Paint Off The Eye Of A Jig

[Felix77]

New jig painter here.  I have been working on painting some jigs and came across an issue with paint getting into the eye when I cure the lure.  I try and make sure there is no paint in the eye but I guess the paint surrounding the hole is getting in there during the bake.

 

The questions is ... how the heck do I get that paint off the eye.  That stuff is hard to chip off once it's cooked.

[Kasilofchrisn]

I use a fluid bed and for smaller jigs I use forceps and grip the eye of the hook.

Heat then dip. I get paint on the forceps but the jig eye is clean.

I then put them in the racks Tj's tackle sells so any excess paint runs down the hook shank where it is easier to peel off.

On my bigger jigs I dip them then clean the eyes out real well then cure the paint.

[cadman]

Felix,

     I stick a drill bit from one end through the other end as soon as I take the jig out of the paint.

[Jig Man]

I cover the eye of the jig with pliers when I dip it.  Also I never heat it enough for the paint to go on shiny.  When it is just warm enough for a dull finish you have a thin coat of paint that won't run when you bake it on.   I can't remember the last time I had a jig with paint in the hook eye.

[Darkman]

heat up a small wire with a lighter or something and poke it out

[DaBehr]

Straighten a paper clip and heat until red hot in a flame (gas stove works perfect) and push through the eye.

Those jig clamps from TJ's Tackle are A+

[Felix77]

Straighten a paper clip and heat until red hot in a flame (gas stove works perfect) and push through the eye.

Those jig clamps from TJ's Tackle are A+

 

Something a little different worked for me.  I took my heat gun, heated the heck out of the tip of a 5/0 straight shank hook and picked my way through that paint.  It's out finally!  I had to reapply heat to get the point to penetrate the paint.  

 

Woohoo!  

[EironBreaker]

Have to clear the head of paint before your cook it.  Paint will pop out much easier then after curing.

[Felix77]

Have to clear the head of paint before your cook it.  Paint will pop out much easier then after curing.

 

That was the problem.  I did do that and in the baking process the eyes were covered over.  Gotta work on the "light coat" part of my process.  

[Mad Moose Baits]

Use a bazooka.

 

(it is my duty to inform you that Tackleunderground, Lure Parts Online and anyone with sense do not condone the use of rocket propelled explosives in the clearing of jig eyes due to the real possibility of injury, death or dismemberment)

 

Or use a hot wire...I guess that will work too....

[smallmouthaholic]

Lure parts online- #3076-Jig EYE  cleaner tool-works like a charm!

[mark poulson]

Lure parts online- #3076-Jig EYE  cleaner tool-works like a charm!

 

Great idea!  Here's the link:

 

http://lurepartsonline.com/Shop-By-Category/Miscellaneous-Tools/Jig-Eye-Cleaner-Tool.html

 

I've been using my Leadmaster split ring pliers, or a seam ripping tool, but they both can put a burr into the hook eye.