How to tie jig skirts with wire

[Ksevigny]

I was wondering how people twist the wire when tying skirts on bass jigs. I have been using 26 gauge wire, two pairs of pliers and my fly tying vice. Gets the job done but it doesn't always look pretty. Any tips would be appreciated.

[21XDC]

Use 22 gauge wire wrapped only twice. Pull tag ends good and snug, then twist snug. Clip tag ends short and bend over remainder.

[Cfrench085]

Use an o-ring or 1/2 of a skirt color to position strands before tying.

[Munkin]

6" Safety Wire Twisting Pliers

I use these.

Allen

[Cfrench085]

6" Safety Wire Twisting Pliers

I use these.

Allen

Neat looking tool. How does it work?

[21XDC]

I have been using the manual safety wire twister pliers for near 30 years... The auto returns are for the birds. A guy just making a dozen baits every once in a while is better off using a small pair of vice grips.

[Ksevigny]

21xdc, where would I get pliers like you have??

[21XDC]

You may find them cheaper somewhere, but they are expensive. They are aircraft mechanics tools... You want the 6 inch model... I prefer the tapered nose over diagonal. I have used both.


MILBAR SAFETY WIRE TWISTER WITH MANUAL RETURN from Aircraft Spruce

I spent a lot more on the several pairs I have. Search for "Milbar" and "Armstrong" brands... Snap on makes some as well as Matco.