Hardy MLA

Hardy MLA Fly Reel Maintenance and Repair Guide

The Hardy MLA (Machine Lightweight Aerospace) is a high-performance, large-arbor reel known for its sleek design and sealed disc drag system. Because it was designed to be low-maintenance, most "repairs" are actually thorough cleanings or part swaps.

Tools and Supplies Needed

• Small flat-head screwdriver (precision set).

• Isoclene or Rubbing Alcohol (for degreasing).

• Freshwater reel grease (e.g., Penn Precision or similar).

• Light synthetic reel oil.

• Cotton swabs and a soft lint-free cloth.

1. Disassembly

1. Remove the Spool: Press the quick-release catch on the front of the spool and pull the spool away from the frame.

2. Access the Drag Housing: On the MLA, the drag is housed within the central hub. Most models feature a threaded retaining cover or a small set screw on the drag knob.

3. Note the Orientation: As you remove washers or bearings, lay them out in a straight line on a clean cloth in the exact order they were removed. This is critical for reassembly.

2. Cleaning and Inspection

• Saltwater Corrosion: If the reel has been used in salt, look for white powdery residue. Soak non-mechanical metal parts (frame and spool only) in lukewarm fresh water.

• The Drag Surface: The MLA uses a high-quality disc drag. Use a cotton swab with alcohol to wipe the mating surfaces. Do not sand or scrape these surfaces.

• Check the Clicker: Inspect the small metal pawl (the "clicker") and the spring. If the reel has gone silent, the spring may be bent or the pawl worn down.

3. Common Repairs

Issue: Gritty Retrieval

• Cause: Sand or salt buildup behind the spindle.

• Fix: Remove the spool and wipe the spindle clean. Apply a single drop of light oil to the spindle shaft. Check the O-ring at the base of the spindle; if it is cracked or flat, replace it with a standard nitrile O-ring of the same size.

Issue: Drag Slipping or Uneven Tension

• Cause: Oil or grease has leaked onto the dry-drag surfaces.

• Fix: The MLA drag is designed to be mostly "dry." If grease has migrated to the discs, clean them thoroughly with alcohol until no residue remains. Reassemble dry.

Issue: Handle Stiffness

• Cause: Dried grease in the handle assembly.

• Fix: Use a small screwdriver to remove the screw at the center of the handle knob. Remove the knob, clean the internal post, apply a small dab of grease, and reinstall.

4. Reassembly and Lubrication

• Spindle: Use a light coating of grease on the main spindle threads, but keep the shaft itself lightly oiled.

• Drag Knob: Apply a small amount of grease to the threads of the drag adjustment knob to ensure smooth rotation.

• Seals: Ensure the rubber gaskets are seated properly. If they appear dry, a tiny amount of silicone grease will help maintain the waterproof seal.

• Testing: Reattach the spool and run the drag through its full range (min to max) to ensure the pressure is consistent.

Maintenance Tips

• Storage: Always store the reel with the drag backed off completely. This prevents the internal washers from taking a "set" or compressing permanently.

• Rinsing: After every trip, rinse the reel under a gentle stream of fresh water. Never use high-pressure hoses, as this can force salt and grit past the seals into the bearing housing.