Mitchell Reel Forum

Most of the reels came with a wrench that was made for the reels.
Was an option on some where you could buy it.
The 300 wrench is a 12mm socket with a screw driver thru the top.
some of the reels had some funcky looking wrench's

I have a trashed head with good Counterweight that screws are covered over. How do you expose screws? I would like some feed back before I start. I was going to use a stripper first hoping it would clean off heads of the screws. The early ones were covered , but later screws were not covered. Thank ...

Have came a crossed several Mitchell Wrenches looks like they are for 396 and488, part number 81500 both are marked Mitchell one does not have 2 nd hole..
Would anyone be willing to trade for 300 Wrenches?
Could not find what the 300 would look like.

t This is ironic, purchased a parts reel, with bail problems, took apart it had 2 shims under face plate. Cleaned lubed fixed bail, installed spring put back together, bail would not trip. Drank a beer and thought, so took out 1 shim, same problem, took other shim out and it worked perfect, with a l...

Normally if their is not back and forth movement in the head with the reel is properly shimmed. If it has movement I start with the .010 shim and would increase if necessary. Baffle plate has the washer and shims are added under washer. If it gets worse remove the shims you installed. I had several ...

Clockwise or Counter Clockwise with reel in front of you as casting. Depending on model of Reel.

Well as what to look for. 1/ Rule, at flea markets and ebay, etc etc, most people do not have a clue as to what they are selling, so it is always buyer beware. 2/ To me a vintage reel is 56 and below. 3/ Know your Reels, like what Logo is on what years, I have seen a 54 stated, with a case of later ...

Thank everyone, for the time and trouble.
I know I got a good deal.

I did not see France on head, well at 230am and several beers I could have missed it.
out side of that mine is identical to your photo.

Looking at all photos, the 808 head is like the one on reel, it does not have the 6 dimples.
Also has Aulm. Spool.
What ever it is functions fine.

Correction, this Reel had all Metal gears, the C had the plastic.

Ok took apart, this one is different does not have 6 dimples.
Face plate has hole and striker as screw like head.
B 82135 is Ser. #.
Had plastic gear, which I replaced.
Reel works smooth .

Thank You, I have seen them worn, rough, but not bent.
Makes perfect sense. Did not think of dropped.

So how could one bend a shaft?
I do not mean straighten it out.
How is it possible under normal use to bend?
Everything is in closed with out any play.
Also the catch that holds spool was trashed put in vise and pulled to get spool off.
Nice Alum. Spool.

Do not know how to do the pic thing.
It is the same as the one you told me to look at.
I know it works great and catches fish.

OK after all this what do I have???????????

Roger Dat same thing!

How on earth could you bend an Axis Shaft? We are talking a noticeable bend. Purchased a Reel for repair/ parts, cranked hard. Opened up, was packed full of grease.Anti reverse was packed and off post. Gears wear packed. Grease looked like general purpose red aircraft grease. Cleaned buffed out shaf...

That's it!
Transfer gear is different also, when I get some time will take a photo and try to post it.

If I can figure out how to do photo thing will post, or enlist the help of my Grand Daughter

Dating Mitchell Classic Egg Shaped Reels Posted April 17, 2009 4:37pm Page 2.
1950/52 last sentence.
Excuse me if it is not rare, I use them to fish with, not look at.
It works great, and had all metal gears.
N fact caught an8# Channel Cat this morning with it.
Enough about the mouse!!!!!!!!!

Dover, De. Been here since 74, Retired from A.F. in 2002, 39 yrs. 5 Mon. 13 Days.
I just can not get into Salt Water Fishing.
This morn got a 24" Channel Cat. Tried out a new ( used) Reel.worked great.
I estimate weight around 8#, it's back in the water. Can not kill em.

If it is on the rack gets used. (300's) After I clean them, put them on a rod and try them out. All Reels I have sold function fine and have caught at least one fish. The exception are the 302's have not been salt water fishing yet. Live a 3 miles from Del. Bay and 30 Miles from Ocean. Have about 10...

Have not checked the one I have. If memory serves me, first use bail arm broke, so hung it up for a long time, when I started picking up used 300's, took the old style bail arm and replaced the junk that was on it. To my amazement it worked, every now and then will use it. Functions fine. I could no...

Roger Dat has small hole, and the transfer gear is quite different than any I have seen. Personally I do not care, I use these Reels because they are Best Reel ever made. I keep them clean and do not abuse them. Have Loved Mitchell's since 1956, my first was just marked Mitchell paid $29.50 at Harde...

Thank You! Noticed something else different Transfer Gear has small gear on back side.
Reel cleaned up great and functions as it should, still a tad stiff, but could be from not being used in a while.
I Love bringing these back to life, more fun than fixing Large Aircraft.

Purchased one off of EBay, Early Mitchell, unpacked it and about freaked out. For $15.50 got a B82135, which according to Wallace's Ser.# list is rare. Needed a good cleaning found a large amount of hair wrapped around gears? Replaced bail spring, noticed things a little different inside, but did ha...

Roger Dat on the book. So several 55's I have are ok, they have right Ser. # but have 300 on case. I have been hooked on the 300' s since 1956, when I was 10 painted neighbors house trim. Made enough to buy a Mitchell 300 and rod. Used it till 63, when I went in Air Force my parents gave it away. Bo...

Am interested in knowing what year 300 was added to left case.

I thought 30 was alot !!!!!!!!

Do you still have the article on Cosmetic Changes. What was the year 300 was added to case? I am interested on markings on the 300's, any changes and what year they were done. Any other changes like handle, spools, and anti reverse butterfly to single lever. This helps spot any alteration on Reels. ...

Roger Dat, I use my Reels, the best years are 54, 55.
I have a nice Vintage 6'6" St Croix for this Reel,
My first Mitchell was a 55, when I joined the Air Force in 63, my parents gave it away.
Mitchell's are the best Reels ever made.
Probably France's only accomplishment.

Thank you.
Would you replace it?
I have several others made of Metal and would only take a minute.
I would guess and say Reel was never used.
It is very stiff.

What were the early gears made of? I just picked up a C 13xxxx and when I opened the case the one gear was made out of what appears to be nylon, is this correct? Reel is in super shape and has not been used. I have been noticing also the spools have a rubber or tape under the line when removed, kind...

Can not find edit?
My computer skills are not the best, must be missing something, HELP, MAYDAY!!!!!

I was thinking about Dremel.
I have used light emory cloth wrapped on a small rat tail file, I have noticed the finish is not uniform on all reels.
Once you get it smooth reel operates 100% better.
Have brought a few back to life.

What does everyone use to polish Shaft and track of bail.
I have discovered a lot of problems with jerking while reeling in is caused by shaft or track not smooth.
I have been using fine emory cloth to polish both shaft and track.
Does anyone have a better way?

To strip. 1/ Remove three screws. 2/ Remove cover hold on side and gears should stay intact. 3/Remove gear on shaft has three teeth which cause shaft to go in and out. 4/ Remove brass plate. This should allow spool to come out attached to shaft. After removal use a good rust buster on back side of s...

I have had luck with Blaster White Lithium, made in USA. Comes out like shaving cream. The trick is do not over lube. A small amount goes a long way. After it is used it gets a little dark and still retains its slimmynes. If you over grease it comes out any place it can. Been using it for about 2 ye...

More good things, took apart last night after shift, Inside of Reel like new, cleaned some gobs of lube that accumulated, cleaned and lubed a little and is like new, Put correct spool on some nice tri line #12 Orange. Have two St Croixs 6'6" the same so put Lefty on one. Now have one upside dow...

I bought another Early Mitchell Ser. # 111379. Got a Surprise when opened Box. Reel is Left Handed 301. Plate with Mitchell is upside down and bail is backwards. Not only above, but in super shape. Bail has a little rough spots but reel is like new. Since I am ambidextrous will put it a nice St Croi...

Schrack wrote: ↑Wed Jul 07, 2021 3:29 pm Looks identical to Airex made by Lionel Trains in 40's and 50's in fact I have 4 for sale.
Model 4 Bache Brown 2 need bail springs and 2 Spinsters that work.
Don't mean to steal post.
Think Bache Brown made them for Airex or Lionel.
If memory serves me 5 Models were Produced.

Roger Dat on positive feed back, got refund with in 15 minutes of filing claim, plus don' t send items back. So I checked them out, both newer Mitchell's, one had a broken spool with line twisted up and prevented rotation, replaced spool, in twisted line and works great. Second was just jammed Small...

Looking brighter, got full refund plus told to keep junk reels.
Thank You Ebay.
So now have two junk reels, doubt if parts are metal.
Like the box they came in.

Reels arrived what a bust, sent two late Garcia Mitchells nothing close to photos, then guy called me scammer when I checked him on it, what a scum bag piece of @&it. people like that should not be on ebay.

Just purchased two old 300's
1/ Ser.# A65707 stamped on foot.
2/ Ser. 15B on case.
Condition is used but could not pass up deal.
Should arrive by Sat. very excited they should be a nice addition.
Going to be interesting doubt if they are anything rare.

The God of Rods must have felt sorry for me. Unexpected received a Fenwick light 6' Rod, had a broken tip, otherwise in Super Condition for its age. What a combo, new tip installed and off to the lake, all I have to say is WOW. It cost me 5 Mepps and two Rappela lures. Thank You God of Rods!!!!!!! H...

Outside of being 75 and cheap, I never give up!
Always try to figure it out even if its outside the box.
Buying another, why unless it is so FUBR it is impossible to fix.
However still listen to advice!
Over the years Mitchell's have always (most of the time) are easy.
Happy 4th.

Reel problem fixed, put .015 Shim in head , the plate already had one shim , also head had one in. Tested out and works like it should. Also took off And line and replaced it with Stern which increased casting. Have been having trouble with Ande seems to hang up when casting. Kinda threw me off at f...

So what rod would anyone recommend for the 304.
I have a couple Fenwicks, Medium length 6' 6".
Older St Croixs Medium 6' 6".
Have a light weigh Early Berkley that I have been using. Very sensitive rod, handle a 5# fish very well with 6# Spyder line.
Any advice is welcome.

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