Any idea on how to get sand out from under the foam knob on a spinning reel? I know a lot of higher end spinning reels have the knob screwed onto the handle, but my Lews Mach Crush's knob is riveted onto the handle, which doesn't allow me to remove it. Any ideas, or will I have to replace the whole handle?

If you can't remove the knob, try flushing with WD-40 and then wipe down and lubricate with your favorite reel lube (oil - not grease).

No, don't use WD40 use Boeshield.  It has many more uses cleaning and protecting your metal items that get wet. 

Use the nozzle and spray it into the top end.  Wipe, put your mouth on it and blow. 

Sop what comes out the bottom. 

Repeat until the problem is solved. 

 

This procedure works on OP's valuable 100 y-o Hardy reels. 

Blow it out with an air nozzle on an air compressor if you have access to one, then lube.

I recommend the air blast solution. If you don't have access at home, simply stop by a local mechanics shop and simply ask.

Another alternative is to use a business card to slide in there and hopefully knock out the debris.

It happened to me, I open the reel and spring loaded parts jumped out, Sweep everything with broom to a zip log and sent them to Abu

2 minutes ago, ATA said:

It happened to me, I open the reel and spring loaded parts jumped out, Sweep everything with broom to a zip log and sent them to Abu

Lol, think he's just talking about the crank knob but have experienced what your saying.

 

 

If you don’t have a compressor get a can of compressed air and can of electrical parts cleaner. Alternate until debris is removed. Use eye protection. Oil when done.