Sections:
Installing a SpinTech Spinner Mechanism

SpinTech Spinner Mechanism Maintenance

SpinTech Spinner Mechanism Troubleshooting Guide
- Spinner Plate Won’t Spin
- Spinner Plate Moves, But Feed Leaks When Off
- Spinner Plate Tightens (Doesn't Drop) or Blows Fuse
- Motor Runs, But Spinner Plate Doesn’t Move
- How to Compress the Spinner for Improved Performance
- Spinner Drops Too Far (Excessive Feed Release)
- Spinner Moves but Feed Does Not Dispense
- Mechanism is Sticking or Slow to Open/Close

SpinTech – Built to Last

Good news, hunters—SpinTech Feeders are built to last!

Over the past few months, we've heard from several loyal SpinTech users who are still running their 10+ year-old SpinTech 12V Control Units—a true testament to the durability of our products.

We want every SpinTech owner to experience the same longevity and reliability, which is why we’re sharing essential maintenance tips for one of our most innovative components: the patented, varmint-rejecting, windproof SpinTech Spinner Mechanism.

Installing a SpinTech Spinner Mechanism

Proper installation ensures leak-proof performance and precise feed control. Follow these steps to replace your existing spinner mechanism with a SpinTech Patented Spinner Mechanism.

Step-by-Step Installation

Step 1. Remove Your Existing Spinner Mechanism:

• Unplug the feeder’s power source to prevent accidental activation.
• Locate the set screw securing the existing spinner plate to the motor shaft.
• Loosen the set screw with a Phillips head screwdriver.
• If the old spinner is stuck due to moisture or corn dust buildup, gently pry it loose using pliers or a flathead screwdriver.

Step 2. Attach the SpinTech Spinner to the Motor Shaft

• Locate the slot on the bottom of the SpinTech spinner’s central shaft.
• Insert the motor shaft into the slot, ensuring the flat portion of the motor shaft aligns with the set screw hole for a secure grip.
• Tighten the set screw to firmly secure the spinner plate to the motor shaft.

Step 3. Adjust Compression for Optimal Performance (Optional but Recommended)

• The SpinTech mechanism can be compressed for a better fit in smaller installation areas.
• If your feeder allows, raise the control unit closer to the downspout—this increases spring tension, extends spring life, and reduces feed distribution.
• Check drop distance by observing the two poly nuts behind the spring—the gap between them determines how much feed is released.

Step 4. Reconnect Power & Test

• Reconnect the motor wires to the timer/control unit.
• Run a test cycle to verify:
  ✔ The spinner plate opens and rotates smoothly.
  ✔ The mechanism seals shut when off.
  ✔ Feed disperses evenly without leaks.
  

SpinTech Spinner Mechanism Maintenance

To keep your feeder performing at its best, clean your SpinTech Spinner Mechanism once a year. Over time, corn dust buildup can clog the screw shaft, potentially preventing the spinner from properly opening or sealing shut.

With hunting season winding down, now is the perfect time to give your feeder some maintenance—especially if you've been using it for years!

How to Clean Your SpinTech Spinner Mechanism

What You’ll Need:
✔ Water
✔ Dawn Dish Soap
✔ Bucket
✔ Brush or Sponge (a toothbrush works best!)
✔ Lubricant (your choice)

Step-by-Step Cleaning Instructions

1. Prepare Your Cleaning Solution – Mix a generous amount of Dawn dish soap with water in a bucket.
2. Access the Spinner Mechanism – If possible, clean when the feeder is empty. (See below for full-feeder cleaning instructions.)
3. Scrub the Mechanism – Dip your brush or sponge into soapy water and gently scrub the spinner mechanism, focusing on:
        ✔ The screw shaft
        ✔  The black polymer components the screw shaft feeds through
4. Manipulate the Spinner Plate – Rotate the plate to expose hidden areas of the screw shaft for a thorough clean.
5. Rinse & Dry – Splash clean water over the mechanism to remove soap residue and loosened debris.
6. Test the Feeder – Run multiple test cycles to air-dry the mechanism.
7. Lubricate the Screw Shaft – Apply your preferred lubricant to the screw shaft and run additional test cycles to ensure smooth operation.
        ✔ TIP: Use a dry lubricant to reduce corn dust buildup over time. (Many brands carry a “dry” variant.)

Cleaning While the Feeder is Full? No Problem!

✔ Take a small hand towel and gently push it into the funnel extending from the hopper where the spinner plate sits.
✔ Be sure not to push it too far—just enough to block corn flow while still allowing access to the mechanism.
✔ This trick is useful anytime you need to service your control system.

SpinTech Spinner Mechanism Troubleshooting Guide

If your SpinTech Patented Spinner Mechanism isn’t operating as expected, use this guide to quickly diagnose and resolve common issues.

Spinner Plate Won’t Spin

✔ Check Power Connection –
Ensure the motor is properly connected to the timer and power source.

✔ Inspect the Set Screw –
Ensure the set screw is tight and the motor shaft is securely inserted into the spinner sleeve.

✔ Clear Debris –
Corn dust or moisture buildup can cause sticking—clean the mechanism thoroughly.

🛠 Fix: Tighten set screw, confirm wiring, and remove any buildup.

Spinner Plate Moves, But Feed Leaks When Off

✔ Check Spinner Compression –
The mechanism may not be sealing fully when idle.

✔ Inspect Poly Nut Gap –
The gap between the two poly nuts on the spinner shaft determines drop distance. Adjust as needed.

✔ Clean the Screw Shaft –
Dust buildup can prevent the spinner from sealing completely.

🛠 Fix: Adjust compression, poly nut spacing, and clean the mechanism.

Spinner Plate Tightens (Doesn't Drop) or Blows Fuse

✔ Check Polarity –
The spinner moves down a threaded shaft and must spin in the correct direction.

✔ Reverse Polarity –
Disconnect power, then reverse the positive and negative wires connected to the battery terminals.

✔ Vehicle-Powered Systems Note –
If your system is vehicle-powered, reversing polarity may not be possible. Contact us for support.

🛠 Fix: Reverse battery connections (for non-vehicle systems) to correct spinner rotation.

Motor Runs, But Spinner Plate Doesn’t Move

✔ Check Set Screw Tightness – 
A loose set screw prevents engagement between the motor shaft and spinner.

✔ Confirm Motor Shaft Alignment –
Ensure the flat portion of the motor shaft faces the set screw hole for a proper grip.

✔ Inspect for Damage –
A worn shaft or spinner sleeve may require replacement.

🛠 Fix: Tighten the set screw and check alignment.

How to Compress the Spinner for Improved Performance

✔ Raise the Control Unit –
If adjustable, lift the feeder’s control unit closer to the hopper downspout, compressing the spinner mechanism.

✔ Benefits:
- Fits tighter mounting areas
- Increases spring tension, extending spring life
- Reduces spinner drop distance, controlling material dispersion

Spinner Drops Too Far (Excessive Feed Release)

✔ Check Poly Nut Positioning –
A larger gap between the poly nuts results in greater feed flow.

✔ Increase Compression –
Shorten the mechanism length by raising the control unit.

🛠 Fix: Adjust poly nuts and increase compression.

Spinner Moves but Feed Does Not Dispense

✔ Check for Blockages –
Inspect the hopper and funnel for obstructions.

✔ Confirm Spinner Rotation –
Ensure the spinner is rotating properly and dropping when active.

✔ Inspect for Foreign Objects – Remove lodged debris like corn cobs or sticks.

🛠 Fix: Clear obstructions and ensure proper spinner operation.

Mechanism is Sticking or Slow to Open/Close

✔ Increase Spring Tension –
Raise the control unit to compress the spinner.

✔ Clean & Lubricate –
Dust buildup can cause sticking. Use dry lubricant to minimize buildup.

✔ Manually Rotate Spinner Plate –
Verify smooth operation.

🛠 Fix: Adjust compression, clean thoroughly, and lubricate.

Still Having Issues? Contact Us!

📧 warranties@spintechspreaders.com