Mitchell 302 Vintage Saltwater Reel - Complete take apart and service

[@chesterspradlin6743]

Thanks for posting, your videos are introducing me to innards of reels I've never seen. I've serviced several Mitchell 300 and a couple of 308, never seen a 302 that I recall.

[@gamehog2696]

Hi Dennis, thanks for showing how to service that reel.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You are welcome. I like the 302 design. It has a lot of engineering packed into the space.

[@jermonken]

Nice job my friend

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thank you! Cheers! - Best wishes for great fishing - Dennis

[@GarthGoldberg]

I just got one of these on ebay, from 1954! It's flawless, perhaps unused. A little sluggish because the grease is dried out. Looking forward to doing this service.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Wow - great find. When I get these I use the Mitchell Museum as a reference. They also have a great video on KZbin for the take apart and cleaning of most of these reels. Their website is www.mitchellreelmuseum.com If you need any parts, I probably have them as I bought out a huge lot of Mitchell repair parts from a service business that closed a few years ago - Good luck with the overhaul - Dennis

[@GarthGoldberg]

@@2ndChanceTackle Thanks. I'll keep that in mind, especially about the parts. Regards.

[@GarthGoldberg]

The rotor bearing and the drag washers and parts are available on ebay from a couple of sellers. It should be mentioned to your viewers that if the drag were complete, the spool will unscrew from the main shaft as a unit.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Noted. I bought a ton of Mitchell parts from a regional repair center that closed. If you ever need any, let me know - Dennis

[@franciscopeixoto6609]

Great stuff Dennis. Perfect overhaul

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thanks for watching Francisco! Have a great holiday season - Dennis

[@franciscopeixoto6609]

@@2ndChanceTackle Thanks Dennis enjoy the Holiday season as well.

[@johnschaer8548]

Working on one now ,to change the fork ! I have another 302 for parts !

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Great to hear - Best wishes in restoring the reel and giving it a 2nd Chance - Dennis

[@christopherjenkins2373]

Great video as I have said before! I have 2 of the 302 reels - 1 PUM and the other bailed. It has always bothered me that the tiny piece the goes in the key way is perhaps the most important piece to the function of the reel and that without it, the reel is worthless. That scares me whenever I tear one of them down to clean or fix something. The more I work on these reels the more determined I get to make them as close to perfect as possible. That’s why I could never do what you do as I would never be satisfied. Also I don’t have 20 years to learn your craft at my age. I’ve watched this video three times and learn something new and different each time. You really are an extraordinary, patient, and generous teacher. Have a blessed Christmas and a joyous new year Dennis! - Christopher

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thank you Christopher. You are 100% correct on that tiny key. The rotor will just spin without it. I had a customer bring one in and said that the problem had just started. Well, missing the key is not something that just happens, so... we had to find one and they cost as much as the used reel, given that the reel will not work without it. Lessons learned. Best wishes for a Merry Christmas - Dennis

[@anthonycolbourne4206]

I picked up one of these reels just as something to check out, not to use, just to take apart and see how it works. I was surprised to find that in order for the entire assembly to work properly, that tiny "key" was so important, but so precariously installed.

[@martinsmythe3414]

Dennis thanks for your videos you have helped me a # of times with my 302s. I have a smaller mitchel that I tried to take the cover off. The screws are just stripping any advise. If I have to drill them out are they replaceable? Thanks

[@2ndChanceTackle]

If you drill the heads off, you can sometimes work the stems out after the case cover is removed. If this studs break off, you will need to replace the cast. Send me a note if you need the case. [e-mail]

[@Ralphieisthegreatest]

I have one of these with serial number 0804231. Still catching monster Northern Pike with it ;) Awesome reel! Thanks for the video. I'm going to try to service it. Merry Christmas!!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Hav a Merry Christmas. Best wishes for great fishing. - Dennis

[@Ralphieisthegreatest]

@@2ndChanceTackle Thank you! My drag works SO much better now. The guts in the drag were a little mixed up, straightened them out and now it's nice and smooth! Thanks again for the video!

[@johnnywitt1290]

Really enjoy your videos! I have several Mitchell 302 reels that I have fished with since the early seventies. Over the years the paint for what ever reasons has came off in places . Some bon the reel bodies, bail housings or the spools. I was wondering if there is anything I can do to repaint them. A couple of the spools are rough and I was thinking about sanding them smooth. Is that doable? Thank you for any help you can send my way. Stay safe and may the Lord be with you! Johnny

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Johnny - A lot of folks repair their reels. They use an automotive paint stripper and automotive paint, available in spray cans, to dress up their reels. I would use the stripper versus the sanding and then just sand what may be necessary of pitting or corrosion. A coat of primer and then whatever color you would like can follow - Dennis

[@johnnywitt1290]

@@2ndChanceTackle Good morning Dennis! Thank you for your advise and I will get some of the stripper and paints. I really do enjoy your videos. I growed up use the old Mitchell 300 and then got the 302 s for fishing salt water. I still think they are some of the best reels ever made, although I am probably bias on that. Stay safe and may you have a blessed day! Johnny

[@patrickhascall7401]

I'm in search of a spool for a Mitchell 302. Brought my father's old reel back to life but the spool seems to be slightly warped... maybe from being banged in the past. Switched out a spool from another 302 I have and it solves the problem. Any leads on where I can find one? I do not need any drag parts.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Please send a note to my email [e-mail] I have that part

[@michaelking3812]

Hi 2nd chance.Great tutorial,very informative and straight to the point, many thanks for posting.Unfortunately the main reason i watched was not covered in your video because as you said the reel is not fully complete and just for parts.I have just purchased a 303 right hander and the drag can not be tightened down fully and the spool just spins.On closer inspection i noticed there are no drag washers under the spring, as i have no manual i have no starting point and as you are clearly very experienced with these reels i was wondering if you happen to know how many washers should be in there.On my other reels i have a number of felt and steel washers and am half expecting a similar arrangement but i would like to repair the reel properly with the correct amount and type of washers. Any help or info you may have would be very much appreciated. Regards. Michael.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Michael - Please send a note to my email [e-mail] and I will send you the schematic of how the washers go and what type they are. There are several different ones that go inside the reel including a spring washer, click washer and other metals. Dennis

[@riccardocarbo2479]

Dennis... on my 302, by the rotor ball bearing, there is a chrome ring and there is a brass spring-washer (curved). Does that go on top of or on the bottome of the ball bearings? The schematics I checked don't actually name the parts, so it's hard to tell by sight what I'm looking at exactly. Let me know what you think! (PS... I think that steel tiny clip is a friction ramp to prevent bail closures during casting. I think, as most reels have them. But let me know about that spring washer placement, if you can. Thanks.

[@davidriddle2891]

Dennis, great video! I’m working on a 302 and 402; both have the same issue with the line guide (or roller). Do you just give up on it spinning? I suppose the lock washer and lock nut are supposed to be adjusted tight enough that the bail doesn’t flop around but the roller is supposed to spin, correct? Any known fix for this?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Those just lock in. A good example of the fixed stud is the 300 Mitchell. Thanks Dennis

[@sidneywhite749]

Thank you.

[@NARANJAJAJAJA]

gracias por e lvideo desde Argentina un saludo grande, una pregunta, si bobina muy arriba hay alguna forma para elevar el carretel para asi lograr que enrrolle mas en la zona de abajo?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Sí, puede agregar arandelas de calce encima del trinquete de clic y debajo del carrete. Si no los tiene, puede hacerlos cortando un pequeño círculo del lado de la botella de plástico y haciendo un agujero en el medio para que quepa sobre el eje antes de reemplazar el carrete. Eso levantará el carrete - Dennis

[@Tasfarmer]

Just picked up one for $15 looks really good and smooth but Iam still abit sick and didn't realise it was left handed can we swap it around to right handed

[@2ndChanceTackle]

No, that reel was only made for the left handed retrieve. The right handed crank is the model 303 - Dennis

[@Tasfarmer]

@@2ndChanceTackle ok thanks mate

[@ianspencer4324]

Thanks for the video. I have it back together as you showed with the 2 pins and oscillating gear in line, but it now catches the bail arm on every 7th turn of the handle. I have re positioned the gears 3 times but it still does it, any ideas as to why this is happening

[@2ndChanceTackle]

If the handle is hitting the bail arm, it is because of a bent bail wire or bent handle arm and not the gears. Go slow to the point where the two meet and check to see which is bent. You can bend the bail wire up with gentle pressure to resolve the problem - Dennis

[@ianspencer4324]

@@2ndChanceTackle Thanks Dennis for the quick reply. I am spooling line on the reel but it seems to spool more towards the front of the spool, so it is not evenly spooled, any ideas why?

[@easyfishing9152]

I have one 302...very clean.. But is missing one very small part that makes reel... So my reel doesn't work.... It's sad...

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Rey - I have 302 parts. Send me a note to [e-mail] on what part you need - Dennis

[@ianspencer4324]

Thanks Dennis for the quick reply to my previous question. I am spooling line on the reel but it seems to spool more towards the front of the spool, so it is not evenly spooled, any ideas why?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes - check the bottom drag washer. the one on the shaft that goes through the spool. The bottom washer is under the spool on the lip of that spool shaft. IIt may be worn or missing. It that is the case, the reel will spool to the top of the spool. Dennis

[@ianspencer4324]

@@2ndChanceTackle Hi Dennis. I checked the drag washer (81368) is there behind the spool,and sits in the well at the back of the spool. I have another 302 and both spools seem to travel outwards the same amount. Could it be the bail arm not being the same, as I had to bend it to miss the handle on every 7th turn? Funny thing the other reel is missing the 81368 drag washer and it spooled correctly.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

@@ianspencer4324 Yes - it could be the bail arm if you bent it from the line roller. The trick to bending this wire is to grab the wire after the arm/line roller so that it does not throw off the alignment - Dennis

[@daniellarson757]

I’m a huge fan. Quick question I found a 300 at. Flea market wicked cheap tip top condition. It doesn’t make the reeling sound when it reels in. I’m glad not to that sound lol

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Some are more quiet than others. It has to do with the A/R dog that is in the reel. The metal ones make the loud sound. The plastic ones do not

[@daniellarson757]

@@2ndChanceTackle I’m so glad I found one that is plastic 😊

[@salty7346]

I just picked up a really good condition 303, there was a 302 sitting right next to it & should have grabbed it. The 303 SALT WATER, is there any significance to it, I'm going to completely clean & service, but I don't know if it should be preserved because of age, which I'm not sure of.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

The 303 and 302 are the same reel with the different crank. The 302 is a left hand crank and the 303, which is rarer, is the right hand crank version. These reels should be kept clean and greased. The drag washers are all metal, so no need to replace them. Sounds like a good find. Clean it up and take it fishing - Dennis

[@salty7346]

Thanks for the info Dennis. I would have thought that left handed would have been rarer. I'm left handed and had to learn how to crank with both hands just incase.

[@paulsheppard3158]

Hi Dennis, I have a 302 or 303 Mitchell it all works except for the bail arm release lever and lock pin, not sure what is wrong with it, could you go through the service and set up for this? That would help me greatly. Paul

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I will try to do this in the next few days. Thank you for asking - Dennis

[@tangoguy2]

I have a Mitchell 302S and I have problem with the bail not holding the tension in the casting position? Any suggestions?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes - your bail trip release is most likely dirty or frozen. To fix this, remove the spool of the reel. You will notice the spring and trip lever arm inside the rotor. Follow the assembly to where it goes through the case to the outside bail arm. Get a penetrating oil like WD40 and spray it wet. Let it sit a while and then respray. Try working the lever untill it eventually frees up. The should get it working again. I am assuming that you do not have a broken part in the assembly. Let me know how you do Dennis

[@christopherjenkins2373]

Dennis, have you ever serviced or repaired an old Mitchell 488 saltwater reel? I just won one on EBay. I already know it has a little internal chirp going on. Other than that the reel is completely functional. I would have rather found one that was PUM but they are more rare and pretty costly. I will also need to match that midnight blue paint on the reel as the side plate will need repainting. Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated! I don’t have a schematic for the reel either and am still searching for one. I won’t actually get the reel until the end of the week so I don’t begin to know what will be required to fix up the reel. I have 2 302s, 2 306s, a 330 AB, 301A, and an old 304. I really like these old Mitchell’s and will continue to modestly add to my collection. 1 302c and 1 306 are PUM and I enjoy fishing with them. Your videos really helped mt to service these reels. This 302 video was particularly helpful! - Christopher

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I have not done one, but there looks very simply in design. Search the internet for "the Mitchell Reel Museum". for the schematic if this link does not work www.mitchellreelmuseum.com/index.php/category/389 Best wishes - Dennis

[@goosecreekrods3133]

Any videos on showing the operation of the bail assembly? I have a bail issue and that is the one thing you did not take apart on this video.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes - this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/npCqgWCBhKx9eM0 will cover the bail trip internal pieces in the first half and how to set the bail wire spring in the second part. Thanks for viewing - Dennis

[@ken48827]

Hi Dennis. Funny this reel is missing the drag parts because this is where I am having a problem. I have heard from 2 sources on lubrication here. One says you don't use oil on Mitchel 300 series, on the drag, the other says a light machine oil. What do you recommend?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Ken - the drag system on the Mitchell 300 is comprised of two parts. They are the upper and the lower sections. The upper portion, under the drag adjuster knob is a series of springs and metal washers. You can oil these as it will retard corrosion and not affect the performance. The lower portion is actually where the drag washer is. If you push the shaft down and through the spool, you will see the drag washer at the bottom of the stem. I usually just clean this and do not lubricate it. If you like, you can apply a light coating of grease and then.wipe it off with a paper towel. That will give it enough lubrication without overloading it. Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@caranx056]

Thanks for the video. I have just received a mitchell 302 with no use, but the anti inertia brake is absent (I discovered this with your video), I would appreciate a lot if you could tell me what this part is for? This part is very necessary or can I use the reel without it? Regards.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes - you can use the reel without it. Its purpose is to slow the spool and prevent backlash. It is frequently lost when folks open the side plate for service and forget to reinstall it. No big deal - Dennis

[@caranx056]

ok, thanks for the information, regards

[@mjfollrd]

Could you recommend a vintage rod to use with a 302 reel. Thanks

[@2ndChanceTackle]

ditto - see previous comment

[@408murph]

Dennis- Thanks again for the videos. Any tricks to remove the two set screws holding the bearing in place? I have applied "Break Free" lube and let them sit overnight. Do you use heat or banging on the screwdriver while twisting to bust them loose? Also do you have a source for the bearings and/or what size to order as it's pretty rusted? Really appreciate the help. Cheers.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Sounds like you are using the standard tricks. I would vote for heat if all else fails. I would never hammer it. - Dennis

[@tomfuller9331]

Hi Dennis. Thanks for this video. I got so inspired that I got out my Mitchell 302. Used it on the Virginia coast for years. But I haven't used for decades! Big question: The bail is bent so that the handle hits it every several cranks. How should I remove the bail to adjust (bend!) it back into shape? I'm afraid to bend it in place for fear of breaking one of the two mounting assemblies at either end of the bail. Thanks again.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You are going to have to remove the bail screws on the arms in order to re-bend the wire. You can watch how to reinstall it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/npCqgWCBhKx9eM0 Thanks for the note - Dennis

[@tomfuller9331]

@@2ndChanceTackle This was exactly what I needed. Thanks!

[@stevesnodg]

My pinion gear is worn. Can it be removed from the shaft and replaced?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes the pinion gear can be replaced in these reels

[@jrosado109]

Hey Dennis I have one of these in relative mint condition however I don’t have the metal clip that provides that ramp on side plate.. reel works fine don’t know if they all brought that clip on side plate??

[@franciscopeixoto6609]

I have the same reel without that rider as well. Works perfectly added a crosswind after market and a pick up manuel. Ht100 drag stack as well. Nice reel oh, it loves original Fireline

[@sidneywhite749]

I have a 386 and under the spool is a red plastic thingy. Can you explain its function?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

It's been a while since I last had this reel in the shop. I think you are referring to a piece that looks like a block letter "C" if that I it, then the piece is a click tongue that engages with the click rotor to make the noise when the spool / line is being dragged out. If you could send me a picture to [e-mail], I can clarify the thingy for you - Dennis

[@martinhenkey7902]

Thanks for posting. My 302 makes the same kind of grinding noise as in the video. Is there a fix for this or is it normal

[@2ndChanceTackle]

The grind is almost always the top bearing, which can be replaced - The gears are well made and don't normally break down, but dirt could also be a cause if it isn't the worn bearing - Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@riccardocarbo2479]

As Dennis said, it's probably a dirty or rusty bearing. Usually they are still quite sturdy and functional, so in that case, my cure is to pack it tight with heavy brake caliper grease. But you have to really clean it out first with dish detergent or whatever degreaser, and dry it out before you PACK that sucker tight with grease. It will be quieter and smoother, easily. It won't slow your reel down noticeably at all.

[@reyalvarez5458]

How can i pick collection reels?? I just keep old reels from 70's..60's..and stuff like that....

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Rey - that is a very broad question and has many, many answers. It sounds like you have the basis of a collection already! Here are a few ways people collect: Some collect by type - Spinning, conventional, fly. Some folks by fishing type - Saltwater, fresh water, ice Some by manufacturer - Penn, Vom Hofe, Ocean City, Mitchell, etc Some collect be era - Pre World War two, The 1950's, etc. Some collect the reels they fished as a kid. You can find more on an internet search regarding the types and value. My advice is to find nice examples of the reels you like and set them aside if you want to build a collection. I am not a collector, but I have a few reels that I find had to sell because of an emotional connection to them Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@samleffingwell6878]

Hey! I got both set screws out. How do you get the bearing out? Is it pressed in? Thanks!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You pull it straight up. Check to make sure that the the channel is clear and maybe spray it with a penetrating oil if if appears stuck, You should be able to grab the top of the pinion gear to help rock it and pull it out - Dennis

[@samleffingwell6878]

@@2ndChanceTackle Thanks! it was very dirty. I was able to make a puller out a 10mm socket and a 1/4" nut, bolt and washers. popped right out once I let it soak a bit. Thanks for all that you do! Sam

[@easyfishing9152]

Hey try to switch handle to Right, I want to do that ,but don't know if possible

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You can't do that. You need to a Mitchell 303, which is the right handed version of the 302

[@davisoncale3102]

Is it possible to make a left hander out of the 302? I have got a right hander that is in very good shape from a neighbor but I am left handed.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I don't believe you can do this because of the fixed gear & side plate. Mitchell reels were made in left crank and right crank versions. The left crank were even numbered and the right crank were odd numbered. If you have the 302, the counterpart that uses the right hand to reel is the 303. Other examples are the 300 (left hand) and 301 (right hand). That is the ever popular mid-size reel. You can still get these at a reasonable price through online auction sites like EBAY. - Dennis

[@Tasfarmer]

I should have looked through comments thankyou

[@johnturner7322]

Thanks for the video. I have one of these and need to clean it!!! What grease do you use or recommend?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

There are plenty of greases for fishing reels on the market. I use the Penn Precision Reels grease for most reels. It would work fine here.

[@reyalvarez5458]

My suth bend 750A...looks about that size...i cleaned up..but do you know anything about it??....

[@2ndChanceTackle]

South Bend reels are hard to find information on because they were made in short run, large job lots and then discontinued. Most of the technology is generic fishing reel formats and you can usually figure out the age by comparing the reel case to other manufacturer's product designs of the time. From older to newer technology, it would go something like this - Metal case? older -Plastic or Graphite case - newer? Square body - older or rounded - newer? Ball Bearings? None - older How many?- newer Instant Anti-reverse? - newer still. Your 750A is 60's -70's Dennis

[@pohoholoholo5712]

Hi I took apart my reel but I have this thin thin piece of metal in the shape of a U and I dont know where it goes... Also I put my reel back together without it and I can only do 2 rotations of the handle till the reel stops... helps please

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I am not sure on the missing part. Best to check the schematic at www.mitchellreelmuseum.com to see where it goes. On the problem with rotation, are you sure you have the pins set on the. oscillating gear and the stud in the crosswind block? The reel will jam if they are not aligned - Dennis

[@moondog371]

hi I have a question /need help!!! I have a Garcia Mitchell 408 nice little reel . I got it used . the bail spring was all messed up.i got two off ebay and I destroyed one very fast . is there a trick /easy way to replace this bail spring? thanks ….gary

[@2ndChanceTackle]

No real trick, just a little patience. There is a fellow on KZbin,I believe his tag is Mitchellmuseum watch the Mitchell 300 video and you will see how to set the spring. If you cannot find it, let me know and I will do one for you. I currently fish the 408 reel and enjoy it - Dennis

[@moondog371]

I got the bail spring in and working . I think its the linkage in side /under the spool . its such a nice reel I have to fix it ! its strange. first the bail spring wouldn't work if I tightened the screw all the way. took it apart and yes the spring was bent.i changed it and it snaps back nice. but now the bail wont trip or stay open , It was fine before …. thanks for the info and I really enjoy your videos! maybe ill mail it to you! thanks again gary

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Hey moondog. Here is the actual video they posted. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZ7Yiqemaa9onJY. start watching this around minute 5 nd it will show you how to set the bail spring. Let me know if it does not help you and I will take my 408 apart to demonstrate - Dennis

[@vincemitchell4885]

I just paid somebody to service it and it came back and the drag seems to be sticking I took it back and the guy doesn't know what to do with it I was wondering if I could send it to you and to look at it

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Vince - you are welcome to send me the reel, but you may be able to fix this yourself. I think the drag washers may be out of sequence, so watch the video I did on it and see if that helps, of ask the person you paid to fix it to watch the video and check the sequence of the washers. You can watch it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6PaeIOpqc-ig5I. If all else fails, send a note to my email [e-mail] and I will send you information on my repair services. Thank you - Dennis

[@tango-bravo]

Is the reel you are servicing in this video still in your possession and if so, is it for sale?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Please send a note to my email [e-mail] if you are interested in acquiring a 302. That you for asking - Dennis

[@dancewata1]

Hi Dennis, just one question: at the 12:00 mark after putting back the main shaft, you insert the little screw in the small hole at the end. Does this screw need to be firmly seated once it goes through Ive tried and tried, but the shaft still moves. Thanks.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

There will be a little play n the shaft as the fork is not threaded. The screw sets in the block. So it will not be clamped down totally tight

[@dancewata1]

@@2ndChanceTackle Thanks much!

[@jld2008]

Hello Dennis. I really enjoyed your video. Do you think the "growl" is from that top bearing you can't get to? Reason I ask, is after 40 years I have found a man that has had my grandparents 302's and I am getting them back! The man said that he had both rebuilt but one still has a little "growl" but works great. I was just trying to figure out what to look for.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

The growl is almost always from the top bearing. You should be able to find replacement bearings on Ebay. The other cause could be worn pinion and main gears, but I would go with the bearing first. Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@jld2008]

@@2ndChanceTackle Thanks Dennis! Super excited to have these reels after 40 years. I am 51 now and my grandparents taught me how to surf fish with these reels.

[@johnschaer8548]

Dennis , Any reel that is a little sluggish I shoot a shot of WD40 in it and work it for awhile ! Then I service it and find much easier to remove the grease !

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes - that has helped me in the past and it works very well with sluggish bails - Thanks for the tip - Dennis

[@enriquevargas4570]

How I can get Garcia Mitchell 3000 spool I can find it on E bay?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Do you mean the Model 300? If that is what you need, please send me a note to my email - [e-mail]

[@rabbitbully1810]

Thank you so much for making this video. I didnt get back to you cause it was my 50th birthday the 9th and it was a party all weekend. Im still not sure I feel good about taking apart my 302 because of exactly what you said......Too many moving parts.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

You are certainly welcome to send it to me. Just connect through my e-mail at [e-mail] for shipping information. Happy Birthday!

[@easyfishing9152]

I believe most Mitchell 302 are right, left hand, I have 6 But I switched 3 to right hand

[@2ndChanceTackle]

The 302 is a left hand crank. The 303 is the right hand crank. These are not interchangeable - Dennis

[@sidneywhite749]

Can you do a 386

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I don't currently have any in the shop. I will add it to my list and be happy to do a video when one is in for service. Thank you for asking Dennis

[@anthonycolbourne4206]

4:55 so that's the little culprit that is missing off my reel! No way to tighten my bail arm assembly shaft nut enough to keep it from slipping. Just a reel I picked up as a curiosity thing. I'll have to see what I can make up to fill that pin/slot so I can tighten the nut properly. (Now 1/2 hour later) That little missing "key" was bugging me so I took the reel apart again to see where it was supposed to go, to see how I could cut up a small bolt or screw or something to make a reasonable replacement... and there was the "missing key" stuck sideways in the side of the slot where it is supposed to go. Tucked it back in place and all the world is a happy place again... well for 2 minutes anyway.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Great to know. Yes - that key often pulls up and out when the spool is removed. Thanks for the note and for watching - Dennis

[@easyfishing9152]

Does de 307 and 302 have the same size??

[@2ndChanceTackle]

No. The 306/307 are a little smaller than the 302

[@moondog371]

I juat cant figure it out. my bail wire hits the handle and I cant seem to figure out why! any ideas> ?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

The wire has been bent down, probably from impact. You can set the bail to open and gently push down on it to add height to the bail and stop it from hitting the handle. If you are unsuccessful. you will need to replace the bail wire - Dennis

[@2ndChanceTackle]

By the way, I have a stock of replacement Bail wires if you wind up needing one. - Dennis

[@moondog371]

such a simple fix! I just didn't see it ! thank you very much! I have a 408 with a broken bail that has me stumped !

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Send a picture and description of the problem to my email - [e-mail] and I'll see if it is something I have come across. - Dennis

[@danielsmith5351]

Why doesnt the vintage spinning reels not have the problems in salt the way the new ones do?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Hmmm - good question. Less moving parts so less to corrode and break? Higher quality materials used in the manufacture? Not sure, but it is a good observation - Thanks

[@reyalvarez5458]

Wow...i have the 300 n 304...but my reels look small...the spool is small..

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes - the 300 is a 30 size intermediate reel. The 302 is a bigger salt water reel. The 400 series is even smaller the you 300 and is for fresh water - Dennis

[@johnschaer8548]

Dennis , you think a Penn slammer is the nightmare of all reels ! Do it in a plastic bag ! John

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Sounds like that is what you are trying to do. My only issue with he slammer are the early editions with the live liner feature. I cal that bad design - Dennis

[@juliodevita8449]

Alguien save si se puede invertir la manija de un michell 303 de derecha a iskierda ??????

[@2ndChanceTackle]

el mango de un mitchell 303 no se puede invertir de derecha a izquierda

[@N2RI1]

love the way you do your videos. do you also do Zebcos, Johnsons etc?

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I don't see many of the closed face reels come in for service. Unfortunately, the reels often cost less than the service and folks view the newer ones as disposable. I have an older Zebco 33 on the project pile and will do it when time frees up. Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@N2RI1]

​@@2ndChanceTackle yes I noticed this in your videos too. as these Reels are more complicated to work on and your videos are great showing how. I mostly have Zebcos and some old Johnson and a Phluger 60 passed down from Grandpa when he taught me to fish at age 3 in 1961 my favs are the Zebco USA made mini reels of which I own several of all models for family fishing

[@2ndChanceTackle]

These are great reels and worth preserving just for the sentimental value. I have a Daiwa mini-cast closed face reel similar to the Zebcos you have. Great reel with a lot of great memories. They are not terribly difficult to work on. You may want to try and find a used one, they are cheap, and use them as a tuition reel to take apart and learn how to service them before you try on your treasures. Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@dannyhooten6765]

@@2ndChanceTackle Dennis I am trying to put the bail spring on a Abu Mitchell 408 and cant get it done. Could you do a video on servicing the 408? Thanks for your time and God Bless!

[@emusemixon]

friend can you make a video with an abu garcia 7000i chinese thank you

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I do not have one, but if I find one, I will be happy to do the video. Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@GarthGoldberg]

These reels were assembled at the factory by small French women in the French Alps. They had small hands.

[@manbunmechanic2939]

Do you do new baitcasters

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I do whatever comes into my shop, so typically they are a little older, but not too old. I will be doing some Shimano and Quantum reels this coming week. Is there one in particular that you would like to see? Thanks for asking - Dennis

[@manbunmechanic2939]

2nd Chance Tackle I actually want to do send one in it's a Abu Garcia Pro Max 3 I left it outside in the rain for about a week and it's really crunchy when you reel it and casting it is pretty much impossible

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Sure thing. Please send me an email to [e-mail] and I will send you the details on where to ship, cost, etc. - Thank you - Dennis

[@easyfishing9152]

I can't remove that screw on the top....why???..i don't to break anything..

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I would load it up top with WD40 and let it sit overnight. These screws can corrode in the collar and WD40 may help. Also, if you tighten down the drag knob completely and grab the spool to turn counterclockwise, you may be able unscrew the assembly where the collar joins the axle. This woulld remove both the spool and collar to get to the case for cleaning. - Dennis

[@martinsmythe3414]

Just wanted to add it's a 300

[@easyfishing9152]

302 is very big reel....i got 5..one is broke..300.. I have 400...blue...is ok...no too perfect...

[@vincemitchell4885]

I should tell you it's a Mitchell 302 please let me know