Worn Drag Washers

[Shooter]

I opened my big mouth in the other post about locking down drag washers and brought up worn out washers, I was questioned on discribing what worn out drag washers look like and everyone knows I ain't the pro on internals so I hope the ones that know alot more then I do *thats mostly everyone* will pitch in and help.

In my small brain I try to break it down as to what new washers feel like and the amount of drag they produce, then when something doesn't feel right as in there ought to be more drag or the drag use to be smooth and now is slips, it's time to have them checked *much like if the brakes on your car start to get mushy*.
I wish and maybe one day will be able to preform surgery on my own reels but for now I take them to my reel doc. whom I trust to give me an honest judment if they need replaced, just cleaned or a tune up.

Please jump in a help.

[Shooter]

Ya can't tell me no one knows

[rattler]

DANG IF I KNOW...if mine start slipping i try flipping one...if that doesn't i change them...

[Samurai]

For me it depends on the material of the drag.If it's heavily glazed/shiny,I either sand them or just change.The newer reels with them "wet" drags usually just need to be cleaned and regreased.I've had washers shaped like bottle caps after a strike.Buttoned the drag down and still screaming line.Those I would consider worn out.---If in doubt,just change them.Most drags are pretty cheap and not worth losing a trophy fish over.

[Digger]

My Jigmaster is 32 years old and the drags I believe have been replaced twice both during major overhauls(I think a new sideplate is major.) So replace on major repairs.