Washing down a conventional reel after use
 

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?

Re: Washing down a conventional reel after use
 

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.

Re: Washing down a conventional reel after use
 

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

Re: Washing down a conventional reel after use
 

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

Re: Washing down a conventional reel after use
 

Salt away mix in a spray bottle then wd after

Re: Washing down a conventional reel after use
 

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.

Re: Washing down a conventional reel after use
 

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.

Re: Washing down a conventional reel after use
 

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.

Re: Washing down a conventional reel after use
 

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?

Re: Washing down a conventional reel after use
 

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.