Lews BB1N

Professional Repair & Maintenance: Lew’s Speed Spool BB1N (Vintage)

The Lew’s BB1N is a cult classic that defined the "narrow spool" category. Manufactured during the legendary partnership between Lew Childre and Shimano, the BB1N features a one-piece die-cast aluminum frame and a specialized narrow spool designed to reduce line friction and increase accuracy for pitching and flipping.

Because these reels were built with extremely tight tolerances and high-quality brass, they rarely "break," but they do "seize" as decades-old grease turns into a waxy resin. This guide covers a complete teardown and reconditioning of the BB1N.

Required Tools and Supplies

• Tools: 10mm nut driver (for the handle), precision Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, and tweezers.

• Cleaning: 90% Isopropyl alcohol and a stiff toothbrush or brass-bristle brush.

• Lubrication: High-quality synthetic reel grease and low-viscosity reel oil.

• Parts Management: A white towel or magnetic tray to keep the small springs and "clicker" pins visible.

Step 1: External Disassembly

1. Handle Removal: Remove the screw from the handle nut retainer. Use the 10mm driver to remove the handle nut (Counter-Clockwise to loosen on this right-hand model). Pull off the handle and the star drag.

2. The Drag Stack: Beneath the star, remove the Belleville Washers (the two bowed spring washers).

   • Critical Note: For the drag to function, these must be reinstalled in an opposing orientation (). If they are stacked nested ((, the drag will feel locked and lose all adjustability.

3. Tension Knob: Unscrew the cast control knob. Inside is a small copper shim. If it has a deep "dimple" from the spool shaft, flip the shim over to provide a fresh, flat surface for better tuning.

Step 2: The Narrow Spool and Centrifugal Brakes

1. Palm Side Plate: Remove the three screws securing the palm-side plate. Pull the plate away to expose the spool.

2. Extracting the Spool: The Narrow (N) spool has a very long shaft. Pull it out slowly and perfectly straight. The shaft is high-grade steel, but bending it even slightly will cause permanent vibration during casting.

3. Brake Weights: The BB1N uses a 2-pin centrifugal brake system.

   • Inspection: Check the two plastic collars (weights). If they are cracked or missing, the reel cannot be cast without backlashing.

   • The Hub: Clean the metal friction ring inside the side plate with alcohol. For a silent cast, wipe a microscopic film of oil onto this ring with a cotton swab.

Step 3: Accessing the Brass Gear Train

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

2. The Main Gear: You will find a Heavy-Duty Solid Brass Main Gear.

   • Deep Cleaning: Scrub the gear teeth with alcohol until every valley is clear of old, hardened grease. Brass is durable, but "grit" trapped in old grease will eventually wear down the teeth.

   • The Drag: The BB1N uses a multi-disc drag system. These washers are designed to run completely dry. If they are soaked in oil, the drag will "stutter" or slip. Wipe them clean with a dry cloth.

3. Pinion Gear & Yoke: The pinion is the small gear that engages the spool shaft. Ensure the teeth that lock onto the spool are sharp. Check the two Yoke Springs; if they are compressed, the thumb bar won't "pop" back up consistently.

Step 4: The Anti-Reverse "Dog" (Crucial Step)

Unlike modern silent reels, the BB1N uses a mechanical anti-reverse pawl (the "dog") that creates a 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 Rule: Apply one drop of oil to the pawl. Never grease this part. Heavy grease prevents the pawl from moving fast enough to catch the teeth, leading to handle "back-slap" on hooksets.

Step 5: Lubrication and Reassembly

1. Gears: Apply a light-to-moderate coat of synthetic grease to the teeth of the main gear and pinion.

2. Bearings: Flush the vintage bearings with alcohol, dry them, and apply one drop of thin oil.

3. Worm Gear (Level Wind): Clean the level wind track thoroughly. Apply a light coat of grease. On the narrow spool model, the level wind moves in a shorter cycle; ensure the Pawl (the tooth inside the line guide) is sharp so it doesn't skip in the track.

BB1N Technical Summary and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Handle "Back-Slap": The mechanical dog is gummed up. Clean with alcohol and re-oil the pawl.

• Noisy/Screaming Cast: The centrifugal brake hub is dry. Wipe a micro-film of oil on the brass ring inside the side plate.

• Loss of Free-Spool: On the narrow spool, check the alignment of the level wind. If it isn't moving smoothly, it creates massive drag on the spool.

• "Crunchy" Retrieve: Usually indicates a grain of sand in the brass main gear. A full degreasing and re-greasing is required.