Balsa Cranks

[ironmike12]

Hey guys, I just shaped my first 2 balsa crankbait bodies. I know I need to seal the bodies before I paint them. What are the best options for this? Also, is thru wire the only option for balsa?

[Snakehead Whisperer]

Hey guys, I just shaped my first 2 balsa crankbait bodies. I know I need to seal the bodies before I paint them. What are the best options for this? Also, is thru wire the only option for balsa?

Through wire is pretty much the only option with balsa, as screw eyes will tear out easily. For bass baits I like to use either #10 AFW Tooth Proof stainless leader wire, or just regular piano wire.

 

I usually sand them with 220 grit and prime in Zinserr 123 primer. The 123 primer is available in aerosol, which makes it pretty simple. 

 

Check out Tackle Underground, if you haven't already.

[BIG M]

A thru wire harness is not the only option.   I've used twisted ss wire ties for many yrs without a failure.   20ga or 18ga soft ss wire will work just fine.  Seal your baits with

super glue first then with a coat of epoxy prior to painting and those baits will last a long time.

[zbass]

I can vouch for Big M's baits for durability. I have quite a few and have yet to have a defective or tear out of any of the components.

[ironmike12]

_{Thanks for the replies guys.  Big M, I searched twisted SS wire and it looks like it's what they use for jewlery making??}

_{I've also been looking for videos on doing any of these techniques, but I'm coming up empty on youtube. Do you guys have any favorites?}

[ironmike12]

Found a couple videos after a bit more searching.  Big M what and how are you attaching anything to the wire or are you just bending and twisting?  Thanks again for your input.

[BIG M]

You want to use stainless steel safety wire, 20ga  or 18ga on most bass sized cranks.   Mcmaster carr is where I purchase the wire that I use.   bent the wire around a finish nail or allen wrench and grab the tag ends with vise grips and twist.   I cheat a little and chuck the allen wrench in my cordless drill.  

[Fredn]

Hi MInnow! AS you have found here there are a lot of options for using and not using 'wire through' your Balsa lures.  I've been making this type of Bass Lures since 1972.....(Gray Beard for sure!  ) and have a method that has been

really succesful for me!  My Lures are 'FAT FRED Lures,  I don't comercial them any more......making a real paycheck got inthe way!  lol..

 

Here is what I use........ Wire= .035 SS welding wire that is available at almost any welding supply store. TSC etc, It generally comes in 2# rolls.  I anneal ( heat to a light orange with a propane torch), the wire so it is plyable and can be shapped.  Then I for the loop for the split ring and twist the wire until I get about 1.25-1.5 inch piece.  I previously have drilled a 1/8in hole in the bait at the locations where I want the hook loop or pull point to be. Fill the hole with 1500-2000 psi two part epoxy, coat the wire and insert into the epoxy filled hole. Refill as necessary to get a full hole.  I have drop tested this combination to 45# impact.  ( I'm an industrial engineer by trade.) 

I know you will probably get a lot of different answers, but this approach has been good to me for a long time with NO failures.  Note: am a veery avaid BASS Tournament fisherman here in Texas, and have marketed my lures earlier in about 15 states.

Hope this helps!  Good Luck!