Sorry if this is the wrong place or if this sounds like something everyone should know how to do but I need some advice.
Is there an easy way to install the bail and bail spring on a spinning reel? Maybe like the Penn greenies. Everytime I remove the bail I have problems getting it back on and working. Thanks
Spinning reel bail spring
Bail Spring Replacement
Hi Andy --
Those are normally not too hard to replace -- but there are a couple of things to remember --
On the Penns (or most spinning reels of that vintage -- green 700, 710, etc.) it is much easier to replace the bail spring if the bail wire is removed from the bail cam.
Remove the bail wire nut & move the bail wire to the side being careful not to lose the line guide off of the wire.
Remove the bail cam & the bail spring to be replaced. Make sure all grease and dirt is out of the spring cavity on the rotating head. The torn off end of a cardboard match dipped in lighter fluid does a good job on this, as does simple green, or most other cleaners. (1) tiny drop of oil applied to the outer ring cavity and (1) on the inner ring where the bail cam rides -- then (1) drop on the bail spring itself.
After inspecting the bail cam for wear or gouges & cleaning it also -- just line up the pinhole for the spring with the vertical tip of the spring -- install the bail cam with a tiny drop of oil on the bail cam screw arbor & gently tighten it down until snug. Make sure there is no pressure on the spring at this point. Don't be concerned where the cam ends up -- when the cam is attached properly -- it will spring back into place as it should. At this point the spring should be operating as designed. Now all you need to do is reinstall the bail wire, guide and nut.
Make sure everything works smooth -- and you're done.
Sometimes after doing all of this, you will find it still works too tight or doesn't trip back into place properly. At these times, you need to adjust the bail nut, or bend the bail slightly -- and you should be good to go fishing.
After a little practice -- you'll get it down fine.
Remember -- if you have to force something into place -- it probably won't work well.
Best, Fred
Those are normally not too hard to replace -- but there are a couple of things to remember --
On the Penns (or most spinning reels of that vintage -- green 700, 710, etc.) it is much easier to replace the bail spring if the bail wire is removed from the bail cam.
Remove the bail wire nut & move the bail wire to the side being careful not to lose the line guide off of the wire.
Remove the bail cam & the bail spring to be replaced. Make sure all grease and dirt is out of the spring cavity on the rotating head. The torn off end of a cardboard match dipped in lighter fluid does a good job on this, as does simple green, or most other cleaners. (1) tiny drop of oil applied to the outer ring cavity and (1) on the inner ring where the bail cam rides -- then (1) drop on the bail spring itself.
After inspecting the bail cam for wear or gouges & cleaning it also -- just line up the pinhole for the spring with the vertical tip of the spring -- install the bail cam with a tiny drop of oil on the bail cam screw arbor & gently tighten it down until snug. Make sure there is no pressure on the spring at this point. Don't be concerned where the cam ends up -- when the cam is attached properly -- it will spring back into place as it should. At this point the spring should be operating as designed. Now all you need to do is reinstall the bail wire, guide and nut.
Make sure everything works smooth -- and you're done.
Sometimes after doing all of this, you will find it still works too tight or doesn't trip back into place properly. At these times, you need to adjust the bail nut, or bend the bail slightly -- and you should be good to go fishing.
After a little practice -- you'll get it down fine.
Remember -- if you have to force something into place -- it probably won't work well.
Best, Fred
Last edited by Bronco on Tue Sep 09, 2008 11:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.