Product Description
Mitchell 81035 Shim (.010") – Precision Drive Gear Adjustment
The Mitchell 81035 Shim is a precision-gauged .010" (0.25mm) spacer used for the internal "shimming" of the main drive gear and pinion assembly. In the mechanical architecture of a Mitchell spinning reel, shims are the primary method for controlling gear backlash (the amount of play between gear teeth) and ensuring the rotor sits perfectly flush against the housing.
At a thickness of .010", the 81035 is often the "base" shim used during a rebuild to center the drive gear or to move the pinion gear forward to engage the rotor more securely.
Product Specifications
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Part Number: 81035
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Thickness: .010" (0.10 inches / 0.25mm)
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Material: Precision-stamped Brass or Stainless Steel
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Application: Drive gear shaft or pinion gear depth adjustment
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Origin: Genuine Mitchell Engineering (France)
When to Use the .010" Shim
This specific thickness is typically used to solve the following mechanical issues:
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Excessive Handle Play: If the handle moves back and forth significantly before the rotor starts turning, adding an 81035 shim to the drive gear shaft can tighten the gear mesh.
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Rotor Rub: If the rotating head is rubbing against the body of the reel, a .010" shim may be needed on the pinion gear to provide the necessary clearance.
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Gear Noise: If the reel "growls" due to gears being too loose, this shim helps bring the teeth into the correct factory-spec alignment.
Compatible Models
The 81035 shim is a foundational part for the planetary gear systems found in the following Mitchell series:
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Mitchell 300 / 301 (Classic and "A" series)
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Mitchell 300C / 301C (Ball-bearing variants)
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Mitchell 330 / 331 (Otomatic/Automatic series)
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Mitchell 400 / 410 / 440 (High-speed and Match series)
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Mitchell 500 / 510 (Select mid-sized variants)
Professional Installation & Lubrication
Shimming is a delicate process of trial and error. Even a difference of .010" can be the difference between a "silk-smooth" retrieve and a reel that binds under pressure.
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Installation Tip: When adding this shim to the drive gear, ensure the shim is seated flat against the gear boss. If the shim is bent or crinkled during installation, it will create "tight spots" in the handle rotation.
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Lubrication: Always apply Deuthlon Reel Grease to the gears after shimming. Its specialized "Dust-Shield" properties ensure that the newly tightened gear surfaces are protected from wear and operate silently.
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Fine-Tuning: Use a drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil on the shim itself. This acts as a micro-barrier, preventing the shim from sticking to the housing or the gear, which reduces internal drag.
Why Choose Genuine Mitchell 81035?
The internal diameter of Mitchell shims is specifically cut to fit the drive gear boss without interfering with the housing threads or the anti-reverse dog. Generic hardware-store washers are often too thick or made of materials that can score the soft alloy of the reel housing. Using the Genuine 81035 ensures your adjustments remain stable and your vintage reel remains in peak mechanical condition.
