Bale arm not working correctly

[cambridgechubber]

Good evening!

I’ve just been given a Mitchell reel by an old friend that got me into fishing. He said the bale arm isn’t working at the moment and needs looking at. I’ve stripped it down and I think it might be the bale arm spring?? I’ve 0 experience with these reels, he gave me a card for the Mitchell museum and said to get in contact!

I noticed the spring seems to be detached from the arm on the side, apologies I don’t know exact terms for the parts. I’ve re attached the spring but it still doesn’t have a nice click when I open the bale arm and it’s floppy when it’s closed so I’m guessing the spring is worn out and will need replacing.

Anyone know where I can get spares?

I think this reel is Mitchell Half Bale 3rd Version from the little bit of research I’ve done.

Any help would be appreciated!

Kind regards, Toby

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[GreatLaker]

Toby, Welcome to the Mitchell Reel Museum Forum

Well it looks like you have a nice third version Mitchell there. This reel was later called the Mitchell 300.
Your reel is what we call a half bail reel which means that the bail shape changed later on to a full bail and is connected to the rotating head on two sides instead of one as is yours.
Thank you so much for posting the photos as it makes it so much easier for us to know what is going on.
Yes your bail spring is indeed bent out of shape. Finding third version bail springs is very difficult and one rarely sees them for sale on eBay or anywhere else. I would suggest you first try and straighten it out yourself.
Try and be careful removing the screw that holds the spring in place. The slot is very narrow and most screw drivers need to be filed down (reducing blade thickness) in order for them to fit into the screw slot.
I will post an image showing the shape to reference while bending the wire. This is hardened spring wire so be careful and avoid bending then bending back in the opposite direction as it will break easily.
Other than that you can try and ask around to see if anyone has one they might be willing to donate. Let us know if you don't have any luck.

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Kind Regards,
Bill

[Sandman]

Toby, Bill provides great info.

A couple more thoughts. Utilizing a pair of wire shaping pliers as in the attached link is very helpful. Also, once you have the shape you are happy with, bake it in your oven at 350F for 15 minutes to set-temper and keep the shape. This is imperative for all spring steel.

Sandman

https://micromark.com/products/small-wi ... p%20pliers