matches the M8 x 0.75 pitch found on most Shimano baitcasting drive shafts from the 1990s through the mid-2010s.
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Direct OEM Fit: Guaranteed to sit at the correct height to allow the retainer screw to pass through the handle nut plate without interference.
Critical Installation Tips
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Standard Direction: This is a "Righty-Tighty" nut. Turn it Clockwise to tighten. If your reel is a Left-Hand retrieve (e.g., CU-201B), this nut will not work; you would need the BNT2118 (Left-Hand Thread) version.
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Avoid "Wrench Slip": Always use a dedicated 10mm reel wrench or a 6-point socket. Using pliers or an adjustable wrench will mar the chrome finish and eventually round off the corners of the nut.
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The Retainer Alignment: Tighten the nut until one of its flat sides is perfectly parallel with the screw hole in the handle. This allows the Handle Nut Retainer (Plate) to drop into place easily.
Pro Tip: If your handle has "wobble" even when this nut is tight, check the Drive Shaft Bushing or the Handle Shank itself for wear. The nut only holds the handle on; it doesn't compensate for a worn-out drive shaft. You can find the full assembly diagram for your specific reel at www.reelschematic.com.

