My Spinning Reels Keep Working Loose

[Ham]

I've noticed my spinning reels work themselves loose as I fish with them. The more I fret about it the worse it becomes and the more distracted I am by it. So, I'm looking for a way to secure the reel seat "nut" so it does slowly back off on its own.

I thought I would use the blue Thread Lock, but the fine print says NOT to use it on plastic and I don't want to make an aggravation an actual problem.

I hate to put elctrical tape on it, but I will IF I have to do so.

This seems to be happening with all of my trout rods. My crappie spinning rods are Tenessee handles with tape. My drop shot / grub rods have a locking down fore grip so they seem immune to this (so far).

My spinning rods that I use with tubes and other bass jigs get less cast and the bait is worked slower and I don't really seem to be having an issue with them, but they are All Star rods with a plastic nut tighening down from front to back rather than reer to front.

Somebody has solved this annoyance. Please share your secret.

[dtrs5kprs]

Could try tightening them waaay down, then electric tape over-wrapped with rod handle tape (BPS, etc.). Did this on a $300 Loomis b/c it drove me nuts.

[Mitch f]

Maybe a dab of hot glue?! I've always thought they should've had finer threads on the reel seat nuts

[fishinwrench]

You could try cleaning the threads with alcohol then wiping a bit of clear RTV silicone on the threads, then attach the reel and let it set inside overnight (best cure at 70°).

You'll be able to clean that up easily if you want to later.....like if it doesn't work

The only other idea I have would be to install a recessed hex set screw.

[rainbow]

I'll tell you a good one that is a different problem. Last year while casting a brand new spinning reel a screw came out and several pieces of the reel fell off. Where? Right in the lake of course. I have also had the same issue you have with the locking nuts and I just keep tightening them. The plastic ones do wear after a while and will do that.

[Bill Babler]

That is a reel seat problem on the rod, not a reel problem. Here is how you fix it. Get a piece of moleskin and cut the appropriate length and size to fit the bottom of the reel seat. Stick it on the cork or plastic whichever the reel seats against, this will make a very firm seal by using it as a compression material between the reel and the rod material, whatever it may be. Put it on and then tighten it completely down. I mean twist it hard. That should do the trick.

The added compression will keep the reel tight and will keep pressure on the plastic nut and plastic threads without any damage or using any adhesive products or doing any kind of drilling or damage to the rod or blank material. You can get this material which is glue backed at any archery store or I have found it at Walley World.

Good Luck and Great Fishing

[Mitch f]

Great idea Bill! Since the rod manufacturer is at the mercy of the reel bracket you put on, that would automatically fill the the dead spaces nicely.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Toothpicks and even matchsticks have worked. Folded paper has too.

[fishinwrench]

I got the impression that Ham's issue wasn't a hood to reel foot fit thing, but rather a locking ring that was easing backwards.

Which is it, Ham?

[MOPanfisher]

A few wraps of Teflon tape, tighten and forget.