Build an inexpensive device (about $8.00) for filling fishing reels with line. Easy to use, tangle-free, solo-operable, far cheaper, and just as effective as commercial models, which sell for $30 to $120. It will work with all reels and spool configurations. Can be mounted horizontally on a table or workbench or vertically on a door or bookshelf.
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Signing UpStep 1: Tools and Materials
MATERIALS:
(1) 5-1/2" x 8" x 3/4" plywood scrap
(1) 1-3/8" x 3-1/2" x 7/8" hardwood scrap
(2) 1-3/4" wood screws
(1) 1/4-20 x 8" machine bolt
(2) 1/4" I.D. shaft collars
(2) thumbscrews to fit shaft collar set screw thread
(2) 1/4" I.D. x 5/8" O.D. x 1/2" thick nylon spacers
(2) 3/4" O.D. hard plastic conical faucet washers
(1) 21/64" x 1-1/8" x .035" compression spring
(1) 1/4" flat washer
(1) 5/16" flat washer
(1) 5/16-18 wingnut
(1) 2" x 3" x 5/16" square u-bolt
(1) 1/4" I.D. x 1-1/2" long rubber tubing
(4) self-adhesive non-skid spots
TOOLS:
Wood saw
Hacksaw
Flat file
Drill motor
13/64" bit or 3/16" bit
1/4" bit
5/16" bit
Appropriate countersinking bit for your wood screws
220 grit sandpaper
7/16" box end wrench
Wood glue
Measuring device
Screwdriver for wood screws
Square
(1) 5-1/2" x 8" x 3/4" plywood scrap
(1) 1-3/8" x 3-1/2" x 7/8" hardwood scrap
(2) 1-3/4" wood screws
(1) 1/4-20 x 8" machine bolt
(2) 1/4" I.D. shaft collars
(2) thumbscrews to fit shaft collar set screw thread
(2) 1/4" I.D. x 5/8" O.D. x 1/2" thick nylon spacers
(2) 3/4" O.D. hard plastic conical faucet washers
(1) 21/64" x 1-1/8" x .035" compression spring
(1) 1/4" flat washer
(1) 5/16" flat washer
(1) 5/16-18 wingnut
(1) 2" x 3" x 5/16" square u-bolt
(1) 1/4" I.D. x 1-1/2" long rubber tubing
(4) self-adhesive non-skid spots
TOOLS:
Wood saw
Hacksaw
Flat file
Drill motor
13/64" bit or 3/16" bit
1/4" bit
5/16" bit
Appropriate countersinking bit for your wood screws
220 grit sandpaper
7/16" box end wrench
Wood glue
Measuring device
Screwdriver for wood screws
Square
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I'm glad you took a look at the line winder. I'm interested in your use of the electric drill. Did you make an adapter to use drill to turn the reel handle?
I'd like to see a photo of your set up, if possible.
Tight lines!
id.steelheader
can i get every thing at a homedepot or lowes???
I'm glad you are interested in the line winder. I live in a small town - population about 2400 - so I also had to do some searching for the parts. The nearest Lowes and Home Depot are each over 100 miles away, so I didn't look at either, but I think both stores should have the long bolt , the square U-bolt, and the springs.
I found the bolt in the bulk fastener bins at a Pro-Build lumber yard. I found the square U-bolt, thumbscrews, springs, and the conical washers at a True Value Hardware store. The local NAPA auto parts store ordered the shaft collars from one of their hardware vendors.
Once you gather up the parts, I think you'll enjoy building and using the line winder.
Steelheader
Thanks for your comment. I think the line winder will work well for you. Have you built it yet? If so, let me know what you think about the building instructions and using the winder.
Steelheader
Thanks for taking a look. I used spring clamps for a while to secure the line winder, but the L-clamp seemed a little cleaner and easier. I also thought about a line cutter. I never came up with a good design, so I just keep a clipper handy. I'll think about your razor blade idea. Thanks again for your suggestions.
Steelheader
Mark Kapaona, Honolulu HI.
I'm glad you found my Instructable for the fishing line winder. When you get it built, let me know how it works for you. I think you will like it.
Good luck in Afghanistan. Return home safely.
Sincerely,
ID Steelheader
Thess can be found at
http://www.tensionmate.com/
I was just thinking yesterday on how to make a line winder as I'm getting a new reel(my first baitcasting reel) soon. I never ever use the line that comes with the reel, never know how old it is or how it was wound on the reel.
TY for sharing this!!
I'm glad you were able to find the line winder in time to fill your new baitcaster.
I use my winder for re-lining all types of reels, and it makes the job quick and easy. Good luck with the winder construction, and good fishing! Let me know how things work out.
PS - Here's a baitcaster hint I've found very useful. Fill the reel spool to within 1/16" to 1/8" of the spool rim. Then pull out the final 50-60 yards of line and cut the line near the rod tip. Tie the two parts back together with a blood knot. Wind the line back onto the reel until the knot is on the spool. Cover the knot with a strip of electrician's tape that spans the spool. Finish winding on the line.I do it this way for 2 reasons: 1) Most of the time you only need to change the last 50-60 yards of line. This is where 99% of the wear and stretch occurs. Pull off the old line down to the knot, retie the new, spool the new on. Saves lots of $ 2) The tape prevents loops of line from becoming buried deep on the spool when you have a backlash (professional overrun??) It won't stop the backlash, but it reduces the chance of hopeless ones.
Enjoy!
id.steelheader
Well I finally took out the reel on its first fishing trip....
I caught:
6 catfish
4 bass
3strippers
25 blue gills
15 crappy
12 sunfish(I think that's what they're called-bright yellow on the sides)
18 bull heads(I sliced them up for bait)
8 walleyes
and I used nightcrawlers for the most part.
Now keep in mind that I was out for over 26 hours straight fishing & I had 12 different screen fishing containers with me.
I had to have help carrying everything home(paid 2 kids $5 each to help me)
and when I got home, I dumped all the fish in a horse trough(watering trough), took a shower & went to bed. I was exhausted but in a good way. :)
Great fishing trip! I'm glad your gear worked well for you.
id.steelheader
Do you have any recommendations as to where I can buy the parts? Neither Home Depot or Lowes carry the bolt, shaft collars or square U-bolt.
I'm glad you are interested in the line winder. Sorry you are having trouble finding the parts. I live in a small town - population about 2400 - so I also had to do some searching for the parts.
I found the bolt in the bulk fastener bins at a Pro-Build lumber yard. I found the square U-bolt at a True Value Hardware store. The local NAPA auto parts store ordered the shaft collars from one of their hardware vendors.