Thread: Split ring problems

Originally Posted by Glenn54

I'm having problems with the split ring staying separated too. It's also very difficult to split the ring then work it around the swivel and the spinner blade. I'm working with the pony head jig, size #0 split ring(from Do-It Molds) with the small Texas Tackle split ring pliers. Do ya'll use a fly tying vise or just hold the stuff in your hands? Will a better quality split ring be easier to work with or just not bend easily? I purchased one of the Ott magnifying lights and that helps a lot as far as seeing this tiny stuff but it's another thing to hold on to it and put it together. I hope you don't mind that I resurrect this thread. I appreciate any tips. Thanks.

I found that making sure the rings I buy are Stainless. Got one batch that were not and they would stay open once I split them and installed. I also have trouble with them. Got Arthritis in my hands now and can't see. Got one of those good magnifying lights with florescent light. Bought a pair of small pliers from bass pro similar to the Texas tackle pliers. Ground the off side down to fit the small rings. I split the ring, the put the blade in starting the ring on the rounded side of blade from straight ahead of the hole, then work the ring around bending it open as little as possible. Then I install on the swivel. I do all this holding in my hand under magnifier. Tried in the vise and no go for me.

Thanks cray. I will give your method a try. Same issues as you with arthritis and not seeing too good. Dang parts are just so tiny.

I've found if you try to put the split ring and blade on at the same time they'll spring on you. I use either the Hagens German split rings and I got a 1000 of the rosco stainless from CAT.

Originally Posted by Fatman

I've found if you try to put the split ring and blade on at the same time they'll spring on you. I use either the Hagens German split rings and I got a 1000 of the rosco stainless from CAT.

Thanks. Who is "CAT"?

Originally Posted by Glenn54

Thanks. Who is "CAT"?

My wife's name is Cat. Now I know why I always think I have more split rings and blades than I can find. LOL She has been giving them to Fatman.


Bobo

I happened to find a pair of these at a flea market for a buck. Teleflex Incorporated - Pilling Surgical Instruments Catalog
A little grinding and they have been perfect for split rings, I tried several of the split ring pliers and the best ones actually came from Wal Mart in the jewerly making section. But none seem to work as well as the dollar clamp that I modified.

Originally Posted by Bobo Greybeard

I agree with the above comments. Also if you have a friend that works in the medical field try and have them get you a pair of suture tweezers. They actually have jaws on them like a split ring plier. I have found that for me with the nerve damage that I have. They work a lot better than split ring pliers.

Bobo

Here is a couple of photographs of the suture scissors that I was talking about.






Hope this helps.
Bobo

PS, Working with these little split rings will make you know for sure if you need new glasses. LOL I do.

I have tried several options including split ring pliars but the knife I use has the blade point diameter just right to open the ring then I put in the swivel then the blade and move both around at one time with sharp pointed pliars......can do them pretty fast. Also, I'm 67 so I use Reading glasses......couldn't do it without them. I have used larger rings and yes they are little easier to open.

Originally Posted by Glenn54

litewirehooker, I'll give those split rings a try. Tell me more about the special knife you use and how you use it?