Lews BB6TN

Repair & Maintenance Guide: Lew’s Speed Spool (Vintage BB6TN)

The Lew’s BB6TN is a legendary "Child of the BB1" vintage series. While the "T" denotes the Tournament series and the "N" signifies the Narrow Spool configuration, the BB6TN is essentially the same high-performance machine as the BB6TNH, but without the high-speed (H) gear set.

This reel features a one-piece die-cast aluminum frame and is built for heavy torque. Because it is a narrow-spool model, it has less "side-to-side" line friction, making it one of the most accurate pitching and flipping reels ever made.

Step 1: External Disassembly (Right-Handed)

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

2. Star Drag: Spin off the star drag. Beneath it, you will find the Spring Washers.

   • Note: In these vintage units, the order is crucial. Ensure the washers are stacked in an "opposing" fashion () to maintain the spring-loaded pressure that makes the drag smooth.

3. The Narrow Spool: Unscrew the screws holding the palm-side plate. Because this is the Narrow (N) model, the spool is physically thinner than standard BB models. Be gentle when pulling it out to avoid bending the long spool shaft.

Step 2: Servicing the "Narrow" Internals

1. Opening the Gear Side: Remove the housing screws and lift the side plate.

2. The Brass Gearing: The BB6TN utilizes a massive, high-strength Brass Main Gear.

   • Cleaning: Vintage brass gears often develop "verdigris" (green oxidation) if exposed to moisture. Scrub the teeth with a brass-bristle brush or a stiff toothbrush and isopropyl alcohol until the teeth are surgically clean.

   • Greasing: Use a high-quality synthetic grease. Since this is the standard speed model, you can be slightly more generous with the grease than on a high-speed model, but still avoid "packing" the entire gearbox.

3. Anti-Reverse Pawl: Many BB6TN models utilize a mechanical anti-reverse pawl (a "dog") in addition to, or instead of, a roller bearing. Ensure this pawl moves freely and isn't gunked up with old, hardened grease.

Step 3: Braking & Cast Control

The BB6TN uses a 6-Pin Centrifugal Brake System which is the heart of its accuracy.

• The Pins: Inside the palm-side plate, ensure the 6 plastic pins (weights) are not cracked or missing. For flipping/pitching, anglers often run 2 pins "on" and 4 "off."

• The Friction Ring: The metal ring inside the side plate where the pins rub must be clean. Wipe it with alcohol. If the reel makes a "whirring" sound during the cast, apply the smallest possible amount of oil to this ring to dampen the noise.

• Tension Knob: Check the copper shim inside the tension knob. If it has a deep pit from the spool shaft, the reel will be difficult to tune. You can often drop a small circle of plastic or a new copper shim in to restore the "click" and tension feel.

Step 4: Final Lubrication

• Bearings: These vintage bearings are robust but can be "loud." Soak them in alcohol, dry them completely, and apply one drop of oil. If they remain gritty, they are standard sizes and easily replaceable.

• Worm Gear (Level Wind): On the Narrow Spool model, the level wind travels a shorter distance. Ensure the Pawl (the small fork-shaped piece under the worm gear) is not worn down. If the line stacks to one side, the pawl is the culprit. Apply a light coat of grease to the worm gear.

• Drive Shaft: Place a small drop of oil at the base of the drive shaft where it meets the frame.

BB6TN vs. BB6TNH Comparison

Maintenance Summary:

• Frame: Aluminum (Clean with a damp cloth; protect with a light wax).

   

   

• Drag: Check the fiber washers; replace if they feel "papery" or brittle.

• Storage: Always store with the Drag Star backed off to prevent the washers from sticking together over time.