Interesting Simplicity Reel

Post by **john elder** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 12:12 am

Thought I'd share this for those that haven't seen one as well as those that have seen it, but can't remember. it's a simplicity reel made in Portland, Oregon. it's kinda cute in design but about one step away from a garage turnout piece. turned from block aluminum and as the name implies, simple design. the little "foot" is spring-loaded and when the screw on the head stock is tightened, it sits down on the ridge of the spool to create a brake/drag. the middle of the crank shaft pulls out to make it free spool. The "clicker" is activated with a quarter turn to allow contact with the indentations in the spool...that part works, but not with grace. Roller bearings in either end make it run pretty smoothly when not in click mode. Wonder how many of these got turned out?

Post by **Brian F.** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 12:40 am

That is one cool little reel, John. With ball bearings, no less! Seems familiar although I can't seem to remember where I might have seen it.

Tried to get your first photo to show but no luck.

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 5:39 am

John, I've seen those reels on a regular basis on eBay and at shows for the last few years, but many are missing the milled/coined/knurled nut on the rim push-button stem. I'm still not sure what the original nut looks like. Any reason not to assume that the one on your reel is correct?

Harvey · Post by **Harvey** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 7:58 am

Neat! Question: Are the pillars screwed into the head plate? What about are the two that hold the foot on and what holds the foot to the pillers?
Inquiring minds want to know!
"H"

Reel Geezer · Post by **Reel Geezer** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 8:16 am

Brian: You saw several variations of the Simplicity reel at the Fife Convention during Tom Harwood's presentation of NW Reelmakers. Tom has a couple of variations and some in the box. He also has some proto-types that he purchased at the Convention from Clay Hood.

Steve: That nut on John's reel is correct. There are several variations of the reel and a couple of different nuts (at least). There is one with black painted faceplates and a small star below the crank nut, that is an older version and less often seen.

Arne Soland researched the company many years ago. All traces seem to be gone and very little info has been found. I believe that our own Don Champion also did some research on Simplicity.

Here are some photos of Tom's reels. One with black end plates and star:

Here's one in the box:

This is one from my own collection of NW Reelmakers:

Post by **john elder** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 9:38 am

Steve/geezer...yes, that's what i thought...the knurled nut that screws into the headstock and adjusts that foot appears correct, but I wasn't sure if the little lock-nut that holds the spring and foot in that knob was correct. Phil...are you saying that the little lock nut is an early version and that's why it's different from the ones you show? Or has it been added to replace a lost nut?

Harvey. I would assume that the x-members have male threads that screw into the headstock. However, very gentle persuasion did not show progress and I decided that with that aluminum body, I wasn't going to press the issue...just cleaned around it as best I could. The foot is riveted on...no markings on the bottom for yds or other, so that's why I didn't show it.

Can a patent maven find anything on this one? All google gave was the one line that phil has on his site.

Len Sawisch · Post by **Len Sawisch** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 10:13 am

... the simple part of these reels is the gear ratio - the ones with the handle on the round end are a true "direct drive" at 1 to 1! Fishing with one is like wrapping a kite string around a small stick - you are going to be there a while!

And Tom, if you are listening, I have an extra handle knob for your painted Simplicity with the star drag - I have no memory how it got into my parts inventory but it is the reel deal!

Len

Reel Geezer · Post by **Reel Geezer** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 2:01 pm

John: Sorry, but I really didn't look closely enough. Old Geezers tend to talk (or write) before they think. I'd guess your small nut is a replacement. I only looked at the general shape and ...

Don Champion · Post by **Don Champion** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 4:01 pm

The small nut is definitely a replacement. The pillars are threaded & screw in, but you are taking a risk to remove them since they are aluminum to aluminum. This has a tendency to freeze up and twist off. The foot pillars are put in the same way. The foot is riveted on with aluminum rivets that definitely don't want to come out! If you find a click that works, that is unusual as most must have lasted for a full 15 minutes of use. They had an aluminum plunger that dropped into a series of holes drilled in the aluminum spool. And if you take the free spool mechanism apart there is a small spring that reaches supersonic speeds as it is released. It is an interesting reel though.
Don Champion

Post by **john elder** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 7:51 pm

Don: You are right...the clicker really sucks...mine still "works", but the design isn't good and i would imagine that the Al wouldn't hold up long in click mode.

Don Champion · Post by **Don Champion** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 3:38 pm

John: I don't see it on your reel, but there is supposed to be a small leather strip glued to the thumb brake. If you don't have a piece I will send you one if you send me an address.
Don Champion

Post by **john elder** » Tue Dec 20, 2005 6:30 pm

Don...well, that makes sense...i couldn't understand why they'd make that metal-on-metal...leather is long gone. I'll email you re the replacement and thanks for the heads-up!

Jim Schottenham · Post by **Jim Schottenham** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 7:17 am

In case readers of this thread thought "I ought to have one of those", here's one I found while trolling Ebay for the Orca report. It's #7206733094.
Jim

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 9:38 am

Don't want to get too personal, Geezer, but are your nuts knurled (like the ones on the eBay reel)? I can't tell from the low-res. pics.

Reel Geezer · Post by **Reel Geezer** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 9:43 pm

Yes, my nuts are knurled...
and old...
and probably useless...

jump

Ron Mc · Post by **Ron Mc** » Fri Dec 23, 2005 11:20 pm

that's very interesting, and the drag is essentially the same as the Vickar Bushkill Fly Reels.
Now I would be very interested in seeing a patent check on each of these.

INFO SEEKER · Post by **INFO SEEKER** » Fri Feb 10, 2006 9:09 am

THIS REEL WAS FOUND WHILE CLEANING UP FOR AN ESTATE SALE. THANKS TO PHIL WHITE FOR DIRECTING ME THIS FORUM

I HAVE MORE PICTURES BUT DIDN'T WANT TO TAKE THE SPACE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM CONTACT ME A GRUSSELL16 [at]CAROLINA.RR.COM.
THANK YOU FOR THE INFORMATION.

GARY RUSSELL

Interesting Simplicity Reel

Interesting Simplicity Reel

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SIMPLICITY REEL