@Delaware Valley Tackle @bulldog1935

I purchased a used Shimano Vanford C3000HG this fall -- I used it a handful of times in the fall and on one outing the bail stopped working (ie, it got stuck in the open position and would not stay closed).

I am just now getting around to taking a look at the reel and attempting a fix/trouble shooting (the wind chill outside is minus 32 so best to focus on indoor activities today).

I watched a few YouTube videos (a wide range, from good to, well, not so good), pulled up some schematics and read some articles.

It seems that I may have to take off the cover that encloses the bail arm spring and pins.

I have some Allen wrenches, yet the smallest size I have is a 1.5 -- it appears the cover requires a smaller sized Allen wrench -- Would anyone know what size Allen wrench is needed to remove the bolt/screw ? Is it a specialty Allen wrench just for Shimano reels ?

Any suggestions on YouTube or other videos to watch on how to trouble shoot the bail spring issue ?

Thank you in advance for any/all information !

The smallest I've ever seen or needed is 1.3-mm Hex.

I have this tool in 1.3, but note, they offer 4 smaller metric Hex sizes, down to 0.5-mm.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ES5MDU?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_6&th=1

fwiw, 1.5-mm is the smallest Daiwa uses:

https://japantackle.com/tools-and-others/tog0000048.html

I checked my bit-set, it only goes down to 1.5 mm Hex.

Wiha sells a really nice bit set + handle that includes 1.3 and 0.9 mm

https://www.amazon.com/Wiha-75958-Piece-GoBox-Precision/dp/B0BLWJW8WH/ref=sr_1_34

Unfortunately, separate bits they only sell down to 1.5 mm

I had to get a small hex key for my Shimano Stradic CI4+ spinning reel. It was a 0.9 mm set screw that goes on the main shaft. I have the set from Wiha and like bulldog stated, they come smaller than that. Just don't overtighten it or you will strip it out.

Also, if you use threadlocker on anything that small, use Purple, or you'll strip it next time you try to remove it.

https://www.amazon.com/Loctite-38653-Purple-Strength-Thread/dp/B0002KKTT0/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1NEHR5378IW8V

OG Daiwa is bad about using blue loctite on tiny Phillips screws.

20 hours ago, bulldog1935 said:

Also, if you use threadlocker on anything that small, use Purple, or you'll strip it next time you try to remove it.

https://www.amazon.com/Loctite-38653-Purple-Strength-Thread/dp/B0002KKTT0/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1NEHR5378IW8V

OG Daiwa is bad about using blue loctite on tiny Phillips screws.

Hey @bulldog1935 ,... I've never used purple thread lock, just blue and occasionally red. Where does the purple fall in strength?

Is it below blue, or between red & blue?

Just curious...

@FrnkNsteen if we were in a bar having a beer I’d simply say it’s a much softer adhesive than blue and definitely more so than red. Definitely allows removing tiny, soft screws easier when needed. I use it on certain optic plates on pistols.

@FrnkNsteen Loctite 222 Purple Low Strength Thread Locker

Purple is definitely the low-strength for micro screw sizes.

Blue is too strong for anything smaller than M3.

The only place I use Red is a joint I want to Never come apart, such as IOS handle adapter - that is, it will come apart but it's not easy.

@FrnkNsteen adding PS -

When I bought my used CV-Z, the previous owner had completely stripped this PH1-M2.5 trying to get inside. It was still sealed with Daiwa's factory Blue loctite, and an EZ-out wouldn't remove it.

I used a jeweler's hammer on a PH2 bit to make a new bite, and it came out with a well-fit PH1 bit on my T-handle wrench.

I replaced every M2.5 on the reel with socket (hex) flat-head, and Purple loctite.

Here, I tapped the frame drain hole for M2.5 to add my favorite G-Nius hook keeper with socket-button-head

If you ever need fasteners, Bolt Depot sells piecemeal and ships 1st class mail - cost is tiny fraction of a McMaster order.

@bulldog1935

I was able to order and get the Wiha kit - and it did have a bit that fit the bolt/screw on the reel cover - BUT, it was not easy to get the screw/bolt off as clearly the previous owner of the reel had fairly well stripped the top of the screw/bolt.

I brought the schematic up on my computer so when I opened the cover I could see what I should be looking at, looking for - to my surprise it looks like there are several pieces missing (Bail Spring Guide B, Spring Guide A Support, Bail Spring Guide A Bushing) - so it is clear to me now why the bail was not working correctly.

Are these parts that I can buy from Shimano (or an aftermarket company) ?

I will look into Bolt Depot for a bolt/screw for the cover as that will need to be replaced.

Overall I have been very, very fortunate with the used rods/reels I have purchased (always a risk involved in purchasing used gear) - but this one has turned out to be a not so great purchase - although aside from these missing parts the reel looks to be in good shape (but, as they say, if a deal seems too good to be true, buyer beware !)

Try Shimano USA first.

After that, Plat.co.jp can definitely get parts for you

https://www.plat.co.jp/shop/catalog/optionparts/language/en/manufacturers/4/siries/165/

The model list will link to schematic and parts links.

Usually takes a week for them to get the parts from Shimano.

If you go with Plat, find DHL On Demand Delivery and sign up..

Both text and e-mail, they will send you tracking, and a link to pay import duty and brokerage up front to speed up Customs and avoid COD charge.

This report was a Plat parts order