>>1715121I've repaired a few reels in my day from eBay and pawn shops/thrift stores
If it's an old all metal reel I'll just take the whole thing apart, and soak in acetone to dissolve all the hardened grease, just don't let acetone touch any plastic parts or painted coatings, then reassemble with a nice thick automotive grease and mineral oil. Automotive grease is like 5 dollars for a tub that would last several lifetimes and is good for all kinds of things, plus it's waterproof. All the fancy oils for sewing machines, guns, and household stuff are all just mineral oil with various scents and cleaners added. Straight mineral oil is perfectly fine for 99 percent of applications.
If it's a plastic reel, try lighter solvents like turpentine or even just hot soapy water with a toothbrush to get rid of the old shit.
The reels I repair have been neglected going on 60 years though, so yours probably doesn't warrant this treatment.
