Diawa PT-33 SH reel drags

[acesover]

I have a few of these reels, and the drags are all shot. I have had these since the 80's and was wondering if the drags can be replaced?  They also need clean and lube. With them being as old as they are, would parts be available?

[Capt. BassinLou]

I have a few of these reels, and the drags are all shot. I have had these since the 80's and was wondering if the drags can be replaced?  They also need clean and lube. With them being as old as they are, would parts be available?

These are great questions for Mike Cork. He will get you squared away.

[J.W.]

Mike would know better than I would, but if push comes to shove, I have seen these old Daiwas and parts, including drag washers, pop up on eBay from time to time.

[loomisguy]

Just my opinion , But I wouldn't invest any more money in reels that old even if the parts are available.
For around 100 bucks you can have a new Tatula or Shimano SLX .

[skidemn]

I have a few of these reels, and the drags are all shot. I have had these since the 80's and was wondering if the drags can be replaced?  They also need clean and lube. With them being as old as they are, would parts be available?

Wow, it's good to see I'm not the only one with some of these old beasts! While, I'm quite certain you could measure the inside and outside diameter of the drag washers then find something similar in carbontex, and I'm also certain it's not worth your effort. 30 years of fishing reel technology has passed since those Daiwas were in their prime, and for not a lot more than the cost of drag washers, which are probably going to be around 30 bucks, you can get a reel that is considerably better. Hell, I bought a used Daiwa Fuego last year for $40, and there's no comparison between those reels. I just saw a used Shimano SLX for $80 yesterday, so while you may have a nostalgic attachment to that reel, you are much better suited by moving on.


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[Mike Cork]

I have a few of these reels, and the drags are all shot. I have had these since the 80's and was wondering if the drags can be replaced?  They also need clean and lube. With them being as old as they are, would parts be available?

I know we were communicating in a PM but I figured I'd answer here so future folks can see.

Carbontex said they don't have an exact match, but we could order something larger and try and cut it to fix.

I'm kind of with everyone here on the option to buy a new reel. This model reel has a really small handle, and if the drag washers are going, the clutch return springs are probably not far behind. When the springs go, you are probable up a creek. None of the reel companies make parts for reels after about five years old anymore.

I'll send you a PM as well.

[acesover]

Thanks for all the info Mike!

[alvaro1]

Replacing drags on your Diawa PT-33 SH reels is possible, but finding the parts might be a challenge due to their age. You might find some luck in vintage fishing gear shops or online marketplaces, like eBay. Regular clean and lube are crucial for a reel's lifespan, so be sure not to neglect that after you've got the drags sorted out.

[Espresso_Junky247]

I have a few of these reels, and the drags are all shot. I have had these since the 80's and was wondering if the drags can be replaced?  They also need clean and lube. With them being as old as they are, would parts be available?

Wow, it's good to see I'm not the only one with some of these old beasts! While, I'm quite certain you could measure the inside and outside diameter of the drag washers then find something similar in carbontex, and I'm also certain it's not worth your effort. 30 years of fishing reel technology has passed since those Daiwas were in their prime, and for not a lot more than the cost of drag washers, which are probably going to be around 30 bucks, you can get a reel that is considerably better. Hell, I bought a used Daiwa Fuego last year for $40, and there's no comparison between those reels. I just saw a used Shimano SLX for $80 yesterday, so while you may have a nostalgic attachment to that reel, you are much better suited by moving on.


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At least those older reels have far better build quality than the lightweight toy garbage out there these days. Personally wouldn't pay for 95% of what's available currently.