Wire Sizes From Mcmaster-Carr Opinions

[A-Mac]

McMaster-Carr

 

I'm currently using a 19 guage wire that I pick up from Ace hardware/ true value/ tractor supply and other stores that carry the National brand.  According to a wire gauge reference chart, this comes out to 0.0359" (inches) diameter.  

 

I want to try some of the bend-and-stay (soft temper) wire from McMaster carr, as it is a little cheaper.  Does this wire twist well?

 

 For those of you that have used the National brand too, does the 0.032 diameter wire seem like a good substitute for the 19 gauge?  These are for bass cranks.

 

Also, I make some cranks that are about 1.75" long that I am looking for wire replacement.  The 19 gauge wire is a little big for the profile, but more importantly it is heavy for the lure's size.  So my question for this is do you think the 0.025 wire size is appropriate for this lure?  Pros/ Cons you experienced using the 0.025 size? 

 

Lastly, is there a wire size you like for medium and large swimbaits?

 

Lots of questions I know.  I hate buying online and want to make sure I don't end up with pounds of paperweights.  

 

Thanks!

[j27]

Glad you asked this A-Mac . I use the 19 gauge as well but would like just a shade smaller.

[oldtoolsniper]

I have  not tried this with small diameter wire but have read about others using stainless wire feed welding wire. I am still using up the Janns netcraft wire I got at an estate auction with my lure maker. 

 

I have used real heavy stainless .051 welding wire for some large baits. Pretty sure I could pull a small truck with it. 

Edited July 16, 2013 by oldtoolsniper

[A-Mac]

I have  not tried this with small diameter wire but have read about others using stainless wire feed welding wire. I am still using up the Janns netcraft wire I got at an estate auction with my lure maker. 

 

I have used real heavy stainless .051 welding wire for some large baits. Pretty sure I could pull a small truck with it. 

I've tried some stainless welding wire, but it snapped when I twisted it for eye screws.

[toadfrog]

Check into winding wire for motors and stator assemblies .

[BobP]

I use .040" for 2" or larger bass baits and .032" for baits smaller than 2".  Can't comment on large swimbaits.  If you try the soft temper stainless, you won't ever want to go back to harder temper wire.  It twists easier, bends easier, and if you are doing it by hand, that means you can form it more accurately.

 

I've never had a fish deform soft stainless wire in a line tie or hook hanger.  It seems too soft compared to hard temper wire at first, but when you bend it into a small circle for a tie or hanger, it is actually quite strong.

[A-Mac]

I purchased some 0.025", 0.032", and 0.041" wire.  The 0.032" is perfect.  It twists well too.  The 0.025" might not be bad for very small lures, but the 0.032" is still the one to have.  I haven't used the 0.041", but it is a lot closer to the size of the 19 gauge national wire I was buying previously (so still not a bad thing).  

[ravenlures]

Will the soft temper wire hold up to a rotating head musky lure, I use .061 now but bending for the final loop is hard to do but I get it done. So the question is what temper would you use inplace of the SS .061 to make bending a little easer. 

Wayne

[A-Mac]

Will the soft temper wire hold up to a rotating head musky lure, I use .061 now but bending for the final loop is hard to do but I get it done. So the question is what temper would you use inplace of the SS .061 to make bending a little easer. 

Wayne

If you click on the link from my first post, it will bring up their (bend-and-stay) soft temper wire.  It seems they have a size slightly smaller and slightly larger than what you are currently using.  They have several types, some resist bending more.  I've never successfully caught a musky.  I've had a couple good ones on, but they make quick work of bass gear.