Weekend Warrior Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 Is anyone using a wire bender for their crank/jerkbaits? I am working on some cranks with screw eyes and others with one piece wire construction. I've seen videos on making a jig/template with pins and hand bending to get the shape you want, but didn't know if a wire bender would be able to make the bends. the shape would look something like a T with eyelets on all three ends. Trying to streamline the process and make the bends on a consistent basis. Rough photo attached. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobP Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 I've never used a bender but wouldn't you need a template to get the distances correct anyway? One thing I recommend is to use soft versus hard temper stainless steel wire. It's much easier to bend and in a small diameter loops like hook hangers, it's still strong. It's all I use on bass baits anymore. I free hand my thru-wire frames and the soft temper wire makes it easy. If the frame gets out of plane, bending it flat again is a snap. I get type 304 soft temper stainless from McMaster-Carr. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bsgorilla Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 Where do others get their wire from? I am just starting with through wire construction and I figure the 30 lb, coated, braided leader wire I was going to use isn't such a good idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobP Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 (edited) Bsg, I don't think it's a good wire because you won't be able to tune the crankbait with braided leader wire. Guys get wire from all over - but instead of burning gas searching for it, I prefer to order from McMaster-Carr: http://www.mcmaster.com/#metal-wire/=lu29l7 I use the soft temper type 304 wire in .041" diameter for bass baits. Edited March 11, 2013 by BobP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hurley Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 I use the 304 wire from McMaster Carr .032 thick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bsgorilla Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 Thanks fellas. That's what I found in another TU thread to get. I was just hoping to be able to buy local as I'd like it right now (lol). I already called a local bicycle shop (wire too thick) and the local Gander Mtn which doesn't carry it. Btw, this is just for hard body topwater frogs and mice so the tuning wouldn't come into play I don't think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weekend Warrior Posted March 11, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 BobP...My thought process was to try to mark the bend points on the wire before bending them. Gonna order some .035 wire and toy with the jig. Tried hand bending with bigger wire (for musky) and it wasn't fun. Thanks for the input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A-Mac Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 19 gauge SS wire from rural king, tractor supply, or Ace hardware. I'm sure the same company makes it for each. Easy wire to twist as well as bend in a jig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bsgorilla Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 Thanks fellas. I just placed my order with McMaster-Carr. One spool of 304 soft temper stainless .032, one spool of .041. Makes me nervous they don't tell you what shipping cost is going to be right away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aaron4mvp Posted March 11, 2013 Report Share Posted March 11, 2013 Do you guys only buy the matte finish or is the spring back wire with bright finish the same thing only with a bright finish? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spoonpluggergino Posted March 12, 2013 Report Share Posted March 12, 2013 I also get my wire from McMaster Carr. Matt finish is fine , but make sure you get the spring back type of wire Gino Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobP Posted March 12, 2013 Report Share Posted March 12, 2013 I'd say just the opposite - get the soft temper "bend and stay" matte finish "safety wire", not the hard temper bright finish "spring back" wire. I've been using it on crankbaits for 10 years and it works great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LimpNoodle Posted March 13, 2013 Report Share Posted March 13, 2013 Fastenal carrys wire in most of their stores. They have a lot of local locations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bsgorilla Posted March 14, 2013 Report Share Posted March 14, 2013 I ordered wire from McMaster Carr at about 6:00 Monday and it was waiting for me when I got home Tuesday from work. Fast! And shipping for 2 one lb spools was under five dollars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted March 16, 2013 Report Share Posted March 16, 2013 Bsg, I don't think it's a good wire because you won't be able to tune the crankbait with braided leader wire. Guys get wire from all over - but instead of burning gas searching for it, I prefer to order from McMaster-Carr: http://www.mcmaster.com/#metal-wire/=lu29l7 I use the soft temper type 304 wire in .041" diameter for bass baits. Bob, I got my 304 .041 sst wire from McMaster-Carr this week, and tried to "twist one up" today. What a difference! It is so much easier to work with than the "soft" tempered .041 wire I had been using. Thank you very much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
