I got a h2o mettle and i hooked on bottum with a crankbait and i pulled and the reel made a grinding noise and now it reels like it would have sand in it.

You have discovered why these reels and others like it are priced so low. You have more than likely stripped or sheared off some teeth on the gears or had a bearing go bad. It doesn't happen all the time but it does happen enough with typically with anglers who use them a few times a week. The reason they are priced good is the bearings and gears are often made with substandard material, in some cases the stuff holds up but in a lot more cases the reel has some failure and they normall last a seaon of so depending on how often it is used. Sadly I doubt you could fix it any cheaper than what it will cost to replace it.

Sometimes referred to as "disposable reels"

its warrantied and can be returned, rejoice

If nothing has changed, you will get a brand new reel. The warranty is great on these things. For the price they go for, often $25 or $30, one should not expect the components to equal those of much higher priced reels. Using my H20 mettle next to my Lews TS1H it's clear which one feels more solid and durable.

Mine has yet to fail me and it's comforting to know that if it ever does I can send it in and get it replaced. Just send it in and get a new one.

Yeah i have the receipt, should i get a black max instead? Its the same price

Yeah i have the receipt, should i get a black max instead? Its the same price

Yeah i have the receipt, should i get a black max instead? Its the same price

The Black Max is the same type of deal, the lowest priced reels that are made with good bearings are the Lews Speed spool, not the laser as it has a graphite frame. The Quantum Kinetic, the Shimano Citica, and the Revo S, all of the reels can be had for around $99.00 and they will last longer and perform better, sadly the black max is the same as what you got, so try to stay away from casting reels in the $79.99 and lower area.