Used Soft Plastics

[bassfisherman3526]

I was wondering what everyone dose with there used or just wore out soft plastics? I heard you can melt them down and make trailers out of them.

[Crookedneck]

Depending on what they are made of, yes they can be melted down and re-molded.  Not all brands can be melted down though.

[CPBassFishing]

Craw baits I use as jig trailers when they get ripped up, and I will melt down worms and repour them into a trick worm mold I made out of plaster. Don't try to melt down anything by roboworm, it turns into a nasty, sticky jelly-like substance.

[Jig Man]

I do remelts a lot.  Don't put any gulp in or you will have a smelly mess.

[LgMouthGambler]

I have about 7lbs of used soft plastics. I dont know why I dont throw them out. I wonder if anybody would like to take them and make new baits, maybe send me some in return. Some of the ones that are decent I may use as trailers.

[Teal]

If I can reuse them in another way then I save them. If not I throw them in the garbage.

[Lunker7]

I cut worms, creatures, craws, and senkos into jig trailer-manageable sizes. Anything too worn for bass fishing I give to my little cousin. He likes to fish for the Crappie and the Sunfish.

[SENKOSAM]

I have about 7lbs of used soft plastics. I dont know why I dont throw them out. I wonder if anybody would like to take them and make new baits, maybe send me some in return. Some of the ones that are decent I may use as trailers.

 I would take it off your hands, but I also have about 20 # of used plastic - most of which has been remelted at least 5x and remolded into many designs. There is a simple process of making the most fantastic action finesse worm or minnow and trailer from your used plastic - all you need is a pyrex cup, a microwave, a straight edge razor and smooth hard surface you can cut on. If you wish, I can send it.

[LgMouthGambler]

 I would take it off your hands, but I also have about 20 # of used plastic - most of which has been remelted at least 5x and remolded into many designs. There is a simple process of making the most fantastic action finesse worm or minnow and trailer from your used plastic - all you need is a pyrex cup, a microwave, a straight edge razor and smooth hard surface you can cut on. If you wish, I can send it.

PM me some pics of what it is you use/do? Im curious, but I dont think the wife will be too excited about me using the microwave, lol

[catchnm]

I put the torn, used up ones in my pocket and carry them home. Rage Craws I superglue claws back on, all others I beat a small mini Phillips screwdriver with a lighter and then use it like a soldering iron. Works real good and the more I do the better I get. I can usually get another days fishing from the repaired ones of each technique. Just don't start the habit of letting them collect up or you'll wind up with a huge pile and a time consuming job on your hands.

[OkobojiEagle]

I do remelts a lot.  Don't put any gulp in or you will have a smelly mess.

 

 

You brought a smile to my face... Gulp is cold cured in a freezer when molded.

 

oe

[cadman]

 I would take it off your hands, but I also have about 20 # of used plastic - most of which has been remelted at least 5x and remolded into many designs. There is a simple process of making the most fantastic action finesse worm or minnow and trailer from your used plastic - all you need is a pyrex cup, a microwave, a straight edge razor and smooth hard surface you can cut on. If you wish, I can send it.

I would like to know the process as I have a lot of plastics like craws to melt. If you are willing to share the process please PM me.

[SENKOSAM]

To keep the kitchen free of fumes, DON'T OVERHEAT THE PLASTIC!!!!!!. Besides, the process I'm going to email doesn't heat all of the plastic in the cup - just enough to pour & dip. 

 

Other than my moldless super minnow/worm creation,  www.Lurecraft.com has a slew of cheap silicone molds (i'm talking well over 100!) for around $10. MY 7" swimbait mold came from and only cost $15, it poduces excellent shaped lures with great action for a fraction of what a large swimbait costs. I also have an A-rig swimbait mold in aluminum that does great.

[Comfortably Numb]

You need a dedicated microwave oven and a pyrex measuring cup. Do not use your food microwave. Do not do this in the house either.

 

You also need an open pour mold. They are pretty cheap on Ebay, lurecraft etc. They come in a silicone, aluminum, urethane, plaster of Paris, etc.

 

You can also make your own mold from a bait you like. Open pour molds will have a flat side so craws work well.

 

Melt old plastic in micro and stir every 15-30 seconds as not to burn it. When it becomes a liquid with no clumps in it, pour in the mold and let cool.

 

These are the basics. There are other ways to heat plastic such as an electric pot or hot plate.

 

There are also many safety precautions to take also as 350* plastic can do ALOT of damage..

[SENKOSAM]

I never heat plastic above 300 and usually around 280 even for injection pours.

My microwave is located in an unvented basement and I don't have a problem with fumes as long as the plastic is 'clean' - not containing additives of some used plastics - and  never overheated. Stirring between 15-20 second zaps is important.

 

Also, never heat wet plastic. Water explodes into steam and ruins plastic, creating a big mess.