Mitchell Reel Forum

Hi all,

First post here.
I've just finished disassembling, cleaning and reassembling an old Mitchell 300. It was functional but stiff.
On reassembly I tried water resistant wheel bearing grease but that seems to make too much resistance,
particularly where the slide and shaft are concerned. I removed that grease and used light oil to reassemble,
as a test. Now it's very free. I'd like a light grease for the gears and slide which won't stiffen things up again.
Suggestions please?

Welcome to the site. There have been discussions on this before. Probably buried in some thread here. Everyone has their own opinion. I use marine bearing grease and light weight oil, applied with a small brush. You don't need a lot of grease either. Just be careful when taking reel apart. Many small washers and shims will go awol and cause you grief.
Kim

I too find grease like Penn Reel grease to thick and sticky and thin it down with some synthetic oil like SuperLube.

Here lately, I've been using FluidFilm, a lanolin based grease. It is the same grease I use on my car lift slides. It prevents rust and after several years hasn't become sticky and it's convenient because I have a gallon of it.

Lubriplate or Mil-Comm Tw25b Gun Grease are other alternatives that I have used with good results.

Dave_K,
Try using the search window there are many posts on this.
Personally here is a link I posted several years ago with my suggestions.

https://mitchellreelmuseum.com/forum/vi ... 64c0#p3069

Kind Regards,
Bill