Lews BB1L

Professional Maintenance Guide: Lew’s Speed Spool (Vintage BB1L)

The Lew’s BB1L is a legendary artifact from the era when Lew Childre partnered with Shimano to create the first truly modern low-profile baitcaster. This reel is built like a tank, featuring a one-piece die-cast aluminum frame and solid brass internals.

The "L" in the model name signifies Left-Hand Retrieve. Because this is a vintage mechanical reel, it lacks the "Zero-Reverse" roller bearing found in modern gear. Instead, it uses a mechanical "dog" system that provides that classic clicking sound.

Phase 1: The Left-Hand Reverse-Thread Warning

The most common way to damage a BB1L is by forcing the handle nut in the wrong direction.

Important: On this left-hand model, the handle nut and star drag are Clockwise-threaded to loosen. If you turn them counter-clockwise, you will tighten them further and risk stripping the brass drive shaft.

1. Handle Removal: Remove the retainer screw. Turn the 10mm handle nut Clockwise to remove.

2. Star Drag: Spin the star drag Clockwise to remove.

3. The Stack: Beneath the star, you will find two bowed Belleville Washers. For the drag to have its full range of pressure, they must be reinstalled in an opposing orientation ().

Phase 2: Accessing the Brass Drive Train

1. Side Plate: Remove the three housing screws from the gear-side plate. Note that these vintage screws can be soft; use a screwdriver that fits perfectly.

2. The Main Gear: You are looking at a Solid Brass Main Gear. Over 30+ years, the original grease usually turns into a waxy, brown resin.

   • Cleaning: Scrub the gear teeth with a toothbrush and 90% isopropyl alcohol until the brass shines like a new penny.

3. The Drag System: The BB1L uses a multi-disc drag. These vintage washers are best run completely dry. If they are soaked in oil, the drag will "stutter" under load. Wipe them clean with a dry cloth.

Phase 3: The Mechanical Anti-Reverse (The "Dog")

The BB1L uses a mechanical anti-reverse pawl (the "dog") that creates the classic clicking sound.

• Maintenance: If the handle spins backward, the dog is stuck in old grease. Flush the pawl and the notched ratchet at the base of the drive shaft with alcohol.

• The Golden Rule: Apply one drop of oil to the pawl. Never grease this part. Grease causes the pawl to "float" and fail to catch the teeth, causing the handle to spin backward uncontrollably on a hookset.

Phase 4: Centrifugal Braking & Lubrication

The BB1L utilizes a simple 2-Pin Centrifugal Brake System.

• Brake Weights: Check the two plastic collars on the spool shaft. Ensure they aren't cracked or melted.

• The Hub: Clean the metal friction ring inside the side plate with alcohol.

• Pro Tip: If the reel "screeches" during a cast, the ring is bone-dry. Wipe a microscopic film of oil onto this ring with a cotton swab—just enough to make it look damp.

• Bearings: These vintage Japanese bearings are incredibly durable. Flush them with alcohol, dry them, and apply one drop of thin oil.

BB1L Troubleshooting & Specs

Common Issues:

• Handle "Back-Slap": Usually caused by grease getting onto the anti-reverse dog. Degrease the part and use a single drop of light oil.

• Crunchy Retrieve: Likely a grain of sand in the brass main gear. A full degreasing and re-greasing is the only fix.

• Line Stacking Unevenly: The Level Wind Pawl (the small tooth under the worm gear) is worn out. These are high-wear parts and should be replaced if the line doesn't stack perfectly on the spool.