Hi guys. I have an issue with a new front drag reel.  The adjustment knob doesn't tighten at all. it just clicks when turned clockwise and won't lock in at all.  The spool is sitting perfectly and anti reverse is on. it just a case of send it back or am I doing something wrong?  

Sounds like it might be a defect. 

Most reel spindles have a lot of exposed thread, and it takes many turns of the drag cap until you tighten it enough to register a drag load.  With the spool fully inserted and the drag cap removed, the forward face of the spool should be seated in a flat-keyed boss on the spindle.  Also on most reels, the full drag adjustment range will be in the last half-turn until full tight. 

 

10 hours ago, bulldog1935 said:

Most reel stems have a lot of exposed thread, and it takes many turns of the drag cap until you tighten it enough to register a drag load.  With the spool fully inserted and the drag cap removed, the forward face of the spool should be seated in a flat-keyed boss on the spindle.  Also on most reels, the full drag adjustment range will be in the last half-turn until full tight. 

 

Can’t tell what reel that is but I can see it’s a shallow spool .. you run mono or braid? I’m going to run some 2 pound mono on my Vanford  shallow spool 2500 next spring. Make fishing sporting again lol 

@F14A-B Hi friend, that's a Big Tica surf reel (same as Daiwa surf reel) - I have 2 braid spools, one for PE#1.5, and another for PE#2.5.  The photo above was handy - already had it for showing the spool shim to trim the line lay.  

 

 

1 minute ago, bulldog1935 said:

@F14A-B Hi friend, that's a Big Tica surf reel (same as Daiwa surf reel) - I have 2 braid spools, one for PE#1.5, and another for PE#2.5.  The photo was handy for showing the spool shim to trim the threadline line lay.  

 

 

Right. I understood your intent on the drag portion but I couldn’t resist getting sideways on the thread 🤣 I’m appreciative of higher end or unique gear in our sport. Appreciate the reply.