Lews BB1NSW

Repair & Maintenance Guide: Lew’s BB1 Speed Spool Inshore (BB1NSW)

The Lew’s BB1NSW is the saltwater-armored cousin of the legendary BB1. Built for the salt and brackish environments, this reel features a one-piece aluminum frame, specialized drainage ports, and a high-strength brass gear system. Because it lives its life in a corrosive environment, a "standard" cleaning isn't enough—you need to focus on salt neutralization and barrier lubrication to keep it from seizing.

Tools and Preparation

• Workspace: A clean, light-colored towel (to catch springs) and a magnetic parts tray.

• Tools: 10mm nut driver, small Phillips head screwdriver, tweezers.

• Solvents: 90% Isopropyl alcohol or a dedicated reel degreaser.

• Lubricants: High-viscosity synthetic grease (for gears) and low-viscosity reel oil (for bearings).

• Saltwater Special: A corrosion-inhibitor spray or a dedicated drag grease (like Cal’s).

Step 1: External Teardown

1. Handle Removal: Unscrew the retainer screw and use the 10mm driver to remove the handle nut (Counter-Clockwise to loosen for this right-hand model). Pull off the 95mm handle and the star drag.

2. The Drag Stack: Beneath the star, remove the Belleville Washers. For the BB1 series, these must be stacked in an opposing () orientation to maintain spring tension.

3. Spool Access: Unlike the quick-release palm plates on freshwater models, the BB1NSW side plate is often secured by three screws. Remove them and pull the plate away. Slide out the Deep Capacity Aluminum Spool.

Step 2: Servicing the Centrifugal Braking System

The BB1NSW uses a 6-pin Adjustable Centrifugal Brake (ACB).

• The Pins: Ensure the white brake shoes on the spool side click freely into position. If they are stuck, salt has likely crystallized behind them. Soak the spool end in warm freshwater (not the whole spool) to dissolve the salt, then dry and clean with alcohol.

• The Brake Hub: Inside the side plate is a polished brass ring.

• The Secret: In saltwater, this ring often develops green oxidation. Clean it with a swab soaked in alcohol until it shines. Apply a microscopic film of oil to the ring to prevent future corrosion and silence any "screaming" during casts.

Step 3: Accessing the Salt-Ready Internals

1. Opening the Gear Side: Remove the three gear-side housing screws. Keep track of their lengths—the screw near the thumb bar is usually shorter.

2. The Main Gear: You will find a Heavy-Duty Solid Brass Main Gear. Brass is used here specifically because it handles the torque of inshore species better than aluminum.

   • Cleaning: Use a toothbrush and alcohol to strip all old grease. Look for "salt tracking"—white crusty lines—inside the housing.

   • The Drag Washers: This reel features Carbon Fiber washers. For saltwater use, it is highly recommended to apply a very thin "skin" of drag grease to these washers. This creates a seal that prevents saltwater from seeping into the gear teeth.

3. The P2 Super Pinion: The BB1 series features a bearing-supported pinion gear. This is the most common point for "grittiness" to develop. Flush this bearing thoroughly.

Step 4: Saltwater Lubrication Strategy

• Barrier Creep: Apply a light film of grease to the internal walls of the aluminum frame before reassembly. This prevents salt from "biting" into the metal if water gets past the seals.

• Drainage Ports: Ensure the weep holes at the bottom of the frame are clear. If these are clogged with sand or salt, the reel will hold water and corrode from the inside out.

• Worm Gear: The level wind is highly exposed. Use a light grease rather than oil here. Grease stays on the worm gear longer when it's being splashed by salt spray.

• Zero-Reverse Bearing: The anti-reverse roller bearing in the side plate should be cleaned with a swab and given one drop of oil. Never grease this bearing, as it will cause the handle to slip.

Step 5: Reassembly and Troubleshooting

1. Alignment: When replacing the gear-side cover, rotate the handle slightly to help the brass gears mesh. If the plate won't close flush, do not force it—the Pinion Yoke Springs are likely misaligned.

2. The Test: Engage the thumb bar. It should snap back with a sharp "click." If it feels mushy, the Kick Lever inside is likely gummed up with salt and needs more grease.

BB1NSW Performance Checklist

Pro Tip for Saltwater Longevity: After every trip, tighten the drag completely to seal the washers, then rinse the reel with a gentle mist of freshwater. Never use a high-pressure hose, as it forces salt deeper into the gearbox. Once dry, back the drag off for storage to keep the washers from compressing.