I ran a reel cleaning business for three years before buying a set of Wiha tools.  I still use the #1 Phillips head driver from the $10 kit from Lowe's.  It just works better than any other I've used.  Back in the day, I did around 250-300 reels a year.

A couple of pics of a home brew reel jig/vise....

 

On 2/14/2019 at 10:53 AM, Junger said:

Getting reels cleaned can really start to add up and I'm probably going to start doing my own reels (lower end ones) after this season. I'm also a little OCD so any little gunk or reel noise drives me crazy.

 

There are a myriad of ultrasonic cleaners on Amazon, lots in the 20oz container range. I'm thinking that's sufficient to only put bearings in there. The rest of the components I would clean using an Ardent wire mesh basket and container.

 

Any recommendations for ultrasonic cleaners, or are the ones off Amazon sufficient?

I run the small Hornady ultrasonic cleaner. I 

clean bearings and gears with it. 

On 2/12/2019 at 11:34 AM, Crow Horse said:

I'm putting together a dedicated tool kit for my reels (Mitchel 300Pro).

So far, this is what I have (or will have)

1. Wiha precision screwdriver set

2. 10mm combination wrenches

3. Assorted dental picks

4. Magnetizer

5. Reel "jig" - aluminum tubing with a Fuji reel seat that will be clamped into a small vise.

6. various cleaning implements - old toothbrushes

7. Lubricants - oil & grease, Super Lube

8. Parts tray(s)

9. Ultrasonic cleaner

10.- Gallon size ziplock bags to be used as a capture bag (to capture parts that want to go AWOL)

 

Anything else?.........

 

 

 

I would add a pack of very sharp hooks if you're going to remove bearing shields. 

On 2/15/2019 at 4:16 PM, Crow Horse said:

A couple of pics of a home brew reel jig/vise....

 

Just curious, what do you use it for?

It makes it a little easier to work on at times...

I would spend the extra money on Wera laser tip screwdrivers. They are the most solid, best gripping screwdrivers I've used.

You don't want to mess up you reel screws!

Precision screwdriver set.

 

Spool Pin Removal Tool.

On 2/12/2019 at 11:39 AM, J Francho said:

Muffin tray.  If you are going to do other brands of reels, the Smooth Drags 8 in 1 Tool next to the tray is handy.

 

 

 

This is a good idea too - I use an egg carton.

2 hours ago, CountryboyinDC said:

I use an egg carton.

I have a cat, lol.  You can probably connect the dots.

12 hours ago, J Francho said:

I have a cat, lol.  You can probably connect the dots.

For you the muffin tray is definitely the way to go.