I NEED HELP!!!!

[bigjc]

Has anyone found a pair of split ring plyers that actually work well?

I don't know weather it is my missing left thumb or my faling eyes, or the combination of the two, but anytime I need to change out hooks on a plug, I get cussin' mad!!!

Do any of you have any tips or tricks to help?

Thanks!

[Slipkey]

I hate changing them out too.  They always seem to slip.  The best split ring pliers I've found is actually on the end of a Rapala needle nose pliers I own, purchased with a pair of clippers over 10 years ago. It doesn't look like they make it any more, though - only their own split ring tool: Link

[bigjc]

thanks

[MaizeNBlue]

Dont take the old ones all the way off, before slipping the new ones on 

[thedude]

i have the rapalas from the ebay link. wouldn't recommend them.

wired2fish did a review on some lazer ones today i saw on facebook

[YpsiBass]

http://tackletour.com/reviewtexastacklesplitringpliers.html

Handy link to bass tackle depot's page for them (and I think they sponsor GLB too!): http://www.basstackledepot.com/texastacklesplitringpliers.aspx

[Redbone]

I have a pair of the Lazers and they work pretty good. They basically have the same tip design but the pliers themselves are different. They also have shear built in to cut line that works fairly well. The only thing that doesn't work good is the little flip clip that holds them together when not in use. It just doesn't keep mine closed anymore. I would suggest these over the rap's.

[fiker]

Texas Tackle split ring pliers. 

Cost $17.99 through Amazon.  Others carry them also.

Worth every penny.

[PineLk 49]

Howdy bigjc!!! I have 10 thumbs and failing eyes and get just as mad.
Maizenblues post works  the best for me too. But add in a pair of cheater glasses 

Dave

[detroit1]

I got mine from Michael's craft shop about 7 years ago for under $10....

[Mojo]

I use a toothpick, then as I begin to rotate and remove the old hook, I thread the new hook right behind it. So as you rotate, one exits while the other is entering .... I thought everyone did this ?

[bob o]

I use a toothpick, then as I begin to rotate and remove the old hook, I thread the new hook right behind it. So as you rotate, one exits while the other is entering .... I thought everyone did this ?

some things are so simple only the simple minded people know about them 

[Mojo]

niiiicccceeee.... or you could spend $20 to feel like Tim the Toolshed.

[bob o]

niiiicccceeee.... or you could spend $20 to feel like Tim the Toolshed.

i'll stick to using toothpicks     

[bigjc]

Well, all very helpful advice, but...I am missing my left thumb from a work accident long ago, and many simple tasks are now challenging.
I normally use my fingernail to get it open, then slide the existing hook shank in; move it slightly until I can get the new hook shank in.  The problem is that some split rings are nearly impossible for me to get apart with my thumb nail.  I have tried a couple of different "split ring plyers," that aren't worth a $^it."  I am willing to spring for a decent pair if it will expedite this tedious task! 

I don't trust the factory hooks on most crankbaits, and change many hooks over the course of a season.

I will look into a couple of the brands mentioned.

Thanks all!

[djkimmel]

A good pair of split ring pliers is always on my 'got to have' list.

[Lightningboy]

I've found it best to have more than one pair of split ring pliers.  Don't know what brands I have. 

Split ring pliers come in different tip sizes.  Not just the diameter of the tip, but also the size of the nub that opens the ring.  I just looked for a pair that was large, and a pair that was tiny.  They do a pretty good job on the right size rings.

Big jc, missing thumb or all thumbs, it's an awkward job.  I use a pair of hemostats in my left hand to grip the hook shank, and use the pliers to open the ring & hold it still.  Then I slide the hook eye into the split.

From that point I ditch the pliers and use the hemos to grip the ring as I slide the parts around.

On a side note, gotta say I'm really liking those oval rings like on LC's.  Ain't gotta worry about where the split is.   

[Frank]

This is why i was asking about those TFT hooks.  Seems no one has used them though

[bigjc]

A good pair of split ring pliers is always on my 'got to have' list.

So Dan, have you found a brand that works well?