copper wire for tying jigs

[gofishloop]

I had a guy tell me that he had a tool that assisted in the wrapping, cutting and crimping of the copper wire for holding a skirt on a jig head. Anyone have one or know what I am talking about. From what he said, it wraps twice, tightens and the cuts it. Help....

[21XDC]

I have been using safety wire twister pliers for 20 years... Make sure you buy a manual non auto/spring return model in a 6 inch model. Depends where you measure from. These would be fine too>> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...Tools

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/...s.php

[gofishloop]

What do you do for the wire? Gauge suggestions and supplier....I am tying living rubber on lead jigs. I just ordered me a pair...

[21XDC]

I personally use the brand beadery craft wire and it works great, But any copper craft wire will do in 22-24 gauge... IM answered also.

http://www.landofodds.com/serv...+WIRE

[Andi Sanders]

I use 24 gauge for silicone and average 40 - 50 strand rubber skirts, but I go up to 22 gauge for more than 50 strands. I use dead soft copper wire (same as craft wire) from Rio Grande jewelry supply wholesaler.

[20_lb_sack]

I use scrap telephone/CAT5 network wire, I think it's mainly 24 gauge copper.


Modified by 20_lb_sack at 11:24 AM 6/25/2009

[Mike Adams]

David is right, you can use any type of solid phone/data wire they are 22 gauge.

[fishrap]

thanks for tool ingo, just getting into this and that looks like it should help a lot. what do you use to hold weed guard out of way?

[21XDC]

You will just get used to going under it twice. Only wrap the wire twice around the bait. The key is tightening the wire with the pull and not the twist. Twisting only holds it tight after you pull snug. You will get the feel of it after a few.

[fishrap]

Couple more question, how long of a piece of copper wire do you work with? Do you position the twist on the bottom of the jig or the top(near fiber guard) of jig? Thanks for the info sure helps cut short the experiments.

[21XDC]

I put the jig in a small bench vice and just wrap the wire while still on the spool twice and cut off leaving two tag ends facing me. The tags are only about 1 in long each. I cross them and clamp the pliers on the crossed area. Pull snug and twist. Then clip off the twist 1/8- 1/4 in long and bend it over with the side of the pliers. It don't matter where the tie is on the bait it is so small and close.

[fishrap]

Well I just received my pliers, tried tying a few jigs and I'm struggling with two left hands. Before I start throwing stuff across the shop thought I would ask what do you do for the third hand you need!!
Can't seem to hold the living rubber material in place and get the wire wrapped so it looks presentable. Could you walk through the steps you use, like which way the jig should be clamped, material placed on the jig and how you hold apply the wire to get an even wrap.
You can respond to my email address if you like edricklefs@choochoolures.com and/or I can give you a phone number so we can talk. Thanks from all thumbs

[21XDC]

IM sent/replied