through wire

[morrison43]

I was wondering if stainless steel is the only way to go on a through wire. I was thinking about using a brass wire. Would this hold up in fresh water fishing or should I stick to paying more and use the stainless steel? Thanks

[JimP]

I have used 20 gauge brass twisted eyes for for a long time on  bass  sized crank baits.  I did some testing when I first tried the soft temper brass wire. (brass wire is available in several degrees of stiffness from "dead soft" to "extra spring temper") 

These numbers might not be exact it's been a while.  As I recall the 20 gauge soft brass wire will break at at around 35-40  pounds and deform below that number.  It was well above any line test that I was going to use and have used it for years without any problem.  If you are using 50 pound test line or greater if you could still use brass just by using a larger gauge and or a harder temper value.  At some craft type stores you can get small rolls of soft brass wire under $5, and in many colors.   Many of the old lure makers used brass.

[woodieb8]

you  can buy soft stainless wires. there less expensive also. brass can be used if its what you want to build with..if you choose s/steel wire use tie wire . for smaller baits.

[BobP]

Brass wire of any temper is usually a little softer than stainless of the same temper.  Many classic bass cranks used brass wire and it holds up perfectly well in that application.  However, I prefer soft temper stainless.  It's a little tougher, will not corrode or discolor like brass, and it's just as easy to form.  A spool of soft temper stainless from McMaster-Carr online in .041" thickness is my "go to" choice.  And the cost is reasonable.  Considering the relatively low cost of the materials that go into a crankbait versus the work required to build it, I think it's smart to go with the best materials you can find for the job.

[morrison43]

Thanks for the advise guys!