Cranking, Swivel Or No Swivel...

[Crankinstein]

I generally tie mine direct. I've used swivels in the past and when my bait gets hung it seemed like the swivel would always bend and I'd loose the lure, tying direct seemed to result in me generally pulling my bait free a lot more often. As far as action goes I never really noticed any glaring differences. I can see a purpose in swivels when your changing out baits frequently trying to match the right color or depth to conditions but once that's dialed in I'd say tie direct. Using different knots like a loop knot or rapala knot can also offer some more of that free motion but I usually find myself tying a palomar knot most of the time.

[calvincorey]

In pre fishing I do, so I can change quick, to different colors, baits etc... But on tournament day,I tie directly. I feel it doesn't effect the action, just a preference kind of thing. IMO

[Bankbeater]

I use to use a snap, but over the past few years I have started to tie direct more, and more.  All it takes is one bad snap to break, and there goes your new PB.

[TorqueConverter]

I use clips.  I'm using the Norman Speed clip now, but I hate it.  As soon as I can find some, I'm going back to the paperclip style clip. 

[senile1]

I tie to the split ring on most baits.  One just has to make sure, when tying the knot, that it is on the opposite side of where the ends come together.  I also check periodically to make sure the knot hasn't slid around into the groove between the ends.  And as WRB stated, oval split rings eliminate that issue.  On some baits, such as Rapala Floaters, I use a loop knot.

[wisconsin heat]

I remove the split ring and use a snap.

[SirSnookalot]

I use a lure exactly how it comes out of the package, I don't add or subtract anything.  Snap/swivels are something I don't ever use, I do see the cheap ones used quite a bit.  In fairness to the product I have seen the cheap ones fail only a few times.  I do use a duolock in freshwater without any problems that I can recall.  I seldom use them in saltwater unless I'm targeting toothy fish, that 1 inch may curtail a cut off but I really don't know for sure.  I don't like wire, I know I get less strikes, never saw this product so I just order some, being "clear" surflon instead of the black or silver.