Product Description
Mitchell 81398 Bail Screw – Heavy-Duty Saltwater Component
Secure the critical bail mechanism of your vintage Mitchell reel with the Mitchell 81398 Bail Screw. This precision-threaded fastener is engineered specifically for the large-frame saltwater series, providing the essential pivot point for the bail arm. Given the high-impact nature of surf fishing and the heavy gauge of the 302/402 bail wire, a high-integrity screw is vital for maintaining smooth bail deployment and closure.
Saltwater environments are notoriously harsh on small hardware. Over time, original screws can become "frozen" due to galvanic corrosion, or the heads can become stripped during maintenance. Replacing these with the genuine 81398 part ensures a perfect fit and restores the mechanical safety of your reel.
Product Specifications
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Part Number: 81398
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Alternate Part Number: 9081398
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Component Type: Bail Arm Pivot Screw / Hinge Screw
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Material: Stainless steel alloy for maximum corrosion resistance and thread durability.
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Fitment: Oversized design to accommodate the heavy-duty saltwater rotor assembly.
Compatible Mitchell Models
The Mitchell 81398 is a specialized fastener designed for the "Saltwater Giants" produced in the French factories. It fits the following models:
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Mitchell 302 (Saltwater Standard)
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Mitchell 302A / 302N
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Mitchell 303 (Saltwater Lefty)
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Mitchell 402 (Saltwater High-Speed)
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Mitchell 403 (Saltwater High-Speed Lefty)
Installation & Lubrication Guide
Because this screw acts as a pivot point for a moving part, it requires specific lubrication to prevent the bail from sticking and to stop the screw from seizing into the rotor.
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Pivot Lubrication: Apply a drop of Deuthlon Reel Oil to the smooth shoulder of the screw (the non-threaded part) before installation. This ensures the bail arm rotates effortlessly around the screw.
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Thread Protection: Apply a small amount of Deuthlon Reel Grease to the threads of the screw. This acts as a "thread sealer" against saltwater, preventing the common issue of the screw becoming permanently stuck in the rotor arm.
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Adjustment: Tighten the screw until the bail arm is secure, but ensure the bail still moves freely. If the bail binds, back the screw off by 1/8th of a turn.
For a complete look at the bail assembly, including the interaction between the bail wire, spring, and this screw, refer to the high-resolution PDF schematics at www.reelschematic.com.
Why Choose This Part?
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Marine Grade Hardware: Specifically tempered to resist the pitting and "bleeding" caused by salt spray.
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Vibration Resistance: Deep-cut threads ensure the screw stays seated even under the constant vibration of repetitive casting.
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OEM Specification: Matches the exact shoulder length and thread pitch required for Mitchell’s iconic 302/402 series.
