Split ring information

[smalljaw67]

I often see posts with anglers replacing trebles and split rings on baits and the one split ring that is mentioned most of the time is the Owner Hyper wire split rings. Well, as a tackle maker and an angler I'm telling everyone that we are over paying for 16 or 14 split rings. I spoke to a rep from Worth manufacturing where I get my spinner blades and ball bearing swivels from and asked them why the Owners are so much better. They told me to order their standard split ring in nickel or zinc plated steel, those are made from the same type of steel as the hyper wire rings, and that is "spring steel". The spring steel makes them stronger with very little to no memory and that was music to my ears since I go through a lot of split rings making bladed jigs. The problem with stainless is that they can deform, and then they weaken and open up, spring steel can deform but it goes right back to its original form keeping its strength and it has worked for me. I was having a problem with opening split rings for my bladed swim jigs and the ring would just stay open, then I got the hyper wire and problem solved but they aren't cost effective. So after I contacted Worth I found I could get the nickel plated spring steel split rings from Barlows Tackle and it would cost me a little under $5.00 per 100 and so I tried them and I've been using them ever since. 6 solid years and zero failures even with a flipping stick and 65lb braid, after that test I was sold and I've been happy ever since. The Owner Hyper Wires are great, I know because I bought them too but the price for so few rings had me search and ask questions and I'm happy to say that I've found a cost effective solution. So, if you need split rings look for "spring steel" in the description, those are the best in strength and memory.

[MickD]

Good advice.  I will add that when I use split rings for chinook salmon, I buy by pound test rating, usually about 80.  The shock of their strike straightens out "normal" split rings.  Even though the line may be about 30 pound test, you need about double that to prevent the shock failures.  (using braid, no stretch, high transmission of shock).

[Fishes in trees]

I used to avoid changing out hooks and stuff because I had issues with the split rings.  My short stubby fingers didn't work good using split ring pliers - I found it difficult to keep the ring centered on the pliers to open it up.   Then I got a good set of split ring pliers.   Texas Tackle Split Ring pliers weren't cheap - $15 more or less - but they work great and are easy to use and keep the split ring centered.

I like quality tools that work.

[buzzed bait]

great advice.  i absolutely hate opening up a split ring and having it stay open.  i'll have to order the spring steel next time i place an order.

[whitwolf]

Great Information smalljaw, thanks! This is the type of thread that makes this the best bass site on the 'net!