Super User NorthernBasser Posted January 30, 2021 Super User Posted January 30, 2021 Hey guys. So I've never been real good with upgrading my split rings (or even hooks) on my baits in the past. But this year I bought a bunch of KVD triple grips and plan on replacing hooks on most of my Strike King crankbaits. Well, a few weeks ago, when I started taking the stock hooks off the baits, I noticed the stock split rings would bend out quite a bit and not snap back as tight as they originally were. So I decided to place an order for Owner Hyper Wires. I got the Owners in the other day, and decided to start swapping the hooks/rings out again today. Well, I'm having the same issue with the Owners. They don't snap back tight tight after putting them on the lure. And this is even before I put the thicker gauge Triple Grips through them. Is this the norm? Am I doing something wrong? Here's a few pics. Appreciate any insight. This first pic is of the stock rings. Nice and tight. This is a pic of the Owner ring after putting it on the bait. And the Owner Hyper Wire after adding the Triple Grip. And here's a 1.5 I did, same results. And the tool I'm using. I'm trying hard not to pinch them too hard so I don't bend out the rings. 2 Quote
DomQ Posted January 30, 2021 Posted January 30, 2021 Happens to me as well. It is what it is. I've just come to accept it, 2 Quote
Super User MN Fisher Posted January 30, 2021 Super User Posted January 30, 2021 I have two different sizes of split-ring pliers to help mitigate this. Size #0-#3 I use the smaller pair, size #4 and up the larger pair. Sometimes though, the rings will not return to a tight state...just the nature of the beast. 2 Quote
Super User Team9nine Posted January 30, 2021 Super User Posted January 30, 2021 Shouldn't be happening that bad or frequently. I use Hyperwires on everything along with a Texas Tackle split ring pliers and don't recall having any issues unless I'm just using some of the really oversized hooks on the largest baits. Looks like they're simply getting over-separated. I only open the split wide enough to start forcing the hook bend through, never as wide or wider than the hook material itself, then slide the hook on quickly (if that makes sense). 4 1 Quote
Super User jimmyjoe Posted January 30, 2021 Super User Posted January 30, 2021 Look for ones that advertise that they are "spring tempered". They may cost more, but they're worth it. Another answer to the problem might be to use oval rings, although I have no idea now well they work on small stuff. (I use larger rings.) jj 1 Quote
Super User WRB Posted January 30, 2021 Super User Posted January 30, 2021 ^^^this^^^ Start the split onto the lure hook hanger about 1/8” then put the hook in the opened ring, use the hook to finish the install. Tom 3 Quote
Super User OkobojiEagle Posted January 30, 2021 Super User Posted January 30, 2021 I'm going to repeat what's been said above... use Texas Tackle split ring pliers. oe 1 Quote
Super User A-Jay Posted January 30, 2021 Super User Posted January 30, 2021 Been using the Owner Rings successfully for a while. In various sizes from #2 up to & including #5. Switched out trebles from size 6 to 2/0 with these rings. Never once has one distorted like that. No clue what your ring changing 'process' is, but I'd recommend that you use 'less' of it. A-Jay 4 Quote
rtwvumtneer6 Posted January 30, 2021 Posted January 30, 2021 39 minutes ago, Team9nine said: Texas Tackle split ring pliers Best I've found. Open the ring just enough to get it started on the hook. 1 Quote
Michigander Posted January 30, 2021 Posted January 30, 2021 I also use the Texas Tackle ones, and Hyperwires. I don't recall having any deformed rings after upgrading. 1 Quote
Super User bulldog1935 Posted January 31, 2021 Super User Posted January 31, 2021 +1 for Texas Tackle split ring pliers. When I had to work smaller split rings on 45 mm JDM plugs, picked up a set of jeweler's split ring pliers on Amazon and they do the job for me. Also, "Magic Eye" hooks make a big difference in getting the new hook started in the split ring w/o spreading the split ring too far. 3 Quote
Super User NorthernBasser Posted January 31, 2021 Author Super User Posted January 31, 2021 I appreciate all the replies, thanks! Maybe I'll buy those Texas Tackle pliers and see if that helps. But honestly, the way I'm doing it is I'm opening the ring just enough to get the hook on. I'm being super careful not to bend them out farther than need-be. The point on these pliers are super small. Team9nine and WRB, I've tried it that way as well, but there's still a small gap in the rings when all is said and done. The gauge of the hooks on the size 1 and 2 Triple Grips are definitely thicker than stock hooks. But I know others use these hooks, so that can't be the issue. I'm sure the hooks won't come out of the rings, but I still don't wanna take that chance. To those who doesn't have this issue, are you saying there's zero gap in the rings after you put them on? Again, thanks guys! 1 Quote
Super User A-Jay Posted January 31, 2021 Super User Posted January 31, 2021 11 minutes ago, NorthernBasser said: I appreciate all the replies, thanks! Maybe I'll buy those Texas Tackle pliers and see if that helps. But honestly, the way I'm doing it is I'm opening the ring just enough to get the hook on. I'm being super careful not to bend them out farther than need-be. The point on these pliers are super small. Team9nine and WRB, I've tried it that way as well, but there's still a small gap in the rings when all is said and done. The gauge of the hooks on the size 1 and 2 Triple Grips are definitely thicker than stock hooks. But I know others use these hooks, so that can't be the issue. I'm sure the hooks won't come out of the rings, but I still don't wanna take that chance. To those who doesn't have this issue, are you saying there's zero gap in the rings after you put them on? Again, thanks guys! I change EVERY treble hook & split ring from stock. As well as on the water when one get's beat up and needs to be replaced I wish I could tell you that there is some 'secret' to doing this. But honestly, there is not. See for yourself A-Jay 2 Quote
Super User NorthernBasser Posted January 31, 2021 Author Super User Posted January 31, 2021 20 minutes ago, A-Jay said: I change EVERY treble hook & split ring from stock. As well as on the water when one get's beat up and needs to be replaced I wish I could tell you that there is some 'secret' to doing this. But honestly, there is not. See for yourself A-Jay Yeah, I'm not sure what the issue is. Like I said I'm barley opening the rings juuuust enough to squeeze the eye of the hook in. Owner makes amazing terminal tackle obviously. Could it be possible I got a bad pack? Doubtful. I just don't get it. And you change your hooks on the 6th Sense baits too? I think the hooks they use are top notch. Definitely the best I've seen come stock on any hardbaits I've ever fished. 1 Quote
Super User A-Jay Posted January 31, 2021 Super User Posted January 31, 2021 1 minute ago, NorthernBasser said: Yeah, I'm not sure what the issue is. Like I said I'm barley opening the rings juuuust enough to squeeze the eye of the hook in. Owner makes amazing terminal tackle obviously. Could it be possible I got a bad pack? Doubtful. I just don't get it. And you change your hooks on the 6th Sense baits too? I think the hooks they use are top notch. Definitely the best I've seen come stock on any hardbaits I've ever fished. I agree that the 6th Sense baits have very decent hardware, some of the best in fact. But at this point is may be more about 'consistency' through my boxes. I know & have confidence in what I've been using. Meaning, I have a very good idea what it takes to sink the steel and keep it there. Doesn't guarantee anything and doesn't mean I don't lose a few. But I'm good with what's been working so unless something changes, I plan on keeping that rolling. A-Jay 1 Quote
Super User Chris at Tech Posted January 31, 2021 Super User Posted January 31, 2021 And @A-Jay needs something to do during the colder months anyways 1 Quote
Super User A-Jay Posted January 31, 2021 Super User Posted January 31, 2021 22 minutes ago, Chris at Tech said: And @A-Jay needs something to do during the colder months anyways No doubt @Chris at Tech Besides, I can only watch my own giant green & brown bass catch videos so many times. A-Jay Quote
Super User OkobojiEagle Posted January 31, 2021 Super User Posted January 31, 2021 without watching you, my guess is you are twisting the ring very slightly... oe Quote
Super User JustJames Posted February 1, 2021 Super User Posted February 1, 2021 I also use Xuron split ring pliers from micro lure to #2 hyper wire and 2/0 inline hook and hardly had the same issue like yours. I think it is the way you do it instead of the tool itself. Quote
Super User NorthernBasser Posted February 27, 2021 Author Super User Posted February 27, 2021 Quick update. I decided to buy a pair of the Texas Tackle small split ring pliers thanks to the recommendation of some of you here. I've had no issues since. Thanks! One thing I find interesting is the font of the Texas Tackle logo/writing. It's exactly the same as Tackle Warehouse. Quote
Michigander Posted March 9, 2021 Posted March 9, 2021 Just opened a fresh pack of Hyperwires and I did experience the deformed rings last night. Quote
garroyo130 Posted March 9, 2021 Posted March 9, 2021 Yall making me question if i should upgrade rings. My thought is my drag isn't set high enough to test the limits of a split ring. What's the big benefit? Quote
Super User J Francho Posted March 9, 2021 Super User Posted March 9, 2021 I buy quality baits that work right out of the package. I don't upgrade split rings. I don't upgrade hooks. I sharpen dull hooks when possible, and replace them and split rings as needed. Any time I've bent or distorted a split ring, it was me, not the tool, not the ring, nothing other than me using the wrong size ring, or being too aggressive with it. I have said it before, I probably have more split ring pliers than most here (including two pairs of of the TT pliers), and until I got the model @NorthernBasser has a couple months ago. These work the best for me. Sorry for all the TT fans, in my hands, the TT pliers stink. I probably still bend out 1:20 rings to this day. Life goes on, and I start over. I use Owner Hyperwire, Eagle Lazer Claw, and Spro hardware, though not always interchangeably. I can distort every one of them, if I'm not careful. Quote
Super User A-Jay Posted March 9, 2021 Super User Posted March 9, 2021 11 minutes ago, garroyo130 said: Yall making me question if i should upgrade rings. My thought is my drag isn't set high enough to test the limits of a split ring. What's the big benefit? The benefit of quality split rings for me comes into play when I change out my trebles. Baits that catch many fish and or are worked through & over cover, can & do become dull. So I change them - often. While any split ring will wear out over time doing this, the Owner rings last well beyond most standard offerings. This saves me time on the water. Something, I will readily admit, I have precious little of. YMMV A-Jay 1 Quote
throttleplate Posted March 9, 2021 Posted March 9, 2021 i was wrestling with some split rings last week to put feathered trebbles on my spooks and i fumbled with the split ring pliers and one particular ring for many minutes like a fool and finally used my finger nail on my thumb and got it done in mere seconds. Note that your thumb nail will hurt if its not well conditioned for this procedure.? Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.