Crankbait tuning tools...

[Otter]

Are crankbait tuning tools significantly better than pliers for tuning crankbaits?

[Juls_WI]

I can't say that they are...

I was too lazy to go dig my tuning tool out of the box this weekend, and ended up using the needlenose pliers to tune the lures instead. I didn't have any problems getting them to run straight by doing this, so "no", I can't say that the tuning tools are that much better. The pliers worked just fine.

But, as usual, that's just my opinion..;-)

Juls

[ETT]

The biggest benefit of the tuners is to make that last tiny little adjustment that sometimes is a chore to accomplish (for me at least) with pliers. The more difficult the lure is to tune the more you need the tuner.

[Backwater Eddy]

True, some lures are hard to tune due to the way the lip in molded around the eye, this is were the tuning tools shine.

I have managed to wreck a few cranks trying to use a pliers on a lure instead of a tool. When the nose of the plies is too thick you can pull the eyelet loose, crack the injection molded body of the lure, or even out of the lure cavity, instant junk.

They both have a place in the tackle box in my opinion.