clemmy Posted January 14, 2008 Report Share Posted January 14, 2008 I'm not really sold on adding 3d eyes to my hardbaits, as more expense, more time, more difficult to keep on, etc. But they do LOOK cool. How are you guys attaching them securely? I'm currently using zap a gap as it's handy. I know epoxy would be stronger, but I don't want to have to mix a seperate batch just for eyes. I epoxy over them, but as they are slightly soft I'm woried about long term adhesion. My best idea I've come up with is to have a bunch of baits painted, and use the leftover devcon from clearcoating to attatch some eyes, then clearcoat them, use leftover to attach...etc. Anyone have any ideas/tips/tricks? Thanks, Clemmy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
senkoman85 Posted January 14, 2008 Report Share Posted January 14, 2008 I am brand new to the game, so keep that in mind.... I paint everything and give it a coat of epoxy, and allow it to cure. I then add my eyes with a bit of Fishin Glue, or Pro's softbait glue and allow that to set for a minute or two. Then I give the entire bait another coat of epoxy, but I could just coat the head. I have tried to "dig" the eyes out of a jerkbait, and they arn't going anywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheesehead Posted January 14, 2008 Report Share Posted January 14, 2008 a drop of superglue holds em in place, topcoat over them and they won't come off. yes they are soft without the topcoating however any real flexing is reduced bythe topcoat as well as the minimal amount of preassure that would be applied directly to the eye. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobP Posted January 14, 2008 Report Share Posted January 14, 2008 I use adhesive backed 3D eyes from Stamina or Jann's and set them in eye sockets cut with a Dremel and a cylindrical wood carving bit. No glue, just stick them in after painting and epoxy or DN over them with clearcoat. Never had one come out. If you don't use a socket, the eyes are stiff enough to lift up on the edges when applied to a curved surface. Besides, I just prefer the inset look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seabasshunter3 Posted January 15, 2008 Report Share Posted January 15, 2008 I just seen some 6mm eyes with posts on the back of them on ebay that look like they would make great lure eyes. There were many sizes and colors to choose from. The guy was selling them in packages of 100 with 5 different color sets of eyes..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tackle-ho Posted January 15, 2008 Report Share Posted January 15, 2008 I'm doing larger saltwater plugs. I drill the eye sockets with a forstner bit. Glue in the eyes with a drop of Zap-a-gap CA+. then clear coat or epoxy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gldnbear93 Posted January 15, 2008 Report Share Posted January 15, 2008 I have been recessing the eyes with a forstner bit that matches the eye diameter and attaching with 5 min epoxy, then clear coat over it. never had an eye pop out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seabasshunter3 Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 I got a lot of store bought lures that I have to fix the eyes on becuase they have hit rocks and seawalls and the eyes pop out. I will try and use some 5 min epoxy and then do the clear coat over... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
