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| I've decided it's time to start making my own leaders. I almost had a coronary when I looked at steel leader prices last week in a bait shop and finally decided enough is enough. I've read a lot info on websites on this and still need some help. I want to make my own single strand, 7 strand, and quick strike leaders in all sorts of different sizes and strengths.
What tools do I need to make this easy? Some crimpers go for $5 dollars and some for $50 dollars. Are they the same or really that much better? I want this to be a long term hobby but I don't want to break the bank. If you could post what you have and what works for you I would really appreciate it. Also if you could point me towards the right websites that sell this stuff. Any tips or tricks?
Thank you and good luck on the water.
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Posts: 2894
Location: Yahara River Chain | I can help you on the single strand wire as I have a two page PDF file on making them. Email me at [email protected]
As for 7 strand, I'd stay away from crimping as you have to get it just right. Too little and the wire slips out, too much and you crush the wire, both results will led to failure. |
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Posts: 416
Location: Madtown, WI | Single Strand: I use 174# single strand wire and make loops with a jewelers pliers (round nose), no other special tool required. Just make a perfect loop with pliers and wrap tag end around leader with your fingers, super simple. I like 4 or 4.5 size stay-lock snaps, no ball bearing/swivel necessary. I also like to use small piece of shrink tubing around what's left of the sharp tag end, otherwise your line or weeds get caught on it.
Seven Strand: I don't know what # test or size crimps (single barrel) I use off hand, but any size will do really. No special tool required, I just use my bench vise or vise grip to flatten them out. Size 5 snaps and re-use your ball bearing or swivels from old leaders as long as they are still in good shape.
Quick Strike Leaders: I make 2 to 3' 135# mono leader for this, it's much much cheaper than fluoro. You need a swaging tool (i paid $20 for mine) for a double barrel crimp if you crimp fluoro or mono but a lot of guys just tie it with their fingers. Some guys will tell you they don't trust a knot or a crimp or mono or fluoro, but I've never had one fail in the past 4 years. muskytackleonline has everything you need and he tells you which crimps to get.
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Posts: 173
Location: Probably Minnesota that time... | The only tools you need to make single strand are as mentioned, a round nose pliars, (Thorne carries some good ones) I believe I paid $30.00 for mine) These pliars and this technique is simple, you will be able to do up to .062 bucktail wire also. Practice on some cheap light wire first untill you get the hang of it. I'm sure you can youtube the visual process. The other item that comes in quite handy is a small vice grips (the needle nose version is the one I like to use) This is for that tag end. You come across your last wrap at about a 45 degee angle pinch on the vice grip right there. Leave yourself a 1.5-2" tag (for easier manipulation) With vice grip locked in place use a spare pliars (oops another tool) You can use your fingers. Hold the vice grips and grab that tag end-bend it back and forth a couple times it should snap off nice and flush if your vice grip placement was correct. You shouldn't have to worry about a sharp edge sticking out, they usually break flush.
This works great. It will save you some money down the road too.
-Chris |
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