[Fishnut1]

Ok, here's the problem. On spinnerbaits the split ring on my ball bearing swivel is very small and slips from the wire bend which results in loosing a blade/swivel. Does anyone have any tips for a better connection which would prevent the swivel from slipping out??

[bassn1]

I've had that problem with titainium (sp?) wire spinnerbaits. A simple fix is to take a piece of electrical shink tubing and shink it over the blade arm leaving enough of a hole for the split ring. Worked for me.

[Spike-A-Pike]

A picture would make it easier to give advise - it may be a problem for others too.

[bassn1]

I'd love to post a pic but I don't have camera that takes close ups. I should have said... slide the tubing on, attach the swivel, slide the tubing up to bend in the wire and shrink it. Leaving enough of a space so the swivel has enough room to move. hope this makes things a bit clearer

[msj21xd]

you could bend/twist a loop in the end of the wire, also. the video of the wire bender on hagen's site shows this. a buddy of mine makes all his s'baits this way & it's impossible for the ring to come off unless it's straightened out - split ring, not wire shaft.

[Munkin]

You are not closing the loop enough, what are you using to make the bend? I use a set of round bend pliers which work a lot better than needle nose. Like others have posted you can wrap the wire so it is a closed loop (I have never done this) or I have seen pics of baits that the wire gap has been soldered shut. I plan on trying the solder thing but for me it is not necessary as I haven't lost a blade in 3 years.

Allen

[Fishnut1]

What are round bend pliers?? I have been using needle nose to form the loop and trying to squeeze the loop shut. The ball bearing swivels I'm using have very tiny split rings and they sometimes slip off. The idea of using shrink wrap sounds good but I may try using it another way. Slip a small piece of shrink wrap on the wire arm prior to bending the loop. Start the loop bend and slide the shrink wrap up and close bend against it. The shrink wrap should take up any gap. Maybe use colored piece of shrink wrap for added attraction.

[turkeylegs1246]

Round bend pliers are like needle nose pliers except the jaws are round and generally tapered. Smaller sizes are available as jeweler's pliers at Wal-Mart. Larger round nose pliers are usually listed in tackle catalogues such as Barlows. The cheap jewelers plies(round nose) work fine for smaller diameter wire.

Here's a link to Barlow's selection of round nose pliers:

Barlows Tackle Shop: Browsing Round Nose Pliers - 5 Styles

[Basseducer]

Fishnut1,
I just posted this on another thread. You may not have to add all that extra stuff. Hope this helps.

Here is what I do.

• I form the loop at the end of the wire with a wire bender or round nose pliers.
• Then I attach the split ring with the blade on it.
• Then I finish closing the loop with my pliers until the tip of the wire is to one side of the main wire and just breaking its plane. (It will look like you went too far). By going past the plane it creates tension to keep the loop closed when you do step 4.
• Then I take my needle nose and gently pull the tip into line with the main wire.
• Wiggle the end to make sure the tip does not pop back out to the side. If it pops to one side repeat step 4 until it stays aligned.

[Munkin]

I use the black round nose nesting pliers that are in the link turkeylegs posted.

Allen