DIY Shanks

[fshng2 0]

Just started making my own shanks out of 19gauge annealed wire. The first few look a little rough but I am sure they will get better. I haven't tried them yet, will try some on tube flies in the next few weeks. Thanks for sharing this idea, the bead pliers make it more easy.

 

19 gauge (0.0358) should work well for anything you are tying.

 

I made my shanks like I do for tail wrapping lures.

1. Bend wire 90 Degrees around a finish nail (held in a vise and use a vise grip)

2. Wrap 1/2 way around then turn wire over and wrap 1/2 way again

3. Repeat wrapping for 2 turns and your done.

 

See Dave Anderson for tail wrapping wooden lure

[j8000 0]

This is an interesting post. I have recently played around with shanks myself. I had this softer wire around handy. It's not very strong however, tests out at 5 pounds when it snaps. But that ought to be enough for what I use it for.

 

Hopefully this thread will keep going.

 

Jeff

[ben bell 0]

j8000, around this area(del,nj,md) that little blade makes pickeral wet their pants..lol.

[j8000 0]

that's great! I'm hoping that is the case for some warm water reservoirs here. I have not fished them yet, but gave these above to a buddy who is going bass fishing in Idaho next week.

[eastern fly 0]

j8000, around this area that little blade makes pickeral wet their pants..lol.

I have never tried one with a fly.

 

Kevin

[vicente 0]

 

 

j8000, around this area that little blade makes pickeral wet their pants..lol.

I have never tried one with a fly.

 

Kevin

Sportsmans warehouse has a nice selection of them at pretty reasonable prices.

[fshng2 0]

New Toy

Custom shanks made with modified looping tool.

A few shanks threaded thru a rod to show it is possible to make somewhat consistent lengths.

It took very little effort to bend .024" and .035 SS wire as shown.

 

[fishinguy 0]

Well? What's the name of the tool, and how exactly did you modify it? Looks professional.

[Mike West 0]

Michael’s and Hobby Lobby both sell what they call “music wire” in lots of different gauges /Dia.

It’s what I’ve used in the past and like Flytier said they make excellent Bodkins also.

Not as cheap as what some of you guys are posting though but still chump change.

Fshng2,

Yeah what’s that tool? Looks like maybe something for the jewelry making business.

[ben bell 0]

google one step looper..they sell for about $30

[fshng2 0]

Yep you guessed it Mike, the tool is a 1.5 mm looping tool for jewelry.

Got it at Michaels for $16.50 with a 50% coupon.

Modified with a dremel and a cutting disc.

You will need to lop off the top right of the tool which is a cutter, otherwise you will not have a tail on the shank loop.

Makes a nice loop with very little effort.

I get my SS wire in coiled lengths at either Cabelas or Lure Parts Online.

[fishinguy 0]

Got my looping tool. I went with a 2.25mm loop. Modified it same as yours. Just made my first batch of shanks. So much easier.

[eastern fly 0]

I have been using the pliers but I do plan to get the looper tool. I have seen a video that didn't modify the tool.

 

Kevin

[Mike West 0]

What is this modification you guys are having to do to this tool?

[Bruce Derington 0]

Look at a in modified tool, they grind off the right hook on original tool