Mitchell Reel Forum

Been searching the internet for this answer and can’t find it, hoping this forum can answer this.
My handle disappeared from my Mitchell 300 reel during a move. I have bought a replacement on eBay but the threads on the screw Threads are all chewed up, and I am unable to screw the handle onto the reel. If I can determine the thread pitch and size, I can possibly buy an Appropriate sized left hand dye to chase the threads or remove the stud and replace it with a matching size stud. The eBay seller posted pictures of a pristine handle but sent me garbage. Unfortunately, I did not Get a chance to send it back as a return in time and the seller was unwilling to help me and correct The issue while taking advantage of eBay’s timeframe. Obviously not A trustworthy seller or person in general.

plumkrazy27, Welcome to the Mitchell Reel Museum Forum.

Sorry for your bad luck with the seller.

There are many ways you can go with this. Here are a few ideas and or suggestions.
-Make sure you get the right handle as the handles for left hand wind reels have different threads than the right hand wind reels.(Handle turns in opposite directions)
-Mitchell modified the 300 handles many times. If you want to replace your handle with the correct version you will need to do a little research.
-The threads are metric but I don't know the size at the moment.
-Buying a die might be a good way to go but I would check into the cost of a metric die vs the cost of a new or used handle on eBay.
-I assume you have the handle the die mounts in already, otherwise, add that cost to the new die approach. Also, shipping will have an influence on the total cost either way.
-Hopefully the threads on the inside of the drive gear shaft are still good. (The handle screws into the end of the drive gear shaft) If not you may need a different approach.(May need a tap as well)
-New old stock handles for the 300 reels are actually often less expensive that older ones. Many sellers charge about $10 bucks for a used 300 handle but I see exceptions every day.
-Handles for any year 300 reel will work on any year model 300 reel.
-When chasing the threads on the mangled handle, try and get the die as close to he handle hub as you can. You will want the handle hub to fit right up to the drive gear tunnel opening if you can.
-The handle shaft and hub are made out of aluminum alloy but the threads are steel and are cut in a small nipple that threads into the handle hub part way. Sometimes this can loosen up, and when this happens, I put a drop of blue loc-tite on the threads that go into the handle hub to keep it tight.
-I have seen that the cost of a complete used reel can be the same as some parts. All depends on the seller so shop around on eBay-you can often find a better deal than just buying a new part.
Well, I hope this gives you some help and that you find a solution that works for you. If you run into a problem, just let us know and we will do our best to help.
Kind Regards,
Bill

Could you even find a left-handed Metric tap or die in the US? Genuine question, I'm in the UK.

I'd simply look out for a new handle.

Primer paint on a third version is quite unusual but we do tend to associate it with early third versions ( But not always)


Your reel would have originally been fitted with lever wind gears which move the spool in and out very slowly, pretty easy to spot. The spool is original by the way, the big rounded release button is correct.

I think your reel has just had a new side cover, perhaps because the bush was worn on the old one and a later handle fitted. I would think it was made in around 1951.