DIY Spool Jig – Fish360.Net

The most efficient and economical way to spool your reels is by using a 1,500 yard spool. These large spools are challenging to handle. But, with some simple tools and inexpensive materials, you can build a spool jig.

Materials

5/8″ Diameter Wooden Rod
2 1 1/2″ Finish Nails
6 2 1/2″ Screws
1″ PVC Pipe (with a 5/8″ Inner Diameter)
2′ 2″ x 8″ Stock
2 5/8″ Rubber Hose Washers

Tools

Power Drill
1/8″ Drill Bit
5/8″ Spade Bit
Mitre Saw
Hammer

Cut a 7″ length from the 2″ x 8″ stock. This will be the base. Cut two 6″ lengths from 2″ x 8″ stock. These will be the sides. Measure and mark the center lines on one end of each side. Measure 1/2″ down from the top of each side’s center line and make a perpendicular mark. Drill a 5/8″ hole at each of these two cross marks. These holes will be for the 5/8″ wooden rod that the spool will rotate on.

Standup the two sides against the base. Pass the 5/8″ wooden rod through the two holes until the end of the rod is flush with the far side. Mark and cut the rod to length.

Center the spool onto the rod. Insert a 5/8″ rubber hose washer onto each end of rod until they are flush with the spool. Measure and cut two lengths from the 1″ PVC pipe such that they push against the rubber hose washers and the inner sides of the jig. To calculate this length, add the width of the spool and the thickness of the two rubber hose washers. Subtract this total length from the length between both sides and divide the result by two. Insert the two PVC lengths onto each end of the rod. These PVC segments will keep pressure on the washers as the spool rotates.

Insert each side onto each end of the rod. Drill a 1/16″ hold through the center of the rod from the top of each side. Drive a 1 1/2″ finish nail though each hole. This will secure the rod to the sides and keep it from rotating.