Howdy.

Until quite recently, I was under the assumption that fishing reels should just work forever without any effort on my part, other than to destroy them. This turned out to be false.

I have a Daiwa reel that I almost destroyed. I've taken it all apart, but I have no clue what I'm doing. I don't want to send it to get fixed...$20 to fix a reel I spent $50 on does'nt make sense to me.

When I retrieve line, there is a grinding sound/feeling. It is at the exact same time in the retrieve every turn of the handle. It's like a metronome (for the musicians out there). I have oiled the bearings on both sides of the handle, but I don't know what else to do.

Any help or even a suggestion would be much appreciated!

I don't disagree with you point about investing too much in an inexpensive reel and $50 is pretty near the tipping point. I help you if I can but before tossing it, look t it this way: for <$30 you'll have a better than new $50 reel. The first step in any reel repair is to obtain a schematic if you haven't already.Tear the reel down to the frame looking for obvious wear and replace anything suspicious. Lube liberally including the junction of the mainshaft and pinion. Good luck. Let meknow if I can help