So my father asked me if I'd mind cleaning one of his reels for him. It's a Johny Morris Signature Series Baitcaster he's had for a while now, never been opened once and is in pretty dire need of it. However on this reel there is no handle nut, and I cannot for the life of me figure out how to take the thing apart. I took out all visible screws and the right side plate will budge until it bumps into the star drag. For reels without a handle retainer, is there a common way to disassemble them or does each manufacturer sneak in their own way?

 

Picture of the same model reel:

What's it worth to you?

Just kidding. Tighten the drag star and you'll see a spring loaded locking plate with teeth. Pull it in toward the side case and you can unscrew the whole handle from the shaft. 

1source.basspro.com/index.php/component/k2/193-fishing-rod-reel-repair/1766-owner-manual-library-johnny-morris-signature-fishing-reels

 

http://1source.basspro.com/images/PDF/JM_Reels_Owner_Manual/diagram_G_Johnny_Morris_fishing_reel_JMX1000HL.pdf

 

 

6 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

What's it worth to you?

Just kidding. Tighten the drag star and you'll see a spring loaded locking plate with teeth. Pull it in toward the side case and you can unscrew the whole handle from the shaft. 

Thanks! That did the trick.