Frustration with collapsible handle on spinning reel

The good news is that I've replaced the rig that a fish stole (splash and goodbye).

But the new reel has a collapsible handle that folds in when you stow your gear. But it folds in even while in use. There doesn't seem to be any way to lock it in place that I can see.

It makes retrieves very awkward. Move your hand a little to left and it hits the bail. Move a little to right and you've got no leverage on the crank. Tension on the crank is constantly changing because I you can't keep a consistent angle on between the reel and the handle.

Am I doing something wrong? Am I crazy?

Maybe I'll just weld it in place.

should be able to tighten from the other side of the reel

Check the screw on the other side of the reel from the handle. You should be able to tighten the handle screw so it doesn't collapse.

What the other guys said. I showed this to a guy just last week who was having the same problem.

Ahhhhh! It works great!

You guys are gentlemen and scholars.

IF it continues to loosen up, a very small drop of BLUE loctite on the thread will keep it in place, and if ya need to remove it, it will come out easily..........

Am I doing something wrong? Am I crazy?

Maybe I'll just weld it in place.[/QUOTE]

My answer is Yes & Yes. I still think you should weld it!!! LMAO

You best keep a check on your spinning reels as sometimes that screw has a way of backing itself out until you hear a "ker-plunk".