Oily residue.

[coldbum]

I have recently noticed a slight oily film emanating from my tipups (Jack Traps).  Does anyone have any suggestions for washing tipups and braided line? Obviously I can not wash them with something that will leave an odor. I will change the line if I have to but I just put new line on the entire set this season. I really can not afford to buy more if I do not have to. 

Suggestions anyone

 

[fishlessman]

were they pre lined by jack traps or line supplied by them. have noticed it on my trout jrs and wondered if it was the waxed line they use, thinking the wax was cut to soften it with an oil base

[coldbum]

Actually I just spoke with someone from Jack's Traps and he suggested that it was probably just a little lithium grease and not a worry. The line is new. I replace it every year or two. The traps are 4 or 5 years old now.

[mr.clean]

Keep an eye on how your tipups preform ,all makes and models will leak lubricate from trip mechanism over time .If things get worse contact Jack Traps and ask how to re-lubricate your tipups. I'm not sure if this is possible you may have to replace the trip mechanisms. I know on broad/rail style tipups you can take apart the mechanism remove the old lubricant ,relube and put everything back together. Also if you check a tipup and notice line out and no flag up or you have been spooled ,you are probably loosing lubricant and water is getting into the trip mechanism and causing it to freeze up and not trip.
   I hope the Jack Trap rep. was correct and it is not any thing major.

Steve

[hawgzilla]

Keep an eye on how your tipups preform ,all makes and models will leak lubricate from trip mechanism over time .If things get worse contact Jack Traps and ask how to re-lubricate your tipups. I'm not sure if this is possible you may have to replace the trip mechanisms. I know on broad/rail style tipups you can take apart the mechanism remove the old lubricant ,relube and put everything back together. Also if you check a tipup and notice line out and no flag up or you have been spooled ,you are probably loosing lubricant and water is getting into the trip mechanism and causing it to freeze up and not trip.
   I hope the Jack Trap rep. was correct and it is not any thing major.

Steve

Not sure how you are storing them in the off season (inside during the winter) but over time the grease will leak out if they are stored in the upright position say in a pack basket.  I store mine laying down so they are really only upright if I'm fishing with them.

If you're using the proper ice fishing line, I surely don't change it after/before every season (leaders yes but not my main line).

Jack traps and similar styles that have the rod running through an aluminum tube can be regreased with white lithium grease and a needle nozzel grease adapter like this one

http://www.gemplers.com/product/125905/Needle-Nozzle-Grease-Adapter?gclid=CMG02-m5_bQCFQJx4Aod2FEAaQ&sku=125905&CID=25SEPLA&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=125905&ef_id=UP8N5gAAD6XPmj7m20130123024015s

I've had success sticking it between the trip rod and the inside of the tube as far as it can go and using a rag or even a piece of playdough to kind of seal up that end.  Give the grease gun a few squeezes and until you see fresh grease come out the other end.