Zen and the Art of Hardy Reel Maintenance
I recently ran a few of my Hardy Reels through some mid-season maintenance. The ones I focused on (I have a few…) were the 3 3/8 Perfects and my Marquis Salmon 1. I use them quite often in the Late Winter/Early Spring through Early Summer on the Yuba, and elsewhere, chasing trout.
A few of my Hardy Reels doing work.
Quite honestly, I probably could have gone another year without having touched them. When I opened them up, there was very superficial surface dirt and debris, and nothing had come close to permeating any of the actual moving components. I suppose that is the point of maintenance - to prevent your equipment from getting accumulation of dirt and debris.
The Grease Debate
I’ve purchased Hardy’s new, and second-hand. I’ve had a chance to see both in-person and on-line how different people grease/lubricate their reels. It really runs the gamut from a light coating to fully smeared on. Having read a bunch of articles and inspected my own reels, I’ve opted to use a lighter, more precise, application of oil and grease. I am not saying my way is better, but I think it works well.
One of the recommendations I saw was to get a sable paint brush with a fine tip for the grease application. I really found this to be a worthwhile investment. It saves me from wiping away excess grease, and it is quite simple and satisfying to use the brush to apply grease. I purchased a 3-brush travel set from Amazon, here is the link. I use the smallest of the three the most. There’s probably better options out there for a single travel brush of similar size.
“One of the recommendations I saw was to get a sable paint brush with a fine tip for the grease application.”
The Application
Oil
ReelX (link) oil is used for the handle, and underneath the checks. I put a drop on each spot, and try to move the area I applied oil to around to let gravity do its work.
Grease
Royal Purple (link) is used on the pawl, gear, spindle and ball bearings. I apply a light coating with a sable paint brush on the areas until I see a noticeable film of grease applied. I basically put grease anywhere there’s going to be metal-on-metal.
I don’t think it’s rocket science when it comes to greasing and oiling these things. Hardy has been using the same design for 100 years now, and there’s people still fishing originals. I’d say, as long as you’re periodically opening them up and cleaning them out, you should have an heirloom to hand over as a legacy to the next lucky fisherman.
A final talking point I’d like emphasize - WD-40 is not a lubricant. WD-40 stands for “Water Displacement, 40th Formula”. What does that mean? WD-40 is a solvent, and it will remove any lubricant and oils you have applied to your reel. Over time, it will evaporate and dissolve from the reel. Ever used it on a squeaky door and wonder why, after a little while, the door starts to squeak again? Well now you know. Bottom line
Do not use it on your Hardy Reels!
“WD-40 is a solvent, and it will remove any lubricant and oils you have applied to your reel. Over time, it will evaporate and dissolve from the reel.”
I made a “How To” video, which you can watch below.
Here are a few of the references I’ve used:
SpeyPages.com, Thread: “Hardy Reel Maintenance”.
https://www.speypages.com/threads/hardy-reel-maintenance.408795/post-2565417
The Classic Fly Rod Forum, Thread: “Hardy reel lubrication”
http://classicflyrodforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20774
The Classic Fly Rod Forum, Thread: “Reel grease”
http://classicflyrodforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=61958
FiberglassFlyRodders.com, Thread: “Cleaning Reels”
https://fiberglassflyrodders.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1385&start=100
