Lews BB2N

Repair & Maintenance Guide: Lew’s Speed Spool (Vintage BB2N)

The Lew’s BB2N is a heavy-duty relic from the golden era of baitcasting. As a member of the original "BB" family manufactured by Shimano for Lew Childre, this reel is a masterclass in durability. The BB2 designation often points to a high-torque, lower gear ratio (perfect for deep cranking), while the "N" indicates the Narrow Spool design.

If you’ve pulled this out of an old tackle box and it feels like reeling through wet cement, don’t panic. These reels were over-engineered to the point of being nearly indestructible. A proper deep clean will usually return it to its former glory.

Step 1: External Disassembly

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

2. The Star Drag Stack: Keep a close eye on the Belleville Washers (the two bowed spring washers). For the drag to have its full range of pressure, they must be stacked in an opposing () orientation.

3. Narrow Spool Extraction: Unscrew the three screws on the palm-side plate. Because this is the Narrow (N) model, the spool is physically slimmer than the standard BB1. Extract it slowly; the long spool shaft is high-quality steel but can still be bent if forced at an awkward angle.

Step 2: Accessing the Brass Drive Train

1. Opening the Case: Remove the housing screws on the gear-side plate. These vintage screws are often made of a softer alloy than modern stainless; ensure your screwdriver fits the head perfectly to avoid "cam-out" and stripping.

2. The Main Gear: You are looking at a Solid Brass Main Gear. Over decades, the original grease often oxidizes and hardens into a crust.

   • Cleaning: Submerge the gear in 90% isopropyl alcohol and use a stiff toothbrush to scrub the teeth. The brass should look like polished gold when you’re finished.

   • The Drag System: The BB2N uses a multi-disc drag. If the washers feel like dry cardboard or are stuck together, they need to be cleaned or replaced. For the authentic "vintage" feel, these are typically run completely dry.

3. Pinion Gear & Yoke: The pinion gear is the small brass gear that engages the spool shaft. Ensure the "teeth" that lock onto the spool shaft are sharp and not rounded off.

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

Unlike modern "Silent" reels that use a roller bearing, the BB2N uses a mechanical Anti-Reverse Pawl (the "dog").

• The Click: If your reel clicks when you reel, that’s the dog doing its job.

• Maintenance: This is the most common failure point. If the handle spins backward, the pawl is likely stuck in old grease. Clean the pawl and the ratchet teeth at the base of the drive shaft.

• The Golden Rule: Apply one drop of oil to the pawl. Never grease this area. Grease will cause the pawl to "hydroplane" over the teeth, meaning it won't catch when you try to set the hook.

Step 4: Centrifugal Braking & Narrow Spool Benefits

The BB2N features a 2-Pin Centrifugal Brake System.

• Brake Collars: Check the two plastic weights on the spool shaft. If they are missing or cracked, the reel will be incredibly difficult to cast.

• The Friction Ring: Clean the brass ring inside the side plate where these weights rub.

• The Narrow Spool Advantage: The "N" configuration reduces the angle of the line as it leaves the spool and enters the level wind. This makes the BB2N an exceptional tool for accurate pitching and flipping.

Step 5: Lubrication Strategy

1. Gears: Apply a light-to-moderate coat of synthetic grease to the main gear teeth. You don't need much; the rotation of the gears will naturally distribute the lubricant.

2. Bearings: These vintage bearings are built to last. Flush them with alcohol, dry them, and apply one drop of thin oil.

3. Worm Gear (Level Wind): Since the level wind is exposed to the elements, it’s a magnet for grit. Clean it thoroughly and apply a light coat of grease or heavy oil.

4. Spool Shaft: Lightly oil the ends of the shaft that make contact with the bearings.

BB2N Technical Summary

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Handle Slap: If the handle backs up significantly before stopping, the anti-reverse pawl is likely gummed up or the spring is weak.

• Noisy Cast: This is usually a dry centrifugal brake ring. A tiny amount of oil on a cotton swab wiped onto the ring will silence it.

• Slow Spool: On the narrow spool models, ensure the level wind is perfectly timed. If the line guide is at one end while the line is on the other, it creates friction that kills casting distance.