Lews BB1NH

Repair & Maintenance Guide: Lew’s Speed Spool BB1NH

The Lew’s BB1NH is a legendary "Narrow High-Speed" machine. In the nomenclature of classic Lew's reels, the N stands for the Narrow Spool configuration—prized for accuracy and reduced line friction—and the H signifies the High-Speed gear set (typically 6.3:1, which was "fast" for its era).

This reel is a tank. Built with a one-piece die-cast aluminum frame and heavy brass internals, it was designed to outlast the angler. However, because many of these units have been in service for decades, they often suffer from "geological grease"—lubricant that has hardened into something resembling candle wax. This guide will walk you through a total restoration.

Tools and Preparation

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

• Cleaning: 90%+ Isopropyl alcohol and a stiff toothbrush.

• Lubrication: Synthetic reel grease (for gears) and low-viscosity reel oil (for bearings).

• Workspace: Use a white towel or a magnetic parts tray. These vintage reels have small "clicker" pins that enjoy escaping into the carpet.

Step 1: External Disassembly

1. Handle Removal: Remove the screw from the handle nut retainer. Use your 10mm driver to remove the handle nut (Counter-Clockwise to loosen).

2. Star Drag & Tension: Spin off the star drag. Beneath it, you will find the Belleville Washers (bowed spring washers).

   Crucial Note: For the drag to have its full range of power, these must be reinstalled in an opposing orientation (). If you stack them nested ((, you will lose almost all your drag adjustment range.

3. Side Plate Access: On the BB1NH, the palm-side plate is secured by three screws. Remove them and pull the plate away.

Step 2: The Narrow Spool and Centrifugal Brakes

1. Extract the Spool: Because this is the Narrow (N) model, the spool is slim. Extract it carefully; the long spool shaft is high-quality steel but can be bent if you pull it out at a sharp angle.

2. Brake Weights: The BB1NH uses a simple, effective 2-pin centrifugal brake system.

   • Inspection: Check the two plastic collars (weights) on the spool shaft. If they are cracked or missing, the reel will be nearly impossible to cast.

   • The Hub: Clean the brass or aluminum friction ring inside the side plate with alcohol.

   • The "Zing" Fix: If your reel makes a high-pitched screaming sound during a cast, the ring is too dry. Wipe a micro-film of oil onto the ring with a cotton swab.

Step 3: Accessing the High-Speed Gearbox

1. Internal Gear Train: Remove the housing screws from the gear-side plate. Lift the plate to reveal the solid brass drive train.

2. Main Gear & Drag: Slide the Solid Brass Main Gear off the drive shaft.

   • Deep Cleaning: Scrub the teeth with alcohol and a toothbrush until every valley is clear of old grease.

   • The Drag: The BB1NH uses a multi-disc drag. If the washers are original, they are likely "dry" washers. Wipe them clean. If they are brittle, they must be replaced. These older systems are generally best run completely dry.

3. The Anti-Reverse "Dog": This reel uses a mechanical anti-reverse pawl (the dog).

   • Warning: Apply one drop of oil to the pawl. Never grease this part. Grease causes the pawl to stick, which results in "back-slap" where the handle spins backward when you try to set the hook.

Step 4: Lubrication and Reassembly

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

2. The Bearings: This reel features high-quality vintage bearings. Flush them with alcohol, dry them, and apply one drop of thin oil.

3. The Worm Gear (Level Wind): Clean the level wind track thoroughly. On a narrow spool reel, the level wind moves in a shorter, tighter cycle. Apply a light coat of grease. If the line stacks to one side, check the Pawl (the tooth inside the line guide) for wear.

BB1NH Technical Summary

Troubleshooting Common BB1NH Issues

• Handle Slipping: If the handle moves backward, the mechanical dog is gummed up. Flush the gearbox with alcohol and re-oil the pawl.

• "Geary" Feeling: High-speed brass gears can develop a rhythmic vibration if the pinion gear is slightly worn. Ensure the Pinion Yoke Springs are not compressed or weakened; if they are, the gears won't mesh with enough pressure.

• The "N" Spool Advantage: Because the spool is narrow, the line doesn't have to angle as sharply to enter the level wind. If you find your casting distance is poor, it is almost always the Level Wind Worm Gear creating drag. Clean it until it spins with zero resistance.

Pro Tip: When reassembling the gear-side plate, rotate the handle slightly as you are lowering the plate. This helps the pinion gear slide over the spool shaft and the main gear to mesh perfectly without forcing the screws.