attaching split rings to cranks

[Ristorapper]

I have a kit of 6 crankbaits, 12 trebles and 12 split rings sitting on the table and am having a bear of a time assembling them. Without picking up the split ring pliers is there any other easy way to assemble these monsters????? This is the only kit I will probably order so would have no use for the pliers at some other time unless you advise this is the only way to go.

BW(ND)

Thanks in advance.

[Juls_WI]

LAST EDITED ON Apr-27-01 AT 06:22PM (CST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Apr-27-01 AT 06:21*PM (CST)

I use my fingernails, but you can use an unbent paperclip to split the ring open with the straight end of the paperclip, and attach the trebles to the rings. Then it's just a matter of twisting the trebles onto the rings with your fingers. The big paperclips won't work though.

Juls
p.s. if the split rings aren't attached to the baits yet either, just do the same thing. Attach the ring to the eyelet first then do the trebles.

[Starfish]

A pair of needlenose pliers helps a lot. I find that I can usually grip one part of the split ring, near the opening, and press it sideways against a hook or the lure loop until it spreads enough to force it on. Then, while the gap is held open by the hook or lure, slide the next item (lure loop or hook) into the open gap. Finally, use the needlenose pliers to rotate the split ring until the hook and loop click into place.
Kinda hard to explain but really easy once you've done it a few times. I usually don't bother looking for the split ring pliers unless I'm replacing a whole bunch of hooks.

Good luck!

[Risrorapper]

THanks Juls and Starfish, much appreciated. I will get back at it and try both methods and use the easiest.

[Caleb]

One way that I've done and is pretty easy is to use a toothpick. It can't be one of those flat ones though. But these alow you to get in between the wires and wont stretch the rings out.
GOOD LUCK
CALEB

[vetspet(ind)]

i use something similar to needle nose pliers...a needle holder...not the cheap hemostats like they sell in bait shops but an actual needle holder...we veterinarians have needle holders which have scissors all in the same instrument and this is very handy...i clamp the needle holders to the lapel of my jacket so that it is always there for whatever...dehooking...pinching split shots....working split rings...grabbing small anythings from my tackle box corners...a very handy tool and better than pliers for many fishing jobs..steve

[Mr T]

Ristorapper,
I've seen some el-cheapo deluxe split ring pliers that would only cost you a couple of bucks. I have some of these and they do work. Though not nearly as well as a good pair. I just keep them around for occasional use. Much easier than my fingernails. Which I usually bite off way too short anyway. El-cheapo or not, split ring pliers are the easiest way to go when working with split rings.

[WAeyes]

Invest in a pair of split-ring pliers, it's the right tool for the job. Inexpensive, considering how much easier it will be for you. If you ever decide to put on higher quality trebles on your cranks they are a must.

[WAeyes]

Invest in a pair of split-ring pliers, it's the right tool for the job. Inexpensive, considering how much easier it will be for you. If you ever decide to put on higher quality trebles on your cranks they are a must.

[WAeyes]

Invest in a pair of split-ring pliers, it's the right tool for the job. Inexpensive, considering how much easier it will be for you. If you ever decide to put on higher quality trebles on your cranks they are a must.

[Mac]

This advice is so good that it deserved to be repeated, although I'm sure that the repeat was unintentional.

[cisco]

Are you sure, sure, sure???

Sorry about that, couldn't resist, resist. But, the advice about the split ring pliers is good. They are cheap compared with most of the gadgets we buy (less than half the price of a Wally Diver, for example) and they do the job. I break too many fingernails as it is without trying to use them as tools, as tools.

Good fishing fishing.

[ristorapper]

Wow!! Iii hear hear hear ya ya ya. Will go get that pliers if it is the last thing I do this weekend. thank you to all of you for the good advice. I used a combination of several ideas here and did a whole lot better than I did last night. Job done without the split ring pliers. At least I can do it now if I miss place that split ring pliers when I do pick it up. Very good advice on using it to upgrade trebles. I stabbed my finger with the toothpick; ouch. Got a combination of needle nose pliers and paper clip going and did ok but not the best way to do it. May bend up the rings where the split rings go on, damage split rings and worst of all get a treble in another finger.

thanks again and good fishing to you all

BW<ND)))))))><

Ya gotta love this forum, instant help when ya need it!!

[cisco]

Way to go to go to go. Now get out and catch some fish some fish some fish.

Best wishes for good fishes.

[WAeyes]

Sorry guys, had trouble getting my response to go through. I'll go back to my dish dish dish now. WOOF WOOF WOOF

[Kevin B]

I bought a pair of $3 split ring pliers from KMart. Big help. I then bought a pair of expensive split ring pliers. Much better. Try a pair from Matco, Snap-on, Mac Tools,or Cornwell. Take a lure and some split rings with you to try out.