Maintenance

How to care Henschel reels?

The thoughtful design and modern materials results in limited and low maintenance in many of today's fishing reels. Manufacturer's of fly fishing reels with a cork drag (brake) system advise that the reel be disassembled and lubricated fore a fishing trip. Henschel Reels contain modern brake materials that not only make this lubricating unnecessary but the lubrication will damage the brake material.

The Henschel Reels are designed and built with seals that protect the anti-friction needle and ball bearings. The reel's seals prevent dirt from penetrating the bearing housing which can impair the operation of the bearings. The seals also prevent the bearing lubricant from escaping the bearing housing. In maintaining all Henschel Reels, it is not only not necessary to lubricate the drag (Brake) system, but OILING OR GREASING ANY OF THE BRAKE PARTS WILL DAMAGE THE OPERATION OF THE DRAG SYSTEM! Henschel Reels recommends that our reels be maintained by simply cleaning the reel.

When used in saltwater, it is recommended that the reel be cleaned after each day the reel is used. We suggest that a fisherman who has used the reel in saltwater take the reel into the shower after a day of fishing. Soapy water and a stiff toothbrush are all that is needed to clean the salt from the reel. The line which has been in contact with the saltwater can be stripped, cleaned with the soapy water and rewound onto the spool. You can more thoroughly clean the reel by removing the spool.

The spool must be removed for a more thorough cleaning between the housing and the spool. THE DRAG (BRAKE) ADJUSTING KNOB NEEDS TO BE SLIGHTLY TIGHTENED SO THAT THE REEL SEALS ITSEFT FROM THE WATER.

TO REMOVE THE SPOOL:

1. With a coin loosen the screw holding the spool to the frame three to five turns. NOTE: The screw that holds the spool onto the frame is on the side of the reel with the engraving opposite the reel crank. PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE THE SCREW ON THE CRANK SIDE OF THE SPOOL. (The bearing lubricant will leak out and dirt will enter the bearings.) Also the axle adjustment may be changed.

2. Hold the frame of the reel with your fingers and press the screw you have loosened to free the spool from the frame,

3. Back out the screw from the frame and spool,

4. Remove the spoo,

5. Replace the screw directly into the spool two or three turns to seal the reel.

The spool and frame can then be thoroughly cleaned with soapy water and a stiff tooth brush. After the shower the fly line can be dried and a new coat of line dressing applied to the fly line. The frame and spool can be dried and reassembled.

TO RE ASSEMBLE:

1. Remove the screw from the clean spool; 2. Replace the spool onto the frame; Dual Mode: Turn the spool until the pin on the frame fits into the whole on the spool. Turn the spool until the spool spins freely on the frame.

Anti Reverse and Direct Drive: Turn the spool until the cross pin in the spool fits into its counter part on the frame. Then press the head of the center screw on the crank side of the spool to insure that the center shaft fits through the frame so that the screw can be reattached to hold the spool onto the frame.

AFTER RE-ASSEMBLING THE FRAME AND SPOOL TIGHTEN THE SCREW ONLY WITH A COIN, NEVER A SCREWDRIVER.

A SCREWDRIVER WILL DAMAGE THE SCREW SLOT AND PUT TOO MUCH TORQUE ONTO THE SCREW. Finally, a very lightly oiled cloth can be used to shine the reel. However, be aware that traces of the oil on the hands can be transferred to the fly line and tippet.