Fishing Reel Oil

Fishing reel oil for spinning, baitcasting and spincast reels. A reel lives around water, salt, sand and grit, and it fails in two places: the rubber seals, O-rings and plastic parts dry out and crack, and the metal gears and bearings rust and grind. This collection covers both with two oils, each matched to the part it suits.

Silicone Oil is for the rubber and plastic parts. It is chemically inert, so it is safe on rubber, plastics, composites and painted finishes. It keeps seals and O-rings from drying out and cracking, and it leaves a stable film that does not evaporate or gum up and repels moisture. Gun Oil is for the metal parts: a light coat on the gears, bearings and handle knob, anywhere metal moves against metal, where its moisture-repelling film protects against corrosion between trips. Seals get silicone, metal gets oil.

For the fine internal drag washers in some reels, follow the reel maker's guidance: some drag systems are designed to run dry or use a specific grease. The full guide to reels, knives, bows and tools is gun oil on knives, reels and tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What oil is best for fishing reel seals and O-rings?

A silicone oil. GNP Defend Silicone Oil is chemically inert, so it is safe on rubber and plastic, and it keeps seals and O-rings from drying out and cracking. Wipe a thin film on the seal, or put a drop on it, and turn the handle to spread it.

Can you use gun oil on a fishing reel?

Yes, on the metal parts. Put a light coat on the gears, bearings and handle knob, anywhere metal moves against metal. Use it sparingly, because excess oil attracts grit and sand. Use Silicone Oil on the rubber and plastic parts.

How do you oil a reel after saltwater?

Rinse the reel with fresh water, let it dry completely, then reapply: a light coat of Gun Oil on the gears, bearings and handle, and Silicone Oil on the seals and O-rings. Doing it after every saltwater trip keeps salt from sitting on bare metal.

Should you oil a reel's drag washers?

Check the reel maker's guidance first. Some drag systems are designed to run dry and some use a specific drag grease, so do not oil drag washers unless the manual says to.