Can You Use Gun Oil on Fishing Reels?
As an angler, it’s essential to know what products to use to maintain and protect your valuable fishing gear, including fishing reels. One common product that may come into question is gun oil. Many anglers wonder if gun oil can be used on their fishing reels. Let’s dive into the matter and explore the answer in detail.
Can Gun Oil be Used on Fishing Reels?
No, gun oil should not be used on fishing reels. While gun oil may seem like a reasonable option to lubricate the reel’s moving parts, it’s not suitable for several reasons.
Gun Oil vs. Fishing Reel Oil
Key differences:
| Property | Gun Oil | Fishing Reel Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Base composition | Petroleum-based solvents | Synthetic lubricants |
| Moisture absorption | Soaks up moisture, promotes rust | Repels water, prevents corrosion |
| Friction reduction | Not designed for high-pressure, high-temperature use | Specifically designed for reduced friction in reels |
| Compatibility | Can leave residue, affects plastic parts | Safe for most materials, including plastics |
As shown in the table above, gun oil and fishing reel oil have distinct compositions and properties. Gun oil is designed for use in firearms, where the gun oil’s petroleum-based solvents help to lubricate moving parts and prevent corrosion. However, fishing reels operate under different conditions. Reels are constantly exposed to water, moisture, and varying temperatures, making fishing reel oil more suitable for their needs.
Why Gun Oil Isn’t Recommended
If gun oil is used on fishing reels, it can cause issues:
• Corrosion: Gun oil absorbs moisture, which can accelerate corrosion on metal parts and harm the reel’s internals.
• Rust: The petroleum-based solvents in gun oil can actually promote rust, instead of preventing it, particularly on metal components.
• Residue: Gun oil can leave a sticky residue on plastic parts, causing them to bind and restrict smooth operation.
• Incompatibility: Gun oil may not be safe for use with some materials, such as ceramics, titanium, or modern polymers, commonly used in reel construction.
Alternatives to Gun Oil
If you’re in a pinch and need a quick lubricant for your fishing reel, there are other options available:
- Fishing reel oil: Specifically designed for reels, this oil provides effective lubrication and corrosion prevention.
- Silicone spray: A good substitute for gun oil, silicone spray is safe for plastics and won’t leave a residue.
- WD-40: A well-known penetrating oil, WD-40 can help free stuck parts, but not as a long-term lubricant.
Best Practice: Maintenance and Lubrication
To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your fishing reels, follow these guidelines:
- Regularly clean the reel to prevent dirt and debris buildup.
- Apply a thin, even layer of fishing reel oil to moving parts (drag washers, ball bearings, and other bearing surfaces).
- Wipe off excess oil to avoid attracting dirt and debris.
- Store reels in a dry, clean environment or wrap them in a clean cloth to prevent moisture and dirt accumulation.
In summary, gun oil should not be used on fishing reels due to its incompatibility with fishing reel materials, propensity to promote corrosion, and inability to provide effective lubrication. Instead, opt for specialized fishing reel oil, silicone spray, or other compatible lubricants. Follow proper maintenance and lubrication techniques to keep your fishing reels in top condition for optimal performance and extended life.
