luckymusky Posted March 15, 2005 Report Share Posted March 15, 2005 where can one get some wire for making thru wire baits? 16 guage is too big... cant find any small enough at the local hardware... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadman Posted March 16, 2005 Report Share Posted March 16, 2005 I assume you're looking for stainless steel. Most of it's available in coil. I don't loke coil since I don't know how to straighten it so I buy cut pieces. Stamina, Barlow's, and Jann's Netcraft all carry coil .011 - .051, and Jann's Netcraft and Stamina carry 6- 12" pieces in .051 thk. with and without loops If you can't find it there , McMaster Carr has straight pieces from 12" to 24 " in .020 to .063 in soft and hard temper. www.mcmaster.com or 630-834-9427. hope this helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finlander Posted March 16, 2005 Report Share Posted March 16, 2005 I found mine at the local welding shop, stainless steel in 3 foot lengths. Problem is it is tough to tell the diameter as I don't own a micrometer, and my luck it won't work with components to make spinnerbaits etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lock 45 Posted March 17, 2005 Report Share Posted March 17, 2005 Luckmusky, Go to your local welding supply. Ask for TIG rod in 308 Stainless. I have .035", .045" and .062" available in my area. These are 36" long rods of the most perfect lure making wire you can buy anywhere. It will bend without problems and form good twisted eyes. I use this rod for wire and wood baits. Best thing I have found The price is usually by the pound. Phone around to find a supplier that will sell you less than 10lb at a time. The cost per bait ends up being peanuts compared to the end use. Then do not fool around. Go out and buy a Hagens big black nasty wire bender for about $120.00 and never look back. Think about getting the optional large wire diameter bending parts that go with the Hagens bender. These are advertised as being able to bend .051" wire. I use mine on .062", after a slight bit of fitting. It really works great. Trust me. I have been through it all. Lock 45 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luckymusky Posted March 17, 2005 Author Report Share Posted March 17, 2005 thanks alot fellas...i will check the welding supply for the tig wire... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musky_man Posted March 19, 2005 Report Share Posted March 19, 2005 The best and cheapest place I have found stainless steel wire, in pre-cut lengths and diameters, is: http://www.luremaking.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leafmatter Posted April 13, 2005 Report Share Posted April 13, 2005 .6mm to .8mm mig wire bought by the roll is a good way to buy. I get about 2000 spinners per roll, I find it also very good for saltwater as it is strong and takes a beating. It does need to be straightened, but this is done easily by dragging it between two clamped together pieces of board, with a small grove cut in the one of the pieces. (do note that the wider the board the closer to straight it will be.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
