How to Take Apart a Bait-Casting Reel
- 1). Take off the side of the reel that does not have the handle on it. If there are knobs that hold the side plate in place, spin them counterclockwise until you can pull off the face. If there are screws holding the plate in place, use a screwdriver to loosen them and remove the plate.
- 2). Find the spool assembly, which was hidden underneath the side plate but now is exposed. Pull on the end of the spool assembly to remove it from the inside of the reel.
- 3). Twist counterclockwise the bolt or screw that holds the handle of the reel to the reel. Once the bolt or screw is loose, pull the handle off the reel.
- 4). Locate the drag-controlling star-shaped piece on the handle. Turn it counterclockwise to loosen it and pull it off when you can.
- 5). Locate any screws on the side of the reel where the handle was. Unscrew them. Remove the side plate from the reel.
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