I have two Pflueger Summit reels that are in need of maintenance. I can't seem to get the handle off. It's the one where you have to do something to the braking system. Anyone have any hints as to how I can get this handle off without throwing this reel in the river. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks ... Mike

I have two Pflueger Summit reels that are in need of maintenance. I can't seem to get the handle off. It's the one where you have to do something to the braking system. Anyone have any hints as to how I can get this handle off without throwing this reel in the river. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks ... Mike

you lock down the drag then unscrew the handle.

Tighten the drag star as far as you can.

You'll find a plastic collar between the star and the handle.

Push this piece in while turning the handle backwards.

A word of warning: Don't over tighten the handle when reinstalling or you'll never get it off again. I'm assuming from your question you don't have a manual or schematic in front of you. If this is the case, stop until you get a schematic.

No I don't have the schematic in front of me and have had other Pfueger's apart before. These seem to be extremely difficult to loosen. I thought perhaps there was something different about them. I will look for the plastic piece mentioned. For as much as I love the feel of these reels, I honestly don't like the handle system. Thanks for y'all's input on this. AND I WON"T OVERTIGHTEN.

I hate that reel design. It's hard to work with and puts extreme pressure against the AR bearing by turning it backwards until the tightness of the threads breaks loose.

This video on youtube showed me how to take it off .

p.s click the underline word it will send you right to the link .

you can embed videos by clicking the Insert Media button: