Barrel twist wire screw eye

[Lurch4004]

Anyone know how to make a Barrel twist screw eye for larger plugs? Could you share a procedure.

[Anglinarcher]

My best suggestion is to hover your mouse over activity at the top right of the screen, then go to search at the bottom.  Click on it and enter several options.  I entered home made wire eyes and got the following.

http://www.tackleunderground.com/community/search/?&q=home made wire eyes

As for what you mean by "Barrel twist", I am not sure.  But, I home twist my eyes by using a small round nose pliers, often called a jeweler's pliers, to make the round eye, then a pair of pliers to twist the rest.  But, is that what you are after?

[BobP]

I’ve made them but only with wire that I could twist with my fingers, like Malin leader wire or soft temper stainless.  A barrel twist where one leg is twisted around the straight other leg does have more glue area but a regular dual twist shank epoxied into a drilled hole has never failed me and it’s easier to make.  Hopefully someone who uses a barrel twist with larger hard temper wire can chime in.

[mark poulson]

I do it with .54 wire for my Whopper Ploppers.  I make the eye with a pair of round nose pliers, put the eye in a vice, and twist the tag end around the shaft using some needle nose vice grip pliers to hold the tag end.  It's a pain.

Edited November 18, 2017 by mark poulson

[Anglinarcher]

PS, I usually use brass when I do it.  It is easier to tune and easier to make.

[SW Lures]

I use .30 SS TIG rods. I use pliers (large jewelers, Klines, needle or whatever) like the rest, to form the eye then I put the eye in a wood block vice and twist the leads which gives a uniform twist. I'm very aware of protecting the eye. Many people that use my baits like to tie directly up to the baits tow eye, including myself some times.

It took me awhile to get the hang of it but now I just get at it. I dont use these type of eyes for all baits just for ones that would be at greater stress than normal.  I make some musky baits with these and striper baits. Standard eyelets that you buy from lets say LPO is just fine for standard fishing. The standard types when installed properly will hold unbelieve stress.

[Lurch4004]

Yeah I was looking for this for larger Musky/Striper baits. I was told they are a stronger option then just the twisted, although I have no proof other than others experience. The barrel is one straight  and the other twisted around it.

[gliders]

Lurch, I think some guys reckon its stronger because the twisted section is slightly thicker with barrel twist, and therefore has a bigger surface area to glue ,in theory making it harder to pull out . In practice and testing ,I've found it means nothing, a twisted screw eye properly glued in will be almost impossible to remove.......glider

[sonoman]

Lurch I  believe there is a video on youtube that Lordship lures does that shows the process in detail on a large surf plug...hope it helps.

[Lurch4004]

Gliders thanks I am sure you are right, I tend to overthink these simple things sometimes. When I am learning about something I tend to go overboard on the work up which can paralyze me sometimes. Paralysis of analysis.

Sonoman I checked out the videos, didn't actually have making a screw eye but the tail wrap video helped me to figure out how to do it. I thibnk Gliders is right that it would be overkill for minimal gain.

Thanks to everyone else for sharing. Hope to make some traditional Striper plugs and a few for Musky plugs this winter.

[barrybait]

I agree with Gliders that the twisted eye is as strong and in fact probably stronger.  However, in many of the large wood plugs these are used for,  The wire goes thru the center of the bait so no matter what eye you form on one end, when you push the wire thru to the other end a barrel eye is the only option I know of.

 

The Lordship Lures You Tube videos were very good.  After watching, there were other lure maker videos as well.

Edited November 22, 2017 by barrybait
further info

[DingerBaits]

I would think... Make a loop on one end, put the other two ends in a chordless drill, put a screwdriver in the loop and pull the trigger slowly.... that will give it a good twist

 

[benton B]

I use a cordless drill with a small allen wrench chucked, I think it's 5mm.   Bend your wire into a U shape grab the tag ends with vise grips, slip loop over the allen wrench and slowly twist.    

[Vodkaman]

This is a video of a barrel twist tool that I designed. I see no reason why it wouldn't work with thicker wire.

 

[mark poulson]

That is a slick build!

[gliders]

Looks good vman, the music -well errr ....

[Vodkaman]

Mark - Thanks.

Gliders - LOL

If I was to build another I would make some changes so I wouldn't have to mess about with a screwdriver, and make it easier in my fingers to move the plate with more leverage.

Dave

Edited December 16, 2017 by Vodkaman