Lews BB1LG

Repair & Maintenance Guide: Lew’s Speed Spool (Vintage BB1LG)

The Lew’s BB1LG is a specialized vintage model from the 1980s "G-Series." To decode this classic suffix: L stands for Left-Hand Retrieve and G signifies the weight-saving Graphite-reinforced side plates. While the side plates are composite, the heart of the reel is a rigid one-piece die-cast aluminum frame with solid brass internals.

This reel is a left-handed variant of the standard-speed BB1. Because it uses the vintage mechanical Multi-Stop anti-reverse system and graphite housing, there are specific "traps" to avoid—especially regarding thread direction and screw torque.

Step 1: The Left-Hand Disassembly Trap

Before using any tools, remember that on a left-hand retrieve reel, the threading is often reversed to prevent the nut from loosening during use.

• The Handle Nut: On the BB1LG, the handle nut is Clockwise-threaded to loosen. If you turn it counter-clockwise, you will tighten it further and risk stripping the brass drive shaft.

• The Star Drag: Like the nut, the star drag spins Clockwise to come off the shaft.

Steps:

1. Remove the handle nut retainer screw.

2. Use a 10mm driver to turn the nut Clockwise to remove.

3. Spin off the star drag. Beneath it, you will find two bowed Belleville Washers. For the drag to function, they must be reinstalled in an "opposing" orientation ().

Step 2: Servicing the "G-Series" Graphite Housing

The G suffix means your side plates are graphite-reinforced. While this makes the reel lighter, graphite is more brittle than the aluminum found on the "BB1" or "BB1N" models.

• Side Plate Removal: Remove the three screws on the palm-side plate to access the spool.

• Torque Warning: When reassembling, do not over-tighten the housing screws. You are threading metal screws into a composite boss. If you "gorilla-tighten" them, you will crack the side plate or strip the threads permanently.

Step 3: Accessing the Brass Gear Train

1. Opening the Gear Side: Remove the three screws from the gear-side housing and lift the plate.

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

   • Cleaning: Vintage grease often hardens into a waxy resin over decades. Scrub the teeth with a toothbrush and 90% isopropyl alcohol until the brass shines like a new penny.

3. The Drag Stack: The BB1LG uses a multi-disc drag. These vintage washers are designed to run completely dry. If they are soaked in oil, the drag will "stutter." Wipe them clean with a dry cloth.

Step 4: The Mechanical Anti-Reverse "Dog"

The BB1LG uses a mechanical anti-reverse pawl (the "dog") that creates the classic clicking sound.

• Maintenance: If the handle spins backward, the dog is stuck in old grease. Flush the pawl and the notched ratchet at the base of the drive shaft with alcohol.

• The Golden Rule: Apply one drop of oil to the pawl. Never grease this part. Grease causes the pawl to "float" and fail to catch the teeth, causing the handle to spin backward on hooksets.

Step 5: Lubrication & Reassembly

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

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

3. Worm Gear (Level Wind): Clean the level wind track thoroughly. Apply a light coat of grease or heavy oil.

4. Centrifugal Brakes: Check the two plastic collars (weights) on the spool shaft. Clean the metal friction ring inside the side plate with alcohol. For a silent cast, wipe a microscopic film of oil onto this ring with a cotton swab.

BB1LG Technical Summary

Common BB1LG Issue:

If the reel makes a "screeching" sound during the cast, the centrifugal brake ring inside the graphite side plate is likely bone-dry. The friction of the plastic weights against the dry metal causes the vibration. A single "ghost" film of oil on that ring will solve the problem immediately.