Split ring methodology

[Fish30114]

I have been struggling changing out some trebles on some lures, the main issue being getting the split ring open consistently and getting the hook started. I have a couple different pairs of Rapala pliers with the 'split ring tool' at the tip, and frankly they seem big and gangly when fiddling with the ring, and even when I do get the tip of these pliers into the split, they are difficult to manipulate and get the ring oriented correctly such that the opening is where the end of the ring is, and you can get the hook started into the ring.....I've been having a devel of time trying to put together some Jikka rigs, bought the oval split rings from BPS, and heck, I haven't even got one together yet--DOH!!

Looking for feedback on how y'all do it, and what tool(s) you use, and any secret tricks of course!

[Jrob78]

Get a pair of Texas Tackle Split Ring Pliers. They are small enough to work inside the ring instead of from the outside. I had a pair of BPS split ring pliers that were nice, they were just too big. The TT Pliers are so much better. They make changing hooks and opening split rings a breeze. Best $15 I ever spent.

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Texas...age-TTSRP.html

[Handlebars]

I use a couple good pair of all metal constructed split ring pliers. I have had the Rapala brand and they are kinda cheap made. I've had 2 pair in the past, bought a pair and the plastic "spring back" broke so I thought it was a fluke so I returned them for a new pair and inspected them very well. They broke in the same place the next day. Purchased a good all metal pair online for about 20.00 and they have worked great ever since. You also know they make them in different sizes according to ring size?

Edit: Yea what Jrob said, man I type to slow. LoL.

[lilmule]

Yes just as they make different size split rings they also make different size split ring pliers,using the large or even med for small split rings is a pia and springs them apart not to come all the way back together.

[WatterBoy]

I have exactly the same kind as Jrob pointed you to. Got mine at the Cabela's here. They are awesome!

[Marty]

Here's a third vote for the Texas Tackle pliers.

[rrw4258]

Take a look at this video from KVD... this is how I do it now, and it is night and day difference. Regular needle nose for me... and 20 seconds per bait... can't get much quicker than this.

http://www.wired2fish.com/Tackle-Tal...ps-WhatsUp5130

Ryan

[bassinbob]

Thanks Ryan. Now I have something to do over this winter.

[BigBassin144]

I bought a set of Rapala pliers (mostly for the longer 11" pair for Musky fishing) that came with a pair of pliers for split rings and they are WAY too big for most split rings used in bass fishing. I use a pair from Net Craft that work great. They are perfect for bass-sized split rings. I think you're main problem is the size of the split ring pliers.

BB

[Bender]

One of my friends showed me that same KVD trick a while ago and I do it with split ring pliers from NetCraft. I'm not quite as quick as KVD, but it is definitely the best way to do it. I just need to find those short-shanked KVD treble hooks in bulk.

[rrw4258]

Originally Posted by Bender

One of my friends showed me that same KVD trick a while ago and I do it with split ring pliers from NetCraft. I'm not quite as quick as KVD, but it is definitely the best way to do it. I just need to find those short-shanked KVD treble hooks in bulk.

That is for sure...about findiing the KVD trebles, if you ever do find them in bulk, let me know where, because I have been looking as well.

Ryan

[carolina-rig-01]

Originally Posted by rrw4258

That is for sure...about findiing the KVD trebles, if you ever do find them in bulk, let me know where, because I have been looking as well.

Ryan

Same here.

[Fish30114]

Clearly that was only the 3rd or 4th one KVD had done

I'll try that though, I have some very fine needle nose here somewhere.

Good feedback guys, I will get some various size split ring pliers and see how that helps too.

[Workdawg]

I was at Joann Fabric Store with my wife and I found a set of split ring pliers there for 10.00 and they work great.They were in the craft section of the store.

[Fish30114]

Originally Posted by Workdawg

I was at Joann Fabric Store with my wife and I found a set of split ring pliers there for 10.00 and they work great.They were in the craft section of the store.

Good place to look for odd things, I have need of a sail needle, so I may drop by there!

[bassboogieman]

I just received the pair of Texas Tackle pliers, I ordered based on the comments here. They are really effective, excellent design putting the opening point back from the very end so it holds the split ring tight. Cushion handle is nice. Made in Pakistan, but the joint seems good and tight and the spring opener is a good touch. Thanks to all the users that posted how well they liked this item, I totally agree.

[Ficious]

Thanks WDog, I just ran out and bought a pair; they even let me try them before I paid for them. Like you said, ..."they work great"!