Can You Use Marine Grease On Fishing Reels?

Geoff Stadnyk in Fishing Reels on

When it comes to fishing, there are a lot of little things that make a big difference. One of the most important is using the right type of grease on your fishing reel. Many people wonder if they can use marine grease on their fishing reels. In this blog post, we will discuss why you should use marine grease on your fishing reel and how to do it properly.

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So, can you use marine grease on fishing reels?

The answer is yes! Marine grease is designed to protect metal against corrosion, and it can be used on any type of fishing reels like ultralight spinning reels, electric fishing reels, or even classic fishing reels. It’s important to use marine grease instead of standard automotive grease because the latter will not provide the same level of protection against corrosion.

How to apply marine grease to a fishing reel

a man repairs a fishing reel with improvised means.

To apply marine grease to your fishing reel, you’ll need a few basic supplies:

  • Marine grease
  • Rag or brush
  • Old newspaper or cardboard

Remove the reel from the rod

First, remove the reel from the rod and lay it out on some old newspaper or cardboard. This will help protect the finish on your reel.

Apply a thin coat

Next, use a rag or brush to apply a thin coat of marine grease to all metal parts of the reel, including the handle and spool. Use only enough grease so that it covers the metal without being too thick or thin.

Apply more if needed

If you need more grease, apply it in thin layers until it’s evenly coated. Be careful not to get any grease on the rubber parts of the reel, as this can cause them to deteriorate over time.

Replace the reel

Once you’ve applied marine grease to your fishing reel, replace it on the rod and tighten down the screws. Give the reel a few turns to make sure it’s not sticking or binding before you put it away.

What is marine-grade grease?

Marine grease is a type of lubricant used on boats and other watercraft. It’s typically made from synthetic oil or petroleum-based products, although some newer greases are derived from vegetable oils like soybeans.

It also contains additives that help protect against corrosion, rusting and oxidation in saltwater environments where these problems can occur more quickly than they do in freshwater situations.

Marine grease is typically thicker and heavier than other greases, which means it stays on longer without being washed off by water or rain. It also tends to have a higher melting point, meaning it won’t melt away when exposed to high temperatures like those found under the hood of an engine.

This makes marine grease an ideal choice for lubricating fishing reels, as it can withstand the harsh conditions they often encounter. It also won’t damage the metal parts of the reel like some other types of greases can.

Tips for using marine grease on your fishing reels

Fishing Reel

There are some tips that will help ensure you get the most out of adding marine grease to your fishing reel.

Take proper care of your reel

Keep in mind that while marine grease is designed to protect the metal from corrosion, it won’t prevent rust from forming if you don’t take proper care of your reel.

Clean off excess grease

Don’t forget to clean off any excess grease before putting the reel back on your rod, as this can cause a buildup of dirt and debris which can damage the line or get caught in other parts of it.

Always read the label

Always read the label on any products before using them because they may not be compatible with your fishing reel or could cause damage if used incorrectly.

Can I mix Marine grease with regular grease?

No, you should not mix marine grease with regular automotive grease. Marine grease is specifically designed to protect metal against corrosion in saltwater environments, while automotive greases are not. Using the two together could cause damage to your fishing reel.

Is there a difference between marine-grade and standard automotive grease?

Yes, there is a difference between marine-grade and standard automotive grease. Marine-grade grease contains additives that help protect against corrosion, rusting, and oxidation in saltwater environments, while standard automotive greases do not.

Can I use car grease on fishing reels?

You can use car grease on fishing reels, but it’s not recommended. The main reason is that automotive greases are designed to protect moving parts and may not provide the same level of protection against corrosion as marine-grade products do.

Also, if you’re using a reel made out of aluminum or another non-ferrous material such as stainless steel, these materials are susceptible to galling when exposed to high temperatures so they need special treatment.

Can I use silicone grease on fishing reels?

Yes, you can use silicone grease on your reel. Just make sure that it’s designed specifically for the type of material your reel is made out of (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel, etc.), as some silicone greases can cause damage to these materials.

Can you use multi-purpose grease on fishing reels?

Multi-purpose grease can be used on fishing reels, but it’s not recommended. This is because multi-purpose greases are designed to protect moving parts and may not provide the same level of protection against corrosion as marine-grade products do.

Can you use Vaseline on fishing reels?

top view of young women use Vaseline for caring health

No, you should not use Vaseline on fishing reels. While it may provide some lubrication, Vaseline is a petroleum-based product and can cause damage to the metal parts of your reel over time. It’s also important to note that Vaseline is not a water-resistant product, so it will not protect your reel from corrosion.

Can you use axle grease on fishing reels?

No. Axle grease is designed to protect moving parts and may not provide the same level of protection against corrosion as marine-grade products do. It’s also important to note that axle greases are typically very thick and can be difficult to apply evenly over smaller surface areas such as those found on a fishing reel.

In Conclusion

While marine grease can be used on fishing reels, it’s not recommended to use automotive greases as they may not provide the same level of protection against corrosion. Always read the label on any products before using them because they may not be compatible with your fishing reel or could cause damage if used incorrectly.

Geoff Stadnyk

Geoff started fishing as a child in the gorgeous lakes of Mammoth, while on family vacations. His fishing experience includes the use of fly rod and reel. Guided trips along the Madison and Gallatin rivers in Montana, the Frying Pan and Animus in Colorado, and the Deschutes river in Oregon have all paid off and helped make Geoff the angler and writer that he is today.

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