Abu Black Max low profile reel with Free Spool button problem & repair

This video shows how to take apart a Black Max low profile bait casting reel. This one has a problem with the free spool release button, which did not return once engaged. THe video shows how to take apart the reel and service it in addition to how the problem was corrected.
I have been servicing reels for over 20 years and am sharing my experiences here. If you enjoy the video, please "like" it. If you want to see more, please subscribe. Questions? Comments? I reply to all. Thank you for viewing - Dennis
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[@fvaambush]

Great video! I caught a tree earlier and upon getting my snag out I found that my spool release button was loose and would not engage by reeling in. I have this exact same reel and it was my first time opening it up. Well I found this video and though issue was different, this helped me locate the kick lever for the thumb release and figure out what the issue is. I had to manually "engage" the thumb release and its all fixed! Wouldn't have figured that out without such an in depth video. Thanks!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thank you for the feedback. I am glad that it helped you. THat's why I do these. Best wishes. Please stay tuned for more to come - Dennis

[@2ndChanceTackle]

They probably felt bad that they messed up. I don't see many bait casters. They aren't intimidating, just different. You are correct, some are so inexpensive that they become disposable for the cost of the repair. That's why I do the videos, to save reels that could be repaired, but aren't - Dennis

[@deepiper6529]

Dennis thank you for posting this video. I have two of these Black Max reels, and 1 Silver Max. I recently took apart the Silver Max reel to inspect it and clean and lube it. I watched another KZbin video on disassembling and re-assembling the Silver Max. The Silver Max is the same as the Black Max on the inside except it has the flipping switch. It's good to see someone with experience such as you who can point out what is causing the problem and resolve it easily. I'll file this one away. :)

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thanks. These are easy reels to work on and parts are generally available, so you should have a reel that can last a long time with the proper maintenance

[@otroflores91]

Surprised the customer decided to pay for repairs. I've gotten that reel new for 20-25 dollars. Glad to see you doing baitcasters.

[@andresrichards]

just have the same problem, your video help me a lot... you win a like!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Glad to hear it help you. That's why I am doing these. Thanks for viewing - Dennis

[@aidanhillyer212]

This video saved me $50

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Glad I could help. Thanks for the note and for watching - Dennis

[@joemoraleda9128]

Great video! Thanks

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Glad you liked it! Best wishes - Dennis

[@independentthinker.273]

That solves half of my problem with a ProMax 2 that I just picked up off of eBay. Your video explained part of my problem. But when I push down the thumb bar it feels like there's friction like it's dragging on something it's not smooth it kind of stutters as you push it down. And then I'll get about 10 casts and then it'll get stuck where the kicker is underneath as you showed and the only thing I can do is smack it with my hand to get it to unstick. Suggestions?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Sounds like the lever slide may be broken

[@matthewvannoy500]

Great video and thanks

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the feedback and for watching - Dennis

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Parts for Abu Garcia are generally available from Abugarcia.com and replacementparts.com

[@irockrock44]

you saved me 40 bucks!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thanks for watching! I encourage folks to give it a try and like you, save some money too. Best wishes - Dennis

[@ebx2323]

Any suggestions on why my baitcaster won't hold it's drag? Everytime I reel it in, the drag loosens and then eventually doesn't let me reel. Thanks for the awesome video!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I think you need to open it up and check the drag stack. You may have a broken drag washer or some other obstruction inside

[@ebx2323]

@@2ndChanceTackle thank you! I'll give that a shot.

[@nicholasholmes3500]

Hi Dennis, great video! I am trying to repair a friend's black max. The anti reverse is not functioning, so the handle and spool will go forward and backward freely. Is this problem also related to the ratchet, or can you recommend what may be happening? Thanks

[@2ndChanceTackle]

If the reel has an instant anti-reverse clutch, then that is where the problem is. If you version is using the finger dog, that that would be the part that has failed. It would not be the ratchet - Dennis

[@nicholasholmes3500]

Thats great, Dennis, thanks!

[@rusellesanchez7370]

Needed that very vid. Thank you ,now RUN TO JESUS

[@bassattackva6988]

What’s better to put in gears? Oil or grease? I thought was grease Thanks

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Grease for gears- it lasts longer. I use oil on bearings as grease that gets dirty clogs bearings - Dennis

[@defmud80]

I have a question. I have a newer baitcaster and it works perfect but now when I press the thumb bar it won't always put the spool in free spool. If I rock the spool backs and forwards a bit it will then come free and cast fine.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

It is likely that there is dirt or dried grease preventing the mechanism from fully firing. It sounds like it needs to be cleaned and re-oiled. That is assuming that there is no mechanical constraints like broken like trapped inside. - Dennis

[@jokersman666]

Mine was doing this. Fixed it but it still wont bring in the line when you reel.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Sounds like a drag problem if the free spool release button is working properly - Dennis

[@garretbenoit4679]

I have the same problem on my slx dc but I’m to nervous to take it apart because I’ve had it for 4 days

[@2ndChanceTackle]

If you just got the reel and it is under warranty or purchased new from a store, take it back of exchange it. That could be an issue in the initial assembly and you should not have to deal with it. Whatever you do, do not take it apart until you check the store or warranty first. Taking it apart will void the warranty - Dennis

[@rodolforosales5431]

Can u show me how to assemble a bait alarm on a abu garcia 6600 bcx

[@mimikmat8546]

any sugestions? My spool spins in both ways and i dont know how to fix it

[@mimikmat8546]

when i try to put a little tensiom on the line whe reeling in the spool doesnt spin

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes - the issue appears to be a faulty A/R clutch or dog. They would need to be replaced Dennis

[@jtsfishing5571]

I have some abu and lews I quit using because it feels like the button doesn't engage all the way sometimes .any ideas

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes - they mechanism is probably clogged with dried grease or dirt. If you remove the cover, you can usually spray that release point inside with a penetrating oil to dissolve the build up and restore the function - Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@jtsfishing5571]

@@2ndChanceTackle thanks i try this

[@TimeSpace1]

My red spool piece isn’t moving after fixing a back lash. Can’t re string it

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Have you removed the spool? It is likely that you have broken line jamming the reel

[@rodolforosales5431]

Can you make a video on how to fix a dait alarm on abu garcia 6600 bcx

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I do not have one of these in my shop at this time. I will add this to the request list and try to do the video in the future - Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@robertbrandywine]

At 4:18, what do the yellow and white nylon gears do?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Those gears drive the level wind worm gear

[@robertbrandywine]

Thanks!@@2ndChanceTackle

[@samuelmontalvo3025]

Have the same issue

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Hopefully this video has shown how to resolve the issue. Best wishes - Dennis

[@samuelmontalvo3025]

@@2ndChanceTackle any pointers on braid slipage?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Sure thing - Watch this video. Be sure to back you r spool with a few yards of mono before you add the braid - Dennis kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKLaeGh4qbWgntE

[@12babyapes59]

I followed your instruction and cam won't stay locked on click ratchet ,slips off , I have tried half dozen times, once it worked for about three releases of spool release button then failed what am I doing wrong, drag washers look okay could they be too thin?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I show how to seat the cam ratchet around 4:30 on the video. My initial thought is that you could have the cam ratchet upside down. Take a close look at that piece. If that is correct, and the ratchet is seated properly on the shaft, then make sure the rest of the main gear assembly is back on before test firing the release. The drag washers have nothing to do with the release mechanism. Let me know if the problem persists after you check the ratchet orientation - Dennis

[@fisherbobbitt524]

I have the same problem my ratchet just slips off every time

[@Edong_T]

hello sir. may black max 3 cant reel in even though gears are turning 🥺

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Hmmm. there could be several causes. Are the drags OK? There could be broken line wrapped around the spool shaft, there could be a broken spool gear on top where the gear intersects with the spool and finally, there may be braid slip. If you are using braid and did not put a backing like monofilament on the spool prior to loading the braid, then that could cause the issue you are describing - Check each of these - Dennis

[@Edong_T]

@@2ndChanceTackle thank you sir . its ok now. i did all of your suggestion and the problem is in drag. tnx

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Great to hear! Good luck fishing! - Dennis