Hardy Marquis NO. 1 2 3 (KOREA)

The Hardy Marquis (Made in Korea) series—spanning the No. 1, 2, and 3—is a modern iteration of the classic click-and-pawl design. These reels are prized for their simplicity and "scream," but the Korean-made models occasionally require maintenance on the tension regulator or the plastic gear components.

Tools Required

• Small flat-head precision screwdriver

• Isopropyl alcohol (for degreasing)

• High-quality reel grease (e.g., Abel or Penn Precision)

• Light machine oil (e.g., Quantum Hot Sauce or sewing machine oil)

• Cotton swabs and a soft toothbrush

1. Disassembly and Cleaning

To fix any mechanical issue, you must first clear out old, oxidized grease which often hardens and causes the clicker to skip.

• Remove the Spool: Slide the latch lever on the face of the spool and pull the spool away from the frame.

• Deep Clean: Use cotton swabs dipped in isopropyl alcohol to remove grime from the spindle, the internal gear teeth on the spool, and the pawls.

• Inspect the Gear: Check the plastic/nylon gear on the back of the spool. If the teeth are rounded or chipped, the reel will slip under tension.

2. Troubleshooting the Click-and-Pawl

The most common "repair" is actually a conversion or a tension adjustment.

• Left-Hand vs. Right-Hand Wind: * The Marquis uses dual pawls. To change direction or fix a weak "in-turn," engage the pawl closest to the bottom of the reel for your preferred retrieval side.

  • Point the active pawl toward the gear; flip the inactive pawl away.

• Weak Tension: If the drag knob doesn't seem to change the resistance, the leaf spring may have lost its temper.

  • Carefully unscrew the spring's retention screw.

  • Gently increase the "U" bend of the spring by hand.

  • Reinstall. This increases the pressure the spring exerts on the pawl.

3. Addressing the Tension Regulator

The Korean models use a circular tension adjuster that moves a slider against the leaf springs.

• Stuck Knob: If the regulator knob is seized, do not force it. Apply a drop of penetrating oil to the threads behind the knob. Wait 10 minutes, then work it back and forth.

• Uneven Drag: Ensure the slider (the metal piece moved by the knob) is hitting both springs equally. If one spring is seated higher than the other, the drag will feel "notchy." Tap the spring seat down with the butt of your screwdriver to level it.

4. Lubrication Strategy

Over-greasing is the primary cause of failure in Hardy-style reels. Follow this specific pattern:

5. Reassembly and Final Testing

1. Align the spool with the spindle and press until the latch clicks.

2. Rotate the tension knob to its maximum setting; the "click" should be sharp and consistent.

3. Back the tension off to the minimum; ensure the spool spins freely without overrunning (bird-nesting).

Note on Parts: If the frame is bent or the spindle is wobbly, these reels are difficult to "cold-straighten" because the alloy can be brittle. In these cases, the reel usually requires professional machining or a replacement frame.