Modern commercially available reels are real precision tools and it is best to leave them to service or specialists in case of problems. If disassembling a reel may seem easy to you, it is quite different when it comes to reassembly. Lots of small parts that are easy to misplace or stubborn springs to take their place again..
Nevertheless, there are things to do regularly on your reels, starting with a quick rinse after each fishing trip. All you have to do is pass a little water over it to remove salt deposits that could increase the risk of oxidation. Do not immerse the reel in a bath of water!
Elements, such as brake washers, must never be lubricated with oil or grease. The same goes for the needle bearing, which would no longer act as a backstop. To do so would render them completely ineffective. Products such as the WD40, can possibly be used to unlock a screw that is seized on the outside, but should not be used on the inside of the reel.
The bearing inside the pick-up roller plays a very important role when you rewind the thread onto the spool and it should be oiled regularly. If it does not rotate properly, the wire may be subjected to high heat and premature wear and tear, which could be fatal in the long term.
As I was saying, it is preferable to entrust the opening of the frame to a specialist who, moreover, will have the appropriate tools. On Shimano reels, you will find a small black cap that can be easily unscrewed and that allows you to introduce one or two drops of oil from time to time. This has the effect of lubricating the inside of the reel without further handling.
Apart from a little maintenance of your reel, the way you use it is very important to keep it in good condition for a long time. Folding the pickup by hand is preferable to using the crank to throw it against the stop. On the other hand, before launching your lure, make sure to fold the pickup outwards. Indeed, a screw not tight enough or a weakness in the reel could close the handle suddenly and, in the best of cases, make you see your lure propelled away, but with the broken wire or take the anticipated return of the lure towards you. It's just a habit to get into.
Finally, please note that spinning reels are suitable for both right- and left-handed people, the crank can always be changed sides.
Once this maintenance is done, you can now go fishing with peace of mind and, if you lose the fish of your life in the middle of a fight, you'll have to look for the reason elsewhere.
