I’m going to be optimistic when posting this question. But I’m afraid the answer is not going to be what I’m hoping for.

I have some spinning reels that came with spare spools. They have never been used and are several years old. Will the drags still operate properly or is this wishful thinking. All are Shimano; two Stradics, a Sedona, and a Sahara. The spools have been stored in the original boxes in a garage cabinet.

 

?

Should be fine as long as they didn't collect dust. 

15 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

Should be fine as long as they didn't collect dust. 

No dust.

Didn’t think of it making my original post, but is there a chance that over time the original grease would dry up or breakdown?

Not sure, but the felt or drag material shouldn't break down. Worst case scenario I imagine you would clean and regrease.

They should be fine, if not it's a quick fix to service them on most spools.

They should be fine. I’d give them a spin by hand when first installed just to be sure they’re free. You’ll find out quickly if they’re dry by fishing in the rain. If you get binding, remove the felt washers, dry , grease and reinstall. Better yet replace with Carbontex. 

Thanks all for the replies!

1 hour ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

They should be fine. I’d give them a spin by hand when first installed just to be sure they’re free. You’ll find out quickly if they’re dry by fishing in the rain. If you get binding, remove the felt washers, dry , grease and reinstall. Better yet replace with Carbontex. 

They are all older generation Shimanos. I think I’ll use one as an experiment. Take the drag apart and see what I’ve got.

As far as grease I’ve seen Cal’s talked up a lot. Do I need the tan or the purple?

Either will work I keep the tan on hand. Shimano bantam drag grease is good too. 

Keeping the dust (even the salt) off your spare spinning spools isn't tough if you store them in the right-size spool cans. 

 

 

When you apply drag grease, especially to new carbontex washers, make sure you get the inside and outside thickness.  Wet everything with the grease, then remove everything you can - you just want the film with no extra grease. 

I use the purple in everything but conventional reels which get tan.  The thinner NLGI1 purple stuff will have a faster startup, which is a must for light line fishing.  Plus a lot of guys where I am fish in the cold, and the purple stuff is made for just that.  The tan is definitely good stuff no doubt, but I feel that for most freshwater fishermen on this side of the world, the purple is a better match.  Guys fishing sturgeon and salmon get tan, everybody else gets purple.

14 hours ago, bulldog1935 said:

Keeping the dust (even the salt) off your spare spinning spools isn't tough if you store them in the right-size spool cans. 

 

 

When you apply drag grease, especially to new carbontex washers, make sure you get the inside and outside thickness.  Wet everything with the grease, then remove everything you can - you just want the film with no extra grease. 

 

Where could a guy order those spool can ? Thanks

9 minutes ago, KDW96 said:

 

Where could a guy order those spool can ? Thanks

Bait Finesse Empire has them if you're looking to buy domestically.

@redmeansdistortion has the best lead for you. 

When I order from hedgehog studios in Japan, I remember to throw them in with my larger orders. 

https://www.hedgehog-studio.co.jp/product-list/284

22 hours ago, redmeansdistortion said:

Bait Finesse Empire has them if you're looking to buy domestically.

 

22 hours ago, bulldog1935 said:

@redmeansdistortion has the best lead for you. 

When I order from hedgehog studios in Japan, I remember to throw them in with my larger orders. 

https://www.hedgehog-studio.co.jp/product-list/284

 

Thank you very much