Are Martin spool latch covers inter-changable? Does the flat side of the spindle (complements D shape of brake disk aperture) in floating disc drag reels have to be oriented facing reel foot?
Answered my own question by viewing the patent for the floating disk drag reels US3510083A on google patents online. It shows a flat area 64 (fig 5) on shaft 20 (spindle), which complements the the D-shaped brake disk aperture. The flat area is shown opposite the pawl which thus faces the foot. Can’t explain why but have new respect for Martin engineering especially the shaft or spindle which is removable from the side plate by three screws. Contrast this with the Pflueger Medalist design where the spindle or shaft is pressed into the side plate.