Thread: Reclaiming hooks

I usually melt the lead off as I go, holding the hook with pliers and dipping just the lead head in the pot and dropping the hook on the table to knock any remaining lead off. This keeps from having lead residue all over the hook.

I’ve read somewhere that the hooks would float to the top if dropped into the pot, but I have never tried it.

If you have never had it happen, a piece of wire or hook stuck in the outlet of a bottom pour pot makes a big (and dangerous) mess!

Originally Posted by CrappieDreamer

I usually melt the lead off as I go, holding the hook with pliers and dipping just the lead head in the pot and dropping the hook on the table to knock any remaining lead off. This keeps from having lead residue all over the hook.

I’ve read somewhere that the hooks would float to the top if dropped into the pot, but I have never tried it.

They will float!!! I was pouring once with just lead to warm up mold throwing sprue back into pot. Then loaded up with hooks and threw that back into pot. Yikes. Hooks were such a mess though, I threw them away.

Really don't want to do one at a time, but may have to do some when I pour till I get them all back. Just got so busy this last year, I didn't want to mess with it.

Your best bet is to chunk them!

I would mix in a few when you are bored. For me, I usually took care of them as I was pouring. I would get 8 or 10 lined up, and right before I put in fresh lead, I would go ahead and melt the screw up. I held the hook at the bend and stuck in just the lead portion.

Matzuo hooks are chemically sharpened and light wire by nature. Many are already weak and prone to breaking. Putting the whole hook in the lead is a recipe for disaster. Especially dealing with larger 4/0 hooks and the bigger fish they were intended for (in my case). Also, if they are "red" hooks, throwing the whole hook in lead with essentially remove all the red from the hook

Another quick trick is to line up several of them on a pair of pliers (again, holding at the bend) or hanging them on a wire coat hanger. Bring out the torch and torch off the lead. Could do a whole bunch at one time.

I doubt their issue will be fixed anytime soon. Might want to consider swithing over to the Eagle Claw Lil Nasty hooks.

Very nice ties by the way!