Polar Tipup Maintenance?

[Traxion]

I've got a ton of Polar tipups that are getting a bit stiff in the cold weather.  In the past I have taken them apart, cleaned the tube, cleaned the shafts with emery cloth, relubed, and reassembled.  That helped a bit but I haven't been 100% happy.  They seem to get stiff awful quick.  I've tried HT Blue Lube and some Frabill lube without any different results.  Does anyone have any good advice for making these work better?

Thanks!

[UFCreel]

Seems like you are doing it right. Maybe try a different lube. http://www.unclejosh.com/Content/files/ProductImages/BDG-20.JPG

[indeeptreble]

I just finished doing the same to my tip ups only I used sub zero from cabelas I think the trick is to not over lube.

[esox_xtm]

I just finished doing the same to my tip ups only I used sub zero from cabelas I think the trick is to not over lube.

Polar tipup user since 1980.....

I'll respectfully disagree. I've used Blu-lube for 2 decades with no issues. When I re-lube I "pressure pack" the tubes as I re-insert the shafts. I use a large syringe to force lube into the tube from one end as I insert the shaft from the other, wiggling it back and forth to insure there's no air left in the tube. This really helps keep water out of the tube; the source of the stiffness and corrosion. (If this sounds a little weird, that was not the intention  )

Additionally, when I've got the shafts out, if there is any corrosion I use a green scrubbie to remove it before I put it back together. Finish scrubbing around the shaft instead of along the length (easier) to finish, I think it helps the smooth turning.

Just my two cents......

[DR.SPECKLER]

ive tried to to keep my polar tipups working good over the years but sooner or later they get stiff/corrosion and flags wont pop in the cold.thats the only reason I went to beaver dams.flawless over many years.seem  I would get about 5 years out of a polar with yearly maintenance/lube.all the materials are made out of cheap metal that corrodes.decent prices for tipups but im done with polars and have been for quite a few years.

[esox_xtm]

ive tried to to keep my polar tipups working good over the years but sooner or later they get stiff/corrosion and flags wont pop in the cold.thats the only reason I went to beaver dams.flawless over many years.seem  I would get about 5 years out of a polar with yearly maintenance/lube.all the materials are made out of cheap metal that corrodes.decent prices for tipups but im done with polars and have been for quite a few years.

I'm still running the first three I bought back in '80 for $7 a pop. Maybe they made 'em better back then. Ain't hardly nothin' built better than before.

[SALMONEMIA]

Polar tipup user since 1980.....

I'll respectfully disagree. I've used Blu-lube for 2 decades with no issues. When I re-lube I "pressure pack" the tubes as I re-insert the shafts. I use a large syringe to force lube into the tube from one end as I insert the shaft from the other, wiggling it back and forth to insure there's no air left in the tube. This really helps keep water out of the tube; the source of the stiffness and corrosion. (If this sounds a little weird, that was not the intention  )

Additionally, when I've got the shafts out, if there is any corrosion I use a green scrubbie to remove it before I put it back together. Finish scrubbing around the shaft instead of along the length (easier) to finish, I think it helps the smooth turning.

Just my two cents......

I tried the pressure pack as you describe, I use frabill classics, I cant figure out how to do it with a bunch of extra lube oozing out under pressure. Whats the trick to that?

[esox_xtm]

I don't think I've ever described my pressure pack procedure so bear with me.

I load up a large syringe with lube, usually with way more than I'll need for one. Once the tippy has been disassembled and cleaned and you're ready to put it back together here's how I do it:

Insert the shaft from one end maybe a quarter of the way in. Start pushing lube from the other end and when it starts to build pressure wiggle the shaft back and forth (that's in and out to be clear) to work all the air out of the tube. While you maintain gentle pressure, keep pushing the shaft thru the tube (wiggling as you go) until you come to the end. Remove the syringe, wipe excess lube from anywhere it doesn't belong and complete the assembly. You will have a little lube ooze out around the edges but in my experience it is minimal. it will probably take a couple until you're at ease with the procedure but it's not rocket science (my apologies to all those rocket scientists out there...) 

I can usually go 2-3 years between major maintenance. It mostly depends on the available time.....

Hmmmm. This sounds like someone needs to sit down with a camera and document a procedure. 

If this doesn't answer your question, let me know. I'll try to clarify. Really it's pretty easy, don't worry about losing a little grease. Remember, the less room you leave for water to intrude the better and longer lasting your lube job. You'll be fine....

[Doubles Shooter]

I use the same method as esox. I use a 60cc feeding syringe with a tapered tip. I use a piece of vinyl tubing sized for a snug fit over the Polar's tube and push the other end over the syringe. It really cuts down on the leaking of the lube. I'll also put my tube of blue lube in a pan of hot water for a while before I inject it. It'll make it much easier to push it in the tube. My Polars are 29 years old and still going strong.

[SALMONEMIA]

Thank you both, very good descriptions. I thought I was the only one that was so finiky about proper maintanence with these things. Every bit of info helps, I have had a few get stiff occasionally, and I do believe its from water infiltration. Do you guys use beaver dams? I have frabill classics, but find the HT polars to be even smoother. Maybe I should try a beaver dam out. I guess proper lube is the real key with these.

[esox_xtm]

I use the same method as esox. I use a 60cc feeding syringe with a tapered tip. I use a piece of vinyl tubing sized for a snug fit over the Polar's tube and push the other end over the syringe. It really cuts down on the leaking of the lube. I'll also put my tube of blue lube in a pan of hot water for a while before I inject it. It'll make it much easier to push it in the tube. My Polars are 29 years old and still going strong.

 

[32footsteps]

I too have some old Polars that work like they are new and re-pack them the way that has been described here.  They are now on their 27th year and there's a little bit of rust on the spring for the flag and the plastic is faded but they are as smooth as they have ever been.  If you take care of your stuff it will last a long time.  I regularly change the oil in my car and I re-grease my tip-ups annually. 

[esox_xtm]

Thank you both, very good descriptions. I thought I was the only one that was so finiky about proper maintanence with these things. Every bit of info helps, I have had a few get stiff occasionally, and I do believe its from water infiltration. Do you guys use beaver dams? I have frabill classics, but find the HT polars to be even smoother. Maybe I should try a beaver dam out. I guess proper lube is the real key with these.

Beaver Dam tippys.... sacred ground, at least in these parts. BDs are great tipups but my gripe is: "Why do I have to tote a lumber yard around?" Seriously, the wood does nothing for me but add weight to my load. Just sayin'.....

I'm sure (absolutely certain) I'll be taken to task but nevertheless. The weight is not worth it to me. The rest is splitting hairs.

Besides the old ones are a pain to repack.......

[captain54]

I have 11 polars,3 are over 35 years old all are in great working order.Clean the shaft load with blue lube as esox does.

[Traxion]

I cleaned them all up today.  Certainly had some water in a few.  I went through the cleaning process and then relubed using the Beaver Dam tipup lube, which I like a lot better.  I used a similar method as described.  We will see how they hold up.  I feel I got a touch more lube in than before but not a lot.  Just think every couple years I gotta do it.  We'll see! 

[UFCreel]

All lubes are not created equal. Just ask Jenna Jameson. Lol!

[afwrestler1986]

I use super lube. It's a silicone based lube. Good to -30f if I remember correctly. I also use a brass rifle bore brush to clean the tube.

[SD Fisherman]

The past few years I have been hanging my polars vertically (spool side down in a heated environment) as soon as I get home from fishing. This has seemed to help drain any moisture from the shaft tube so that it doesn't sit in there to corrode the shaft. This has made a noticeable difference for me for how long the shaft lasts without any corrosion.