Wanted to check a couple older reels to determine their max drag. Tied em to a scale and pulled. Both registered much lower than I expected despite the drags have been serviced. Maybe this isn't a good way?

 

A bigger set of channel locks to tighten that drag down good will help the cause ? ? ?

LoL, have the same scale.

I test my drags at the end of each year after servicing them and they always fall under the advertised rating.

BUT smoothness is what I seek.

What are they testing at? 

I use to grease my drag components to make them smoother. I didn't realize until later it also makes the drag weaker. I clean and leave the components oil free if I can, greatly improves old Abu round reel drags.

fwiw

That's even better for Setting your drag, to 1/4 of your weakest link, line or leader test, or rod max line rating.  

 

Max drag doesn't really mean anything, unless it won't reach the number above.  

Max drag is over rated marketing. Means next to nothing in real world scenarios.  If want to test for curiosity that’s as a good a way as any