Removing old Dacron type line from spool

You got 'em, we know how to clean 'em
Post Reply
fishhead
Advanced Board Poster
Posts: 194
Joined: Mon Mar 03, 2014 11:30 am

Removing old Dacron type line from spool

Post by fishhead »

I have an old reel that has some Dacron type line that is tightly wrapped around the spool arbor. What is the best way to remove the line from the spool without damaging the spool at all? Can you soak it in some kind of solvent or liquid?
User avatar
john elder
Star Board Poster
Posts: 8541
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2003 2:44 pm

Re: Removing old Dacron type line from spool

Post by john elder »

Generally, a soak in mineral spirits overnight does the trick, Paul. 1:1 white vinegar will likely workas well.
ORCA member since 1999
Honorary Life Member

Specializing in saltwater reels...and fly reels...and oh, yeah, kentucky style reels.....and those tiny little RP reels.....oh, heck...i collect fishing reels!...and fly rods....and lures
fishhead
Advanced Board Poster
Posts: 194
Joined: Mon Mar 03, 2014 11:30 am

Re: Removing old Dacron type line from spool

Post by fishhead »

Thanks John. You're a gentleman and a scholar.
oc1
Advanced Board Poster
Posts: 214
Joined: Wed Aug 24, 2016 2:49 pm
Location: Windward Oahu

Re: Removing old Dacron type line from spool

Post by oc1 »

If the line was put up wet and is now embedded in chalk-like oxide the vinegar will dissolve it so the line just falls off. I made a mess of one and gouged the arbor trying to pick bits of rotten line out of that crusty stuff.
-steve
Last edited by oc1 on Sun Nov 26, 2017 4:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.
fishhead
Advanced Board Poster
Posts: 194
Joined: Mon Mar 03, 2014 11:30 am

Re: Removing old Dacron type line from spool

Post by fishhead »

Yes that is what is happening. I tried the 50/50 vinegar and water mix and it worked good with no damage to the spool except it turned the metal to a rust color. What can bring the metal back to life and get rid of the rust coloring?
oc1
Advanced Board Poster
Posts: 214
Joined: Wed Aug 24, 2016 2:49 pm
Location: Windward Oahu

Re: Removing old Dacron type line from spool

Post by oc1 »

That pinkish orange coat is very thin and will buff right off. It is something about the acids do that. It's almost as if a copper plating is left behind when the oxides dissolved. Ron may have some insight.
-steve
fishhead
Advanced Board Poster
Posts: 194
Joined: Mon Mar 03, 2014 11:30 am

Re: Removing old Dacron type line from spool

Post by fishhead »

Sounds good. Just use metal polish like Flitz? Or something else?
User avatar
john elder
Star Board Poster
Posts: 8541
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2003 2:44 pm

Re: Removing old Dacron type line from spool

Post by john elder »

Simichrome. Can get on line...it's at bike shops but they want stupid money for it! What reel do you have, Paul??
ORCA member since 1999
Honorary Life Member

Specializing in saltwater reels...and fly reels...and oh, yeah, kentucky style reels.....and those tiny little RP reels.....oh, heck...i collect fishing reels!...and fly rods....and lures
fishhead
Advanced Board Poster
Posts: 194
Joined: Mon Mar 03, 2014 11:30 am

Re: Removing old Dacron type line from spool

Post by fishhead »

It is a 1933 Penn Trade Reel Kingfisher 300 yard model.
User avatar
kyreels
Super Board Poster
Posts: 1147
Joined: Mon Feb 06, 2006 6:12 pm
Location: Louisville, Kentucky

Re: Removing old Dacron type line from spool

Post by kyreels »

Not to hijack, but I consider Simichrome and Flitz to be roughly equivalent. I checked the MSDS on each, and they appear very similar, primarily Alum Oxide, Ammonia, and hydrocarbons (some solvent). I have used Flitz for years, and had great results.

If anyone has any comparative info otherwise, I would love to hear about any disadvantages. Since they both contain aluminum, you really can't use it on that. You also have to be cautious of anything that cannot tolerate Ammonia, such as light anodizing or any paint without varnish.
Matt Wickham
Collector of Casting Weights, KY Reels and KY Tackle
fishhead
Advanced Board Poster
Posts: 194
Joined: Mon Mar 03, 2014 11:30 am

Re: Removing old Dacron type line from spool

Post by fishhead »

Thanks Matt. I appreciate the info. Now I don't have to go buy some Simichrome as I have plenty of Flitz. This is good to know.
Post Reply