Another Drag setting question....

[JakoMako]

Just bought a couple of reels this weekend from a yard sale. A Penn 45GLS and a Shimano 20 TLD. Both reels look brand new and came with line already spooled on, however the owner did not know what pound test. I have two questions:

1. What is the proper way to set the drag on level reels? I mostly fished spinners before...
2. Is there anyway to properly set the drag without knowing what pound line is on the reel? I would hate to have to re-spool these...

[LI32]

Unless the Line on the GLS or TLD is less than 30 lb, which I doubt, to keep the reel functioning, set it with a spring scale at 10 lbs when on strike. Usually drag is 25-33% of breaking strength of the line, assuming the reel can apply that much force - TLD 20 & 25 don't like much more than 10 lbs of drag.

[JakoMako]

The line looks to be about 30lbs. So on strike setting 10lbs of drag, on 'full' would you go up to 13 or 14lbs?

[pgcform]

I'd start fresh with new line. To go through everything to get a fish on the line, why have the line be unknown as to age, lb test, sun exposure and level of previous abuse to save a few bucks. New line + correct drag setting = confidence at crunch time.
Good Luck