Just got a Citica 201E last night. Fiddled with it and when I got to the side plate opening, I noticed the turn key is strange. To open it, I turn the turn key just about 2 millimeters before it snaps open. To close, I am only able to turn the dial just the 2mm to lock the sideplate. It doesn't snap or anything, just kinda tightens. But when the side plate is opened, the turn key fully does a 45 degree snap lock, snap unlock. It is not loose when I close it, it's secure but I would just like to know if it's faulty so I can exchange.

Do I have a dud? Can anyone who has one handy confirm?

This sounds normal.

Aw shucks. Update: I have a dud. Gotta bring it in for exchange.

According to a youtube video of a guy cleaning his exact same Citica reel, at the end when he is closing the side plate back up, he is able to turn the dial about half an inch and have it "click!" lock. Mine just tightens about 1/8 of an inch and doesn't click lock.

Thanks anyways for the reply Mr. Leo.

I honestly don't think you have a dude. This is one of the few things I don't like about the Citica. Try loosing your spool tension knob so ths spool is seated  deaper in the real. When I first got mine I had the same issue and I finally figured it out but now and again the issue pops up still.

I honestly don't think you have a dude. This is one of the few things I don't like about the Citica. Try loosing your spool tension knob so ths spool is seated deaper in the real. When I first got mine I had the same issue and I finally figured it out but now and again the issue pops up still.

I tried this and notice the same thing with both of mine.

I don't understand the 2mm, 1/2" and 1/8" comments.

If you're rotating something, you measure in degrees.

To open, you turn it clockwise (on a LH reel) about 20 degrees. CCW the same amount to close it.

Make sure the brakes are pushed in towards the center, or you can damage them (which is what I bet's going on with your reel)