How to Reassemble a Penn Reel

Anglers must be careful to reassemble their reel properly.

When a fishing reel needs cleaning, maintenance or servicing, it needs to be disassembled so the inside components can be accessed. Many anglers take their Penn reels apart once a year for cleaning, which is a good idea, though saltwater fishermen should do it more often than that. When anglers are done cleaning or servicing their reels, they must reassemble them. That step is especially important, since a reel that is reassembled improperly will not perform correctly.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Locate the Penn reel's plate, which covers the inside components of the reel. Fit the plate in its proper location on the reel, and then use the screws to tighten the plate against the body of the reel. Tighten the screws as much as possible, but take care not to strip them.

2. Reattach the reel handle to the reel. Place the shaft, which extends off the handle, through the hole in the body of the reel. Screw the knob onto the end of the shaft, turning it clockwise until it is tight.

3. Replace the reel's spool. Slide the spool onto the shaft that holds it into place and press it down as far as it will go. Part of the shaft will protrude from the top of the spool. Grab the drag mechanism that goes on top of the reel, place it on the shaft, and spin it clockwise to tighten it. Tighten fully, and loosen the next time you go fishing and need to loosen the drag.

Tips & Warnings

• Always carry a screwdriver while you are fishing. Having the tool will allow you to take apart and reassemble your reel while you are on the water.

• When you take the reel apart, it is a good idea to place all parts onto a white towel. The towel will make it easy to see all the parts. Make sure all parts are accounted for when you put the reel back together.