Hello, I just found this forum today and I’m hoping that someone can direct me to a source for my missing lock nut.
I have a custom built bait casting rod by Bon A Don. A former rod builder from Half Day, Illinois. The rod and handle are from around 1978 give or take a couple years. Here’s my problem. I’m missing the lock nut from the Lew’s Fuji Speed Fit Handle. The diameter of the inside of the handle that receives the rod measures 5/8ths of an inch and the measurement of the outside of the threads is 7/8ths of an inch. The material is a plastic or nylon. Any help is appreciated. I’ve searched and have purchased a couple handles that appeared to be a match but no luck. I’ll try to attach some photos. Thanks, Jeff

Jeffrey,
Have you tried going to a hardware store and just buying a nut that will fit the reel? Even if it isn't the same material, you would at least know the size and pitch of the threads to continue your search.

Best wishes

Call old bass pro John Bitter. Today in 2022 he is still fishing in tournaments using those old Lew's reels. I give him the ones I come across. I used to work for a rod and reel repair shop and worked on his rods and reels for years. I asked him one day how many does he have and its well into the hundreds. I'd bet most of them are just parts reels which brings me to my point... John Bitter owns his own bait and tackle shop in central Florida and he can be contacted there. [www.bittersbaitandtackle.com] And if John don't have it try the rod and reel shop down the street from his store. They also keep a large stock of new parts and backroom full of old reels for parts. [www.kelsrodreel.com] And if that don't work, look up JDL Treasures in Boca Raton or Old Dad's tackle also carried old reel parts. [www.dadsoletackle.com]

Good luck!



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/31/2022 09:35AM by Kent Griffith.

Kent's reply is a perfect example of why rodbuilding.org is such a treasure.


Kent Griffith Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Call old bass pro John Bitter. Today in 2022 he is
> still fishing in tournaments using those old Lew's
> reels. I give him the ones I come across. I used
> to work for a rod and reel repair shop and worked
> on his rods and reels for years. I asked him one
> day how many does he have and its well into the
> hundreds. I'd bet most of them are just parts
> reels which brings me to my point... John Bitter
> owns his own bait and tackle shop in central
> Florida and he can be contacted there.
> [www.bittersbaitandtackle.com] And if John
> don't have it try the rod and reel shop down the
> street from his store. They also keep a large
> stock of new parts and backroom full of old reels
> for parts. [www.kelsrodreel.com] And if that
> don't work, look up JDL Treasures in Boca Raton or
> Old Dad's tackle also carried old reel parts.
> [www.dadsoletackle.com]
>
> Good luck!

Thank you for your help and suggestion. I’ll follow up and let you know if I get lucky!