Lews BB3NH

Repair & Maintenance Guide: Lew’s Speed Spool (Vintage BB3NH)

The Lew’s BB3NH is a legendary artifact from the original "BB" family of Speed Spools. This model was built for high-speed, high-accuracy applications, featuring the Narrow (N) spool and High-Speed (H) gear ratio. Unlike modern plastic-heavy reels, the BB3NH is a metal-on-metal beast with a one-piece die-cast aluminum frame and solid brass internals.

If your BB3NH feels "heavy" or makes a rhythmic clicking sound, it is likely due to decades-old grease that has polymerized into a wax-like substance.

Step 1: External Disassembly (Right-Handed)

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

2. Star Drag Assembly: Remove the star drag. Pay close attention to the Belleville Washers (spring washers) beneath the star. In the BB3 series, these are critical for maintaining drag range. They should be stacked in an opposing () orientation.

3. The Narrow Spool: Unscrew the three screws on the palm-side plate. Because this is a Narrow Spool model, the spool is significantly thinner than a standard BB1. Carefully extract the spool; the long shaft is susceptible to bending if forced.

Step 2: Accessing the High-Speed Gear Train

1. Side Plate Removal: Remove the housing screws on the gear-side plate. Note that vintage screws can be soft; use a driver that fits perfectly to avoid stripping the heads.

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

   • Cleaning: Use a degreaser or 90% isopropyl alcohol and a stiff toothbrush. You must clear the "valleys" between the teeth.

   • Inspection: Check for "pitting" on the teeth. Brass is durable, but if the reel was used with sand inside, the teeth may be scarred.

3. Drag Stack: The BB3NH uses a traditional multi-disc drag. If the washers are brittle or "glassy," they should be replaced. If they are in good shape, wipe them with a dry cloth. These older systems generally perform best when run dry.

Step 3: Braking and The Anti-Reverse Pawl

The BB3NH relies on a mechanical Centrifugal Braking System and a mechanical Anti-Reverse "Dog" Pawl.

• Brake Weights: On the spool, check the plastic brake collars (pins). Ensure they move freely on their tracks. If they are missing, the reel will be almost impossible to cast without backlashing.

• The Anti-Reverse: This reel uses a mechanical pawl (the "dog") that clicks against a ratchet at the base of the drive shaft.

  • Maintenance: Clean the teeth of the ratchet and the tip of the pawl. Apply a light drop of oil only. If you pack this area with heavy grease, the pawl will "float" and fail to engage, causing the handle to spin backward.

Step 4: Critical Lubrication Points

Vintage reels have different tolerances than modern SLP reels. They require slightly more "cushion" from their lubricants.

• Main Gears: Apply a moderate coat of synthetic grease to the teeth of the main and pinion gears.

• Bearings: The BB3NH features high-quality vintage ball bearings. Flush them with alcohol until they spin freely, then apply one drop of oil.

• Worm Gear (Level Wind): This is a high-wear area. Apply a light coat of grease. Check the Pawl (the small tooth inside the line guide) for wear. If the line stacks unevenly on the narrow spool, the pawl is likely rounded off.

• The Spool Shaft: Lightly oil the ends of the shaft where they meet the bearings.

BB3NH Technical Specifications & Troubleshooting

Pro Tip: When reassembling, ensure the Pinion Yoke (the bracket holding the small gear) is seated fully. If you tighten the side plate screws and the handle won't turn, the yoke is misaligned. Back the screws off and wiggle the handle until the gears "click" into place.