Spinnerbait Repair

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I have several old spinnerbaits that are in need of blades and swivels. Most are Teminators with titanium wires. Luckily the baits, while being quite old, are in pretty good condition.

 

After browsing this thread, changing the clevis seems to be out of the question due to bending the loop out of the wire. Not sure I want to try this and break the wire or get it crooked. These parts are intact and appear okay, it's the blades at the end of the wire that need the work. Replacing missing or damaged swivels and blades.

 

How do you determine the swivel and split ring sizes to match what came on them out of the package? I've looked online for these components separately and the numbers and sizes are confusing. I was thinking about getting the Sampo ball bearing with attached split rings in #2. Will these work on most spinnerbaits no matter the size?

 

As far as blade size, the originals were 4.25. Will a 4 or 4.5 work just as well? Can you replace a Willowleaf with an Indiana or Colorado of the same size without affecting how the bait runs? Also, if the size is not on the blade how do you measure it it determine the size of a replacement?

 

Thank you for your time....Joe

 

 

 

 

[smalljaw67]

A #2 Sampo or Worth ball bearing swivel will work on most baits from 1/4oz to 1oz.  The proper way to gauge swivels is by the size blade, a #2 ball bearing swivel works well for blade sizes  #3.5 up to #7 in both willow leaf, Indiana and Colorado and those are common sizes in the 1/4oz to 1oz range.