NOTE:  The following video is to be viewed with this guide:  Reel Installation Video

Preface:

  The following guide covers installing a reel on any band gun.  The reel used in the video that accompanies this guide is a Rob Allen SS reel and the gun it is being installed on is an older model Rob Allen 110 Rail Gun.  The methods in this guide and video will work on any wood, carbon, or metal banded gun.

Items needed:

 
1. Reel with mounting kit (mounting block, line guide, and screws)
 
2. Marker (a medium point Sharpie works well)
 
3. Automatic Center Punch
 
4. Drill
 
5. Drill bits
 
• You want the drill bit to be slightly smaller in diameter than the mounting screws.  A 9/32 bit was used in the video.
 
• Reamer – this can be necessary depending on the screw provided in the reel mounting kit for the guide.  You may need to provide for a counter sink of the screw in order to get the guide tight.
 

 

6. Marine Grade Adhesive

 

 
• We always use and recommend 3M Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200
 

 

7. A vise with a protective rubber wrap for the gun can also be very useful for keeping the gun steady when working on it.  Of course this is not necessary.  You can also have a helper hold the gun steady.

Instructions:

 
1. Place the mounting block on the barrel of the gun with the narrow end of the tapered block facing the handle of the gun.  The common method for determining the distance of the mounting block from the handle is to place 3-4 fingers (personal preference) between the block and the start of the barrel.  You will see that we use 3 fingers in the video.  The most important detail to pay attention to is that the reel will not interfere with the line release of the gun.  This is the reason for making sure that it is slightly forward on the barrel.  Make sure it is centered and then mark the mounting holes with a marker.
 
2. Take your automatic center punch and place it on the marked holes and punch to leave indentations for guiding the drill bit.
 
3. Drill the mounting holes while taking care not to drill too deep into the gun.  Only drill slightly deeper than the length of the screws.
 
4. Place a small amount of marine adhesive sealant on the back of the mounting block, and into the holes that you have just drilled.  This is a very important step and should not be skipped.  The main reason for the sealant is to keep water for seeping into your gun.
 
5. Place the mounting block on the gun while aligning the mounting holes with the holes drilled in the barrel.  A small pointed object works well in aiding the alignment.
 
6. Insert the mounting screws and completely tighten the mounting block.  Once tightened, wipe off any excess marine sealant that has protruded out around the block.
 
7. Slide your reel onto the mounting block.  Your reel is now set; time for the line guide.
 
8. If you are installing on a gun with a screw at the front of the barrel, such as the Rob Allen in the video, remove that front screw as this is where you will mount your line guide.  If you do not have a screw here, mark a spot slightly behind your muzzle as not to interfere with your line wrap or bands.
 
9. At this point you may need to ream the hole out slightly in order to countersink your line guide’s mounting screw.  It is important that the line guide’s screw is seated properly in order to completely secure the line guide from movement.  We use a drill mounted reamer to accomplish this.  Ream the hole out in small increments while testing the depth of your screw each time.  You want to countersink it deep enough that there is no more than 1/8” of the screw protruding above the barrel.  The desired end result is that the line guide mounting screw will be flush with the surface of the line guide to both fully secure the line guide, and keep from interfering with the line itself.
 
10. Place marine adhesive sealant into the line guides mounting hole. Align the line guide with the mounting hole, insert the mounting screw and tighten completely.

You have now mounted your reel and line guide.  You must let the sealant dry completely before entering the water.  You can now proceed to the next guide; Loading your reel.