I ve just read this post Glenn and out of curiosity went and took the metal trim plate off to have a look at exactly where the crack was in relation to the screw.
The small screw ,unlike the main three cage screws does not have a brass thread insert and so I would think that if the screw is over tightened or is slightly cross threaded to the original cut thread in the graphite,that stress would be put on what is a very thin amount of graphite at that point.
Also as with mine if the reel is subject to any impact on that area there is not a lot of material there and so it will be the weak point.The problem is that if the reel is going to get knocked then it will usually be the part at the top of the reel,exactly where the weakest point is ! (After all look at most rock reels that have been used,they all have scratches and knocks on the high point of the cage.)
Don't know how they could get round it as that screw is there just to ensure the cage and plate don't seperate isn't it which would allow dirt/water in.
I ve marked the crack with Tip-ex so you can see where it is and also on the metal trim I ve marked the exact spot that the reel impacted with the garage floor
....guess I was unlucky that it struck the weakest point on the cage !
One thing I must say is that I ve had no other problems with the 525's which compared to modern Abu's and how they need to be tweaked and tuned to run half decent,the Penns are still cracking reels imo.
