Washing down a conventional reel after use

[PaBeerGuy]

What is the best method for washing down reels after use in saltwater? I've been told to crank down on the drag before washing then open back up afterwards. Purpose?

[mike1010]

Purpose is to keep contaminants off the drag washer surfaces. This could happen as water sluices through the reel. Of course, you shouldn't be blasting a jet of water at the reel either.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Never heard the drag part... Spray reels with a gentle mist, not a hard spray.

[Capt. Lou]

Used to fresh water spray after use but difficult in cold weather,
However now have been spraying with sicilcone or WD product after each use .
Spetical at first but after a few years seems to replace water rinse just fine !
Reels remain in great shape

[dfish28]

Salt away mix in a spray bottle then wd after

[TomKaye]

Originally Posted by Gerry Zagorski

Never heard the drag part... Spray reels with a gentle mist, not a hard spray.

Me neither on hearing the drag part. Gentle spray at the dock or at home
in the shower during wintertime.
Have some 35-40 year-old Penn's which are fine after this procedure, and some routine maintenance.

Will try the WD40. Thanks guys.

[MrAC1980]

Always put lever drags in full when you rinse the reels off as for the reasons mentioned above. Let them dry a bit then store them completely backed off and clicker on. Star drags it doesn't matter so much.

[HDMarc]

Originally Posted by MrAC1980

Always put lever drags in full when you rinse the reels off as for the reasons mentioned above.

Exactly. By engaging the drag at full, it closes the gap between the drag and drag washer thus eliminating any water, salt, debris, etc. from getting between the two. Light mist of fresh water followed by a spray of 100% silicon or WD40 once dry and you're good to go. When I service my reels come winter, they look good as new inside.

[mike1010]

Originally Posted by MrAC1980

Always put lever drags in full when you rinse the reels off as for the reasons mentioned above. Let them dry a bit then store them completely backed off and clicker on. Star drags it doesn't matter so much.

Pretty sure that Alan Tani and friends (alantani.com - amazing amount of information) recommend the same treatment for star drag reels. Why would their drag washers be immune to contamination?

[MrAC1980]

You can do the same for star drags, but the drag stack on a star drag reel is more contained and not as open as the drag washer in a lever drag reel.