I've got another thread going on asking about trotting gear.

I've dug out my Rapidex 2400 for a clean up (as i'm off work sick!) as its not been used for probably three years now.

I look after my stuff so its in good nick, there's no sound of catching/grit in the workings.

So what I wasn't going to do was use any detergent/water on it for fear of removing any lubrication in hard to reach places. Or use any WD40 etc.

What I have got is some Loon Reel Lube described as Hydrophobic Synthetic Lubricant. So I was going to wipe round the inside and reapply some of this stuff. Does it sound like a suitable lubricant for a centre pin???

Probably be OK. Most people use sewing machine oil, its thin and aids free spinning. This certainly gives the best performance in my plain bearing reels (old Rapidex and Speedia) which I believe yours is. You only need a drop on the pin and a drop on the top of the pin.

I'd give it a good clean up to get all the old lube off first. Use WD40 or petrol (careful - wear rubber gloves and be outside!!) as a solvent and cotton wool buds or similar to wipe up inside the bushes.

That's a good point. The Loon reel lube is quite thick. Cheers.

go ahead and wipe off any old grease / oil with kitchen towel/cotton buds then wash it in fairy liquid & water to degrease it further ,use kitchen towel to dry or leave to dry in the airing cubed for a couple of hours .lighter fluid is also a good degreaser / cleaner ,(wd40 would need washing off afterwords to remove the dry residue ).any light oil will do to lubricate it ,sowing machine oil is good .Put a drop onto the spindle .Just a wipe down via a lint free Oily cloth to any exposed surfaces is enough ,put a dab of motor grade grease on the ratchet levers and spring ,gear teeth etc.

here is a article that might be of help: cleaning centrepins

It's cropped up elsewhere, but there are some good c'pin lube tips here: Centrepin lube


PiB

As everybody has stated before for cleaning your reel , but you can use 3in1 oil ,my old dad used it for most of his life on his centerpins with no trouble

__________________
If in doubt, get the montys out

Intelligence is relative to your environment

3 in 1 is a very good lubricating oil but is thicker than sewing macine oil. I have used it on my plain bearing reels and it certainly produces a smooth spin but I find sewing machine oil, being thinner, gives a lighter spin and start-up. However, this may not be a bad thing as some resistance can be useful in faster flow conditions...which is why some reels have the little thumbwheel micro drag thingy (technical terminology).

Some commentators have noted the fact that 3 in 1 being vegetable based means it is liable to dry out and gunge up the works if left for long periods. Not a problem with a well maintained tool!

Try various oils and see what your particular reel/fishing conditions indicate is best....

'3 in 1' is an excellent oil; it's a mineral oil: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3-In-One_Oil
I think it's the citronella content, that gives the distinctive odour, which could dry out; not that I've noticed the problem.

My latest can is the variant that has added PTFE; seems okay.


Most sea angling shops sell 'Rocket Fuel'; a lube developed by tournament caster Tony Gittings.
In theory, this should be the ultimate 'pin lube.


http://www.rocketfuel.org/html/our_history.html

I wonder if anyone on the forum uses this stuff?


PiB

PiB - that stuff looks interesting to say the least. The 'tournament' grade may be just the ticket. Anybody used/using this stuff on a pin?

I take the reel apart and knock the bearings out gently with a wooden dowell. Then I take the bearing and wash out the grease with brake clean. I dry the bearings and reinstall them in the reel. Then a few drops of sewing machine oil. Spins like a top!
This procedure can make a mediorce reel spin better than ever.

---------- Post added at 01:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:49 PM ----------

This is a site from Ohio USA that concentrates on centerpins.


Float Fishing Connection, Steelhead Alley's Float Angling Community!