I'm seeing more and more companies using metal locking nuts instead of hoods.  I like them for the most part, I think they look good and so far I haven't had any issues with them backing off.  

I think by far the biggest drawback is they can mar the reel foot, especially if its magnesium or a composite material.  For that reason I'm hesitant to use my Met B on rods with metal locking nuts.  I've used Teflon tape to protect my aluminum reels from damage and it has seemed to work.  The Met B comes with a thin piece of plastic that is supposed to prevent damage, but I'm not confident that will protect the foot.  I've heard of people using shrink tube for protection, but I've never tried it.

 

How do you guys protect your reels? 

Has anyone damaged carbon composite and or magnesium reels with metal locking nuts? 

How effective are the plastic foot guards Shimano includes with some of their reels?

 

Thank you for your time guys.

 

I've used shrink tubing to stop reel marring.

I'm not buying metal nut rods any longer.

 

 

Karl

I use these on all of my reels

 

I buy my reels to fish with, are they scratched?  I don't care as long as they fit tightly in the reel seat and handle the line as I'm looking for it to do...  another solution in search of a problem.

 

oe

I have one rod with a metal locking nut. I am not a big fan. It scratches my reel foot and feels like it might back out easier than the hood style. But right now I have a shrink tube on it. Maybe that Abu protector will provide additional friction to keep it from backing out.

Are they made specifically to fit Abu reels?  Will they fit on Shimanos?

Electrical tape, super quick and easy.

1 hour ago, DomQ said:

Electrical tape, super quick and easy.

I tried electrical tape and they rip easily when tightening with my metal locking nut. At least that is my experience.

2 hours ago, Rusty_Shackleford said:

Are they made specifically to fit Abu reels?  Will they fit on Shimanos?

I use them on an Abu, a Flueger, and a bunch of Daiwa. I think that all of the reel feet are pretty much the same

5 hours ago, OkobojiEagle said:

I buy my reels to fish with, are they scratched?  I don't care as long as they fit tightly in the reel seat and handle the line as I'm looking for it to do...  another solution in search of a problem.

 

oe

OK. Most of my reels are made with Magnesium frames and you don't want them to scratch if you can help it. It tends to corrode easier and differently than aluminum. Aluminum corrosion is more or less self limiting. It will form a coating of Aluminum oxide that will seal the metal off from more corrosion. Magnesium...not so much. Once it starts it tends to keep corroding and it will crumble away pretty quickly if exposed to salt.

I dont buy rods with the locking nuts for this very reason.  If it were my only option I guess I'd live with it but since its not I choose to buy ones with hoods. Dont recall seeing many Loomis or dobyns rods with locking nuts. If someone likes them more power to em. 

3 hours ago, Shimano_1 said:

I dont buy rods with the locking nuts for this very reason.  If it were my only option I guess I'd live with it but since its not I choose to buy ones with hoods. Dont recall seeing many Loomis or dobyns rods with locking nuts. If someone likes them more power to em. 

All rods use some kind of locking nut.  The difference is most use hoods in conjunction with a locking nut.  The ones I have are solid and they don't back of at all.  I have some issues with rear locking reel seats coming loose on a few of my spinning rods.  I could use teflon tape to sure it looks tacky.  

I've only used aluminum framed reels with the metal nuts and just a little bit of teflon prevents damage.  I think a lot of people damage the feet from really locking the reel down.  The tape gives you a snug fit without having to tighten the nut too hard.  

I was just curious if anyone had a better way and their experiences with magnesium reels. 

What the heck are you guys talking about?  The object is to catch fish, at least that's my object.

 

All you guys that buy tackle for status, enjoy yourselves.  Hold each other's hand and tell your neighbor how special you are. 

 

You'll be in the truck on the way home, while I'm waiting in the check  line. 

5 hours ago, mcipinkie said:

What the heck are you guys talking about?  The object is to catch fish, at least that's my object.

 

All you guys that buy tackle for status, enjoy yourselves.  Hold each other's hand and tell your neighbor how special you are. 

 

You'll be in the truck on the way home, while I'm waiting in the check  line. 

Well, We still have some derby's goin' on here on Table Rock and next door at bull Shoals, plus the Ozark Mountain team trail Joe Bass ect. will be getting started before long.

You should come on down and prove it..

14 hours ago, mcipinkie said:

What the heck are you guys talking about?  The object is to catch fish, at least that's my object.

 

All you guys that buy tackle for status, enjoy yourselves.  Hold each other's hand and tell your neighbor how special you are. 

 

You'll be in the truck on the way home, while I'm waiting in the check  line. 

No problem, to each their own, you care more than I do about what you think of me.

1 hour ago, NOC 1 said:

No problem, to each their own, you care more than I do about what you think of me.

X2. Wouldn't exactly say not wanting to damage my gear equates to buying it for status. If that makes someone feel superior about their fishing skills more power to em lol.

23 minutes ago, Shimano_1 said:

X2. Wouldn't exactly say not wanting to damage my gear equates to buying it for status. If that makes someone feel superior about their fishing skills more power to em lol.

LOL, Yeah, and from a guy who says he fishes a Skeeter to boot.