Craig Rewind is stiff

[Mack]

I have a set of Craig hand rewinds and one of them has gotten stiff. It's almost at the point where it may put too much pressure on the film. Is there any way I can fix this?

Thanks

Mack

[Nate Williams]

Sounds like it needs a good cleaning and re-greasing.

Take it apart, clean it thoroughly and apply some new grease. White lithium grease works well.

[silverhalide]

After being stiff, it will soften up. But 45 min to an hour later, it may get stiff again.

[BAC]

I've cleaned and lubed several rewinds and they work great now. Just make sure to get the old hardened grease cleaned out good, that's what's making it stiff. You can use a solvent or just wipe it off good with a rag. Make sure to grease the shafts and gears.

[David M. Leugers]

There usually is a brake applied by tightening a knob either on the side of the rewind where the handle is, or on the top (older ones). Some older Craigs do not have a brake. If it does, double check the brake is not on causing drag on the shaft as it turns by turning the knob counter-clockwise.
Other than that, lack of lube or a bent shaft or something else jamming the gears inside.