How to Remove the Spool Bearing Pin

You have the spool in your hand, the new bearings on the table, and then there is a tiny pin through the spool shaft that will not let the old bearing off. This pin stops more bearing swaps than anything else. With the right tool it takes a minute.

What the pin is for

The pin sits crosswise through the spool shaft. It holds the bearing on the shaft and on many reels it also connects the spool to the gearing when you turn the handle. The bearing sits between the spool and the pin, so the pin has to come out before the bearing can.

Does your reel have one?

Not every baitcaster does. Some carry no bearing on the spool at all. Take the spool out and look at the shaft on the handle side: if a small pin sticks out on both sides behind a bearing, you need to remove it. You can also type your reel into the bearing finder. It tells you whether a pin remover is needed.

Why pliers are a bad idea

The pin is small, round and sits tight. Pliers find little to grip and slip easily. When they slip, they bend the pin, mark the shaft or scratch the spool, and a damaged spool no longer runs true. The same goes for hammering the pin out on a hard surface.

How to remove the pin with a pin remover

1. Take the spool out of the reel and put it on a soft cloth.
2. Place the spool shaft in the pin remover so the pin lines up with the tip of the tool.
3. Turn the T-handle slowly. The tip pushes the pin straight out of the shaft.
4. Catch the pin. It is small and likes to disappear.
5. Slide the old bearing off the shaft.

How to put the pin back

1. Slide the new bearing onto the shaft.
2. Set the pin into its hole by hand.
3. Push it in with the pin remover until it sticks out the same amount on both sides.
4. Check that the bearing turns freely and the pin sits tight.

A pin that sits off centre can rub or fail to engage properly. Take the few seconds to centre it.

Pin remover or tool kit?

If you only change spool bearings, the single Spool Bearing Pin Remover is enough. If you service your reels yourself or fit a full bearing kit, the Baitcaster Reel Tool Kit includes a pin remover along with the other tools you need.

Next step

With the pin out, the rest of the swap is quick. The full walk-through is in How to replace spool bearings on a baitcaster.