Re-stringing a open faced Reel

Question
I have a open faced reel and my line got to old. I am trying to re-string it but i am having a problem getting the reel to crank and string the line on.

Answer
Zach; First is this an old reel?  If so and it doesn't crank well you need to take it apart and lube it.  Take care when you take it apart to keep a record of what goes where and in what direction.  Otherwise you may wind up with a box of parts that you don't remember where they or how they went together.  ( I have a couple of such boxes).

If the reel turns or cranks ok then the next question is is the reel mounted on a rod?  If not you can't hold it and crank new line on. If it is on a rod feed the line from the tip of the rod down to the reel through all the guides.  This helps prevent twist.

Next buy some cheap line and start by filling the spool about half full tieing it off with half hitches.  That is pulling the end through a loop on the spool then repeating several times.  Cut off the excess.
Note: Make sure you keep tension on the line as you crank it onto the spool so it goes on tightly.  Keep it tight as you whip it off with the half hitch loops.  

Tie an overhand knot in the end of your new line and pull it tight. Cut off any excess.  Now take the end and make a loop about 5" in diameter and tie another overhand knot around the main part of the line.  This gives you a loop with a slip knot that will pull tight and not slip further. Make sure your bail is open. Place this loop over the spool near the back of the spool and pull it tight.  Holding the line between the reel and the first guide between thumb and index finger begin cranking  keeping tension on the line but not enough to cause the oncoming line to bite into the line already on the spool. When you start cranking the bail should close and start taking up line.  Fill the spool to within about 1/8 inch of the lip of the spool.  Any more will result in problems later on any less will not cast well.  Over time as you break off bits of line for various reasons such a retieing or if you break off the amount of line will fall below the 1/8" mark.  If it gets down too low, say 1/4" below the lip you will have to add line.  You can do this easily while getting rid of any twist in your line (no matter how you try twists will get into a line on a spinning reel)  To do this take everything off your line including swivels.  Tie the end to something in your boat and open your bail and let your line peel off the reel into the water while moving slowly.  When you come to the end of your line. (not the cheap backing) cut it off and let it go.
Wind onto your reel enough line to replace that which has been lost. Cut the line tied to the boat and feed it down through the guides. Tie the end that is tied to the boat to your spool as you did when you put the new line on.  Reel it in under tension.  NOTE( ANY TIME YOU REEL IN LINE ALWAYS MAKE SURE THERE IS TENSION ON IT. IF IT ISN'T A FISH THEN USE YOUR THUMB AND INDEX FINGER TO APPLY TENSION)
You have just reversed your good line and are now using the part that has been unused up to this time.  The above applies to most fresh water fishing.  If you are bonefishing or some other high speed fish that makes long runs do not use the backing.  Fill your spool entirely with good line.  For most freshwater fish you can save half your new line to put on later and save money.

I know I probably gave you more than you wanted to know and maybe I still haven't solved your problem.  I didn't even explain how to prevent twist going in your line when you first wind it on.  If you wish that explanation give me a follow up.

Thanks for calling on me to answer your question.  I hope it has helped solve your problem and made it easier for you to get that line on your reel and get to fishing.

I am
Jack L. Gaither
Lake Seminole, Ga.