Jig Man Posted January 27, 2009 Report Share Posted January 27, 2009 (edited) I just traded 200 jig heads to a friend for 200 of his from a mold I don't own and don't want to buy. Over 1/2 of the ones I received have some lead obstruction in the eye. I have tried a few ways to get the lead out. The only thing that is working is to painstakingly drill out the eyes one at a time. 2 questions: 1. Is there a faster way? 2. Am I likely to rough up the inside of the hook eye so I'll damage my line when I fish with them? I'm iced in and will be making baits for the forseeable future. Thanks to all of you pros. Edited January 27, 2009 by Jig Man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basseducer Posted January 27, 2009 Report Share Posted January 27, 2009 Jig Man, I have used a micro torch or a pencil torch, they have a fine flame that lets you do close up work, just keep it moving. I have also used a soldering gun, but this takes a bit longer. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jig Man Posted January 27, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 27, 2009 I tried a little torch. It worked on some of them but melted the heads on some. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadman Posted January 28, 2009 Report Share Posted January 28, 2009 (edited) The only other way I know of to get the lead out of the eyes other than drilling, is with a pointy awl, push the lead through, and then take a sharp knife and remove it from the other side. However this is very time consuming. Maybe someone else will chime in and give you some help. Edited January 28, 2009 by cadman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stagio Posted January 28, 2009 Report Share Posted January 28, 2009 Soldiering tool may melt the lead w/in the eye and not the jighead? I have always used an old set of wire cutters and a pocket knife. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
21xdc Posted January 28, 2009 Report Share Posted January 28, 2009 I take a piece of spinnerbait or buzzbait wire and punch out the lead. Most cases I can just force it with the bait in one hand and the wire in the other. It sucks though.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly Posted January 28, 2009 Report Share Posted January 28, 2009 Ask for another 200 jigs. Pick out the good ones and give back the ones with lead in the eyes. That is the easiest way to fix it that I see. If you have a problem remind him of the product you provided was perfect. Another way would be an exacto knife. wearing a gortex glove (the kind you can buy for cleaning fish). Lead can be cut. Any way you chose will suck. Maybe not the first tip I gave, but good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jig Man Posted January 28, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2009 Thanks for the tips guys. Nothing is working very well. It really is a slow go. I'm sure glad that I'm iced in and have some time on my hands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Foo G Posted January 28, 2009 Report Share Posted January 28, 2009 I hope this isn't a stupid suggestion, but what about sidecutters? Can you use them to cut through the lead up to the hook and then just rotate it around and into the hook eye? Is it just a small amount of lead or is it completely clogged? It's hard to suggest a fix without seeing the baits in question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turkeylegs1246 Posted January 31, 2009 Report Share Posted January 31, 2009 Several tools come to mind: Knife Scapel Awl Ice pick Round nose pliers side cutters Needle nose Split ring pliers The split ring pliers may be the best. Place the offset of the split ring pliers in the eye of the jig and rotate back and forth in a circular motion. That should dislodge most of the lead in the eye. scrape with knife to remove any extra lead. The split ring pliers, used in the same manner, work nicely to remove cured and uncured powder paint from jig eyes as well. There are various styles of split ring pliers. The pair that I am referencing are available from Barlow's, Stock No. 410516 Like most advice, "It's worth the price you paid for it." Not a real problem. Just do it and get it done! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red sox 58 Posted February 1, 2009 Report Share Posted February 1, 2009 I think that mustad makes a tool for that, check in jans or barlows. i think that it is a jig eye cleaner. Hope it helps Red Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
