Product Description
Mitchell 81665 Drive Spring | Fits 710 & 710A Automatic Fly Reels
Restore the rapid, automatic line-retrieval power of your vintage fly reel with the genuine Mitchell 81665 Drive Spring. As the "engine" of the Mitchell 710 series, this high-tension coil spring stores the energy required to automatically retrieve fly line with a simple press of the trigger. Over decades of use, these springs can lose their "memory," become brittle, or snap due to corrosion and fatigue.
Precision-tempered from high-carbon spring steel, this authentic replacement part ensures your reel maintains the strong, consistent take-up speed that has made the 710 a favorite among fly anglers for generations.
Product Specifications
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Part Name: Drive Spring / Main Power Spring
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Manufacturer Part Number: 81665
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Alternate Part Number: 81665-0
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Material: Tempered High-Carbon Spring Steel
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Type: Internal Coil Motor Spring
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Series: 700 Series Automatic Fly Reels
Compatibility & Fitment
The 81665 Drive Spring is the standard power source for the following Mitchell and Garcia Mitchell automatic fly reel models:
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Mitchell 710
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Mitchell 710A
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Garcia Mitchell 710 (Classic Automatic)
Important Safety Note: Automatic fly reel springs are stored under extreme tension. Attempting to remove or install this part without proper tools and knowledge can be dangerous. We strongly recommend consulting the original assembly instructions and PDF schematics at www.reelschematic.com before beginning your repair.
Installation & Maintenance
To maximize the life of your new drive spring and prevent the "gritty" feel or "twanging" noise common in unmaintained reels, proper lubrication is essential.
Recommended Lubrication Protocol:
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Deuthlon Reel Gear Grease: When installing the 81665 spring into the housing, apply a thin, even coat of grease to the entire surface of the spring coils. Deuthlon's specialized formula stays bonded to the metal, reducing internal friction as the spring expands and contracts, and provides a critical moisture barrier to prevent rust.
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Deuthlon Reel Power Oil: Use a drop on the central spring arbor and the trigger pivot points to ensure the release mechanism operates with instant, friction-free response.
Why Choose Genuine Mitchell Replacement Parts?
The Mitchell 710 is a precision machine that relies on a specific spring rate to function without damaging delicate fly lines. Using an aftermarket or "universal" spring can lead to excessive tension (which may snap tippets) or insufficient power (resulting in incomplete line pickup). The Mitchell 81665 is manufactured to the exact width and tension specifications of the original French design, preserving the mechanical integrity and smooth operation of your reel.
