Fishing Reel Maintenance and Repair | Penn International

In this episode I go over over fishing reel maintenance, service & repair for a Penn International 30TW. A extraordinarily common big game fish deep sea fishing and sport fishing reel used world wide. I show you how to take apart, service, and perform routine maintenance on a fishing reel. I also show you how to do some fishing reel repair on some common problem that can occur with conventional style reels. So, if you've been having trouble or are looking for a DIY video on how to work on the Penn International series reels, you've come to the right place.
Enjoy,
Tight lines & good vibes.
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Reel - Penn International 30TW
bit.ly/2QR6sJY

[@elydoug]

2 years later and we still appreciate your video. I just inherited 4 Penn international 20’s and 2 international 12H’s. They are all practically unused from the late 70’s but the grease in them is like peanut butter. I have been servicing them one by one while watching (and pausing) your video on an iPad on the workbench. Your video is a good balance between thoroughness and brevity. Thanks for the help.

[@IEsorry]

Thanks for the video! Excellent run through, id recommend putting "chapters" or sections in your video clip to quickly navigate to different parts of the assembly (ie. handle, spool, case, etc.)

[@finncolors]

Very comprehensive and at a great pace nice job

[@bradmartin6078]

One of the finest tutorials I have ever watched great job thank you!

[@1539Mickey]

Hi Heath, It looks like you've done this before. I think that laying out the parts in order, on a white towel is key to getting the reassembly correct. Back in my "car days", I would rebuild carbs on a white towel. I never used the vinegar and salt bath for corrosion. I'll try it next time I work on a corroded part. Great info, thanks Mickey

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Hi Mickey thanks for watching. So the last time I did a reel service video I wasn't real happy with the visual contrast, that's where the towel came in, but it really helped me stay organized too. Thanks for noticing. The salt and vinegar is an old trick I learned years ago when I was young and wanted to make pennies shiny. But it works on everything. Hope all is well with you and the family... Take care :)

[@1539Mickey]

Hi Heath, We are all well. I look forward to our Sunday night "visit." I always learn something from your videos. Be careful down there, the virus is still going strong. Be well and take care, Mickey

[@jeremyfontenot496]

Thank you for this awesome tutorial. I just got a 30 TW and I’m going to break it down like this. I find it funny that you are very particular about the grease and oil, but use a pair of crappy pliers to remove the handle!

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Yep... didn't have the Penn tool to remove it... so I did it old school

[@mikeheffernan4723]

Great video, I just got the 30tw and will use your video as my guide to do the maintenance,thanks

[@rianotrijaya246]

I can watch this all day 👍🎣

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving some excellent feedback. I truly appreciate it and your support for the channel. Makes all the endless effort and sleepless nights 100% completely worthwhile. Thanks again. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@josemanueljuanatey2994]

Thanks so much, very very good master class on penn reels maitenance. No more fear.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving some great feedback. Glad you have overcome the intimidation of working on these reels. Sometimes, it's something that you just need to done, before you dive in. Thanks again for your support of the channel, I truly appreciate it. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@elijahbl5745]

3 years later and I now have 3 international 30s and 3 international 50s, I troll them.for different things, and this is the video I use to service them

[@davidhall1779]

Excellant tutorial. Tight lines and bloody decks!

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving some great feedback. Most folks are intimidated by servicing their personal conventional reels. Hope this sets you in the right direction. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@noone-zq7my]

I have a Emery Legend DRC500 reel and it doesnt work , had it about 10 years used it once or twice , took it apart but cannot find anything major wrong with it other than a spring that appears to be lose ? Its a torsion type spring any idea what the problem could be ?

[@DrDannyLopezz]

Hello is that cloth that you are using a wool cloth of some type? It looks unique. Thanks!

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Nothing special. Just an old towel

[@bdvbigfish]

excellent tutorial, cannot be any better. Well done Thank you

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving some great feedback. I truly appreciate it and your support for the channel. Thanks again. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@gregakin5387]

Impressive Keith. Thx for posting.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and leaving the positive compliment. I truly appreciate it. Take care :)

[@ramirojuarez7379]

You did an awesome job explaining everything any chance you have a video of a Penn International 50VSW?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and asking a great question. No, sorry I don't have a video on that reel. However, Penn hasn't changed much with the inner-working of the international series, so, it shouldn't be much different than what you saw here. The parts just look different, but reels are essentially the same. BTW, nobody showed me how to do this. First time I brought a reel to a shop and the guy wanted $75 bucks to look at it.... I took it home and started tearing it down piece by piece... If it's your first time, make sure you keep everything in order, otherwise it'll be hard to put back together. Sorry I couldn't be much more help. Thanks again for your support of the channel. I truly appreciate it. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@thegasman.gasman.7643]

At the risk of sounding stupid could this reel be altered / re assembled as a LH reel Just a thought. Great tutorial vid.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

No... you would have to buy a lefty

[@thegasman.gasman.7643]

Cheers for the speedy reply. I have two Penn’s 30’ and a 50 but due to an accident I’ve lost some strength in my right hand. I thinking now of getting an AVET 30 two speed or bigger LH. What’s your thoughts. ?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

@@thegasman.gasman.7643 avet is solid... I always say go with what like.

[@jimdrechsel3611]

Is there locktite on the three gear screws? When I disassembled there was a resistance and a yellow film.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

That's probably some sort of Loctite from the manufacturer. Mine are so old they don't have that anymore

[@jimdrechsel3611]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing thank you. I had to remove the screws to get the gear and shaft out. Apparently I have a different model but there are a lot of similarities. Thanks for the help

[@jimdrechsel3611]

What is the “recipe” for the vinegar and salt to remove corrosion? How long did you soak parts? Any idea how the salt helps? I’ve cleaned bait wells with white vinegar before but never used it for that purpose. Everything is apart. Thanks for the help.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Not much of a recipe... I just try to cover the parts in salt and then add vinegar to submerge all that... leave it overnight... usually works good getting all the gunk and corrosion off.

[@jimdrechsel3611]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing been a long time since chemistry so I’ll go with the tide on this one….

[@jordythebassist]

Hey mate, great video! I have some of these old international 2s and I can't stand the sound of the clicker to be honest. Do you know of any aftermarket mods to change the sound on the old International 2s?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Nope... I wish I did though 😅

[@chrisc1291]

Question - would this be the same application for a regular penn 30w? I think it’s the oldest version not a TW. I want to know for sure before taking apart my reel.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Same stuff.. a TW is just wider. I have 30's and they're the same

[@mariop.2758]

Cool video! Help me get one of them recently knowing the internas helps.. I’m interested in the speed eccentric knob if you sell parts or have one laying around for this oldies.. thanks

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

No, sorry don't have one laying around

[@registrard1076]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing found someone selling a damaged unit so I was able to swap and kept parts for future tune ups.. thanks again.. now I’m into the 20s and 50s they’re about the same thing. . . Organized take down is key.. and vinegar bath is like baptism to get to Christ 😎👍🏽

[@jimmysfishingguide9326]

Just a question because I notice some of the reels have and others don’t. On the clicker lever some have what appears covers over the nut and some don’t do they make models without the cover in the clicker knob?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and asking a great question. Yes, the older models, like mine, do not have the cap over the click lever retaining nut. It's just a cap that pops out if you want to service the click lever. Thanks again, I really appreciate your support for the channel. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@jimmysfishingguide9326]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing thanks I appreciate it I have an old school 130 and it doesn’t have it I was just wandering if it was missing I want to keep it in mint Condition

[@neilwhite9833]

Hey great video but have you ever used a ultrasonic cleaner for your parts? Thats what I do with simple green in it.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and sharing that tip. No I have tried a degreaser on the parts. Next time I service one of them I'll give it a shot... Thanks again. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@Nightlifeimages]

Hi mate is this the same process for a 30sw?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Similar, but different. The SW are 2 speed. That's just another lever though. I learned to service reels by trial and error. Good luck

[@alfre069]

Great video 😎💪 thanks 😊🤗🤗

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a boat load for watching and leaving some great feedback. I truly appreciate it and your support for the channel. Hopefully the video provided enough info to get the job done. Thanks again. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@markstubbs1973]

I enjoyed this and I just subscribed

[@WillyK51]

Hi Sir, have a Penn Int 30 with a jerky drag, Sugestions please, tried sanding it down even on plate of glass with fine sanding paper, still not smooth

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Sounds like your spool to drag plate connecting point is faulty. Try replacing the drag plate first. If that doesn't work, you'll more than likely need a new spool. Sanding it down won't work. Hope this helps.

[@WillyK51]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing Thanks, The drag plate is the silver one screwed to the spool? New spool means the axle is of centered ?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Drag plate is on the non handle side of the reel between the spool and the shell of the reel it is usually a black composite material. And yes... the spool is the entire center aparatus

[@WillyK51]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing Thanks, will order a new one and will try to balance the spool shafts, it might be off center, my Dad got it from his co-workers when he retired in the 1970's, probably droped some time and the spool shafts might be bent

[@ktmdays]

Do they make a penn 80 in a left hand

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Not sure. Check out pennfishing.com

[@edwardnelson6]

Think I saw you this morning! Between the pier and Boca Inlet.. Were you out?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Yep... I was wahoo trolling. Great to hear from you... Thanks for noticing me. Tight lines & take care :)

[@TheJwhollis]

Great job !!!

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching. It's a pleasure to hear from you. Tight lines & take care :)

[@cobaelpescador]

Hi Heath thank you for the video but I have to pass sorry cant do that 👍Going out tomorrow afternoon of Boca I let ytou know , Capt David c.

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Hi Capt. David thanks for watching. Good luck fishing tomorrow. Lots of bonito out there now. Time to stock up. Tight lines & Take care :)

[@cobaelpescador]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing Heath do you kown how to make bonita strips ??

[@TD-uo4se]

Is the 50SW much difference? I know it’s a 2 speed that’s why I ask. Thanks

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and asking a great question. No, not much difference other than the speed switch, which lies in the handle housing. If you're gonna DIY, just lay it out in the order you disassemble it... the most important pieces are the drag tension washers and the order they go in. Good luck. Thanks for your support for the channel, I really appreciate it. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@anthonypierce8539]

Hi, I've just inherited a Penn International II 30TW. Its never been used and I have a question. Is the handle supposed to rotate in both directions - by this I mean the handle rotates in both directions with drag on and the spool rotates in a direction relative to the handle rotation (turn handle clockwise = anti-clockwise spool rotation; turn handle anti-clockwise = clockwise spool rotation). The handle turns anti-clockwise when line is being pulled off which doesn't make sense. If not, why is it doing it?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and asking a great question. No, the handle should not spin both ways. Sounds like your anti-reverse mechanism is broke. the reel will have to be disassembled. I you're up to the challenge... Take it apart, find the broken piece, look up the part number on the spec sheet available on Penn's website. Order it and put it back together. I understand working on conventional reels can be intimidating, but it's really not so bad if you do it piece by piece and leave everything in order. Good luck. Happy New year. Tight Lines & take care ;)

[@anthonypierce8539]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing Many thanks for the response and advice. Is the anti-reverse under the left hand side plate? I see from your very clear instruction video a pair of dogs there. Just wondering if that's the easiest place to start. I'm also wondering because the reel hasn't been used but has been stored for some years, whether the grease may have solidified.

[@anthonypierce8539]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing Many thanks. I removed the left side plate and the dogs were "glued" due to the original grease being solid. Removed, cleaned and replaced and everything is fine. Just thinking now whether I should strip the reel down, degrease and relube with new grease on the assumption that if one thing is problematical then there may be more. Any thoughts?

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Awesome that you were able to troubleshoot and solve the problem without spending any $$$. I would say that it can't hurt to service the reel. That will prevent any mechanical failures, especially when you have a fish at the boat's side. I do complete tune ups to my reels about every 2 - 3 years... that grease can only take so much heat and salt. Good luck with the project. Then it'll be time to take it out and put it through some punishment. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@poppabear9279]

where are you fishing out of ? I just found this and sub'd in the first minute. lol

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Thanks a million for watching and asking a great question. I fish out of Boca Raton, Florida. It's a pleasure to meet you. I truly appreciate your support for the channel. Thanks again. Tight lines & take care ;)

[@josemanueljuanatey2994]

In the Nicaraguan Pacific.

[@poppabear9279]

@@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing Hey, somehow I missed your reply here, as I have 2 KZbin accounts, this one, and a rather well known business account. I usually don't see updates. Anyways, greatly appreciate the reply. If you ever get up to NC and want to go slay some finned critters and film some content, we have a very capable boat, set up perfect for troll or live bait. I'm still adapting to fishing out here on the east coast. Spent my entire life fishing King Salmon, Halibut, hundreds of species of reef species, plus Albacore tuna, california yellowtail, etc. But, this east coast fishing style for pelagic fish, is night and day different. Cheers. Hello also Jose!

[@pescamarescaptainalex4457]

Nice brother I went out today but nothing zero 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Hi Alex. thanks for watching. I went out also. same. Nothing for food, However, I know the bonito are around so I caught 2 then I headed out deep to continue fishing for nothing.

[@pescamarescaptainalex4457]

South Florida Saltwater Fishing let’s meet and planning a fishing trip you can make a video

[@pescamarescaptainalex4457]

South Florida Saltwater Fishing the boat ramp was crazy I went out on pioneer park to take the boat out was crazy

[@pescamarescaptainalex4457]

If I need repair I now who to call 🤣🤣

[@SouthFloridaSaltwaterFishing]

Lol... Can you tell I fixed a few of these before.

[@pescamarescaptainalex4457]

South Florida Saltwater Fishing you’re good but if I take a part will staying a part 🤣🤣🤣