Trebles attached without split rings

[rickyg]

First off, I hate replacing trebles.  I haven't tried it with split ring pliers.  Do they make it that much easier?  I usually just start the old hook off in the split ring and add the new one and rotate both around until the old falls off and the new one is now on.

 

Anyway, on to the subject in the title.  I've got some older Rebel wee r's and deep wee r's that have the tail (back) hook on an eyelet that is screwed in with no split ring.  The hooks on these are getting pretty rusty.  I'm assuming that the best way to replace these is to cut the hook off and put a split ring on the existing screw-in eyelet then put on a new treble.  Any better way to go about it?  Really wish Rebel still made those baits.

 

Edit:  What size split ring should I use in general for #4 or #6 hooks?  I'm probably buying Owner brand rings.

[NittyGrittyBoy]

In general #6 should suit you fine, not sure about those rebel baits in particular,  but on lures that do not have split rings I do add them. Though it is a pain, once and done

 

Ex: I throw Smithwick Devilhorses in spring, out of the box they come with subpar hooks and no split ring. Without the split rings it's so hard to keep a fish pinned because they can shake the hooks out so easily. Adding the split rings allows the bait to move around more while fighting the fish, thus keeping fish pinned. I'm sure somebody can explain that better. 

 

But cut the hook, or unscrew the latch if it's a wood bait, and add the split ring. You'll thank yourself later. 

[TnRiver46]

I can only answer your first question and for me, yes the split ring pliers make it that much easier 

[DanielG]

To put hooks on with rings from scratch I can't imagine not having the pliers. I suppose it's possible but those things are tiny.  It's hard enough even with the pliers.

[dgkasper58]

1 hour ago, DanielG said:

To put hooks on with rings from scratch I can't imagine not having the pliers. I suppose it's possible but those things are tiny.  It's hard enough even with the pliers.

Definitely have bent some without split ring pliers.  It is easier- I sometimes wish That I shaved the "head" down so its thinner and fits in the smaller rings easier.  I started adding 2 split rings on some bigger glide baits and definitely see the difference. 

[rickyg]

2 hours ago, DanielG said:

To put hooks on with rings from scratch I can't imagine not having the pliers. I suppose it's possible but those things are tiny.  It's hard enough even with the pliers.

I just open them up using the edge of my thumbnail but I'll probably get some split ring pliers.

[Log Catcher]

I would use a size 3 split ring. A lot of baits come with a size 2 but it is so small they are hard to work with. I do use split ring pliers and they do help.

[KDW96]

Ive replaced them on the older lures before. Just take the lure hanger off,and switch hook,replace the hanger. It amazes me how well those tiny hooks hold,and stay tight after catching lots of fish. Newer baits get a new split ring and if needed hooks. Most baits have either cheap hooks and especially split rings. Size 2 or 3 in OWNER split rings. As stated above,if youd like to try is adding 2 rings. It does make a difference. Texas Tackle makes good pliers, the ones i have are stainless that came from Cabelas back years ago.

[swhit140]

These pliers work great, I've had mine for a very long time and hold up very well.

https://www.amazon.com/Texas-Tackle-30100-Split-Ring-Plier/dp/B000N165RI

 

Also check this out for hook/split ring sizes.

https://www.jannsnetcraft.com/crankbait-bodies/341122.aspx#ItemImage

 

You can probably get split rings in a pack of 50 under $2

[txchaser]

8 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

I can only answer your first question and for me, yes the split ring pliers make it that much easier 

 

3 hours ago, swhit140 said:

These pliers work great, I've had mine for a very long time and hold up very well.

https://www.amazon.com/Texas-Tackle-30100-Split-Ring-Plier/dp/B000N165RI

5 hours ago, KDW96 said:

Texas Tackle makes good pliers,

 

All of the above. And a special note, the general purpose fishing pliers with the split ring tip are a waste of time. With the TT pliers it takes about the same amount of time to tie a SDJ knot as it does to replace a hook.

 

[Fishes in trees]

Spend the money and get a good set of split ring pliers.  I have a pair of the Texas Tackle pliers and they save quite a bit of time.   Just like your high school shop teacher chided you, "Use the correct tool for the job."   I have the one with the orange handles, if I had to do it over again, I'd get both the orange & green handles, a full set to handle all sizes.

 

For me the other thing that is totally necessary for working with split rings is good light.  For me, trying to mess with split rings in poor light is a waste of time and a good way to drop split rings.  Then you have to bust out the floor magnet and even then you don't always find them..    Always something.

[Sam]

Ricky, you need a set of split ring pliers.

 

You also need to set up your table with a bath towel over the area you are using to catch the split rings when they pop off the pliers, which will happen.

 

Or try to change them inside an empty shoe box so they can't fly across the room and disappear.

 

Once you get the hang of using split ring pliers it is a piece of cake to remove and replace them on your treble hook baits.

[islandbass]

That’s probably why you hate changing them, lol. My wood shop teacher’s golden tenet was the right tool for the job. Sure fingers work the the split ring pliers do it easier and faster. 
 

I’d do just as you proposed. Add the ring to your baits then attach the trebles. I can tell the size ring but there are images online that can show you the recommended size for your trebles. 
 

 

[rickyg]

8 hours ago, Fishes in trees said:

Spend the money and get a good set of split ring pliers.  I have a pair of the Texas Tackle pliers and they save quite a bit of time.   Just like your high school shop teacher chided you, "Use the correct tool for the job."   I have the one with the orange handles, if I had to do it over again, I'd get both the orange & green handles, a full set to handle all sizes.

 

For me the other thing that is totally necessary for working with split rings is good light.  For me, trying to mess with split rings in poor light is a waste of time and a good way to drop split rings.  Then you have to bust out the floor magnet and even then you don't always find them..    Always something.

Oof! You had to go and remind me of that darned shop teacher who was always right.?  Now that I've entered my 6th decade here on Earth, I've found that I need good light to do most anything.

 

Thanks.

[islandbass]

3 hours ago, rickyg said:

Oof! You had to go and remind me of that darned shop teacher who was always right.?  Now that I've entered my 6th decade here on Earth, I've found that I need good light to do most anything.

 

Thanks.

His name was Mr. Kaufman. Great guy who loved his craft. Before then I’d use a butter knife in place of a flat head, lol.