new tyer - loose lead question

Ok, I'm brand new to the whole tying thing and have been accumulating my 'stuff' to begin. I purchased 300 no collar, sickle hooked jigheads a couple weeks ago 100 each of 1/16, 1/32 and 1/64. I haven't really had a chance to look at them until now, so tonight I pulled them all out. I noticed the 1/16 had some lead left from the mold - not really the sprue, but like some slipped between the halves of the mold. Not all the heads had it, but I would say most of them. No big deal I figure, so I get a small pair of end nippers and start cleaning them up. Pretty soon I notice that the heads seem loose on the hooks. At first I thought it was just a couple, so I go back and check. Sure enough, to one degree or another, every 1/16 ozer, the head can wiggle on the hook. Some, quite a bit, some just a little. So I check the 1/32, and same thing - every single head is loose on the hook. I have not checked the 1/64 jigs yet. So, here's my question: Is this normal?? It seems odd to me that every single one is loose. They are not falling off the hook loose, but there is a definite wobble if you hold the hook in one hand and gently move the head with the other. At this point, I feel like I have a 100% reject rate on my 1/16 and 1/32 oz heads. Am I overreacting, or is this a normal thing to have happen? Any help would be greatly appreciated - thanks!!

I bought a bunch of them like that several years back and didn't buy any more from him. I even tried to talk to him about making some that were not loose, but he just go so he wouldn't reply to emails or anything. I know he sells a lot of jig heads, but not to me any more. I get mine from Grousefly, a member here on Crappie.com.

It's not normal if you buy from someone that is good. I bet there are several other on here that don't put out loose heads.

Skip

Did you buy them off of ebay?

Skip

I take the extra effort to ensure the heads are not loose on all jigs I send out. If you plan on painting the heads, it should secure the loose heads. However, the seller had no idea how you planned on using them. I would give the seller an opportunity to make it right first.
http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/l...4/P1011905.jpg
NightProwler

they are not supposed to be like that. and it comes from removing them from the mold immediately after pouring, and also grabbing them by the hook while they are still warm. in other words it comes from being in too big a hurry. when I pour, I'll let the mold sit for a minute while I snip the sprues off that last batch, and I'm careful not to grab the hook in removing the head.

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Originally Posted by redear

they are not supposed to be like that. and it comes from removing them from the mold immediately after pouring, and also grabbing them by the hook while they are still warm. in other words it comes from being in too big a hurry. when I pour, I'll let the mold sit for a minute while I snip the sprues off that last batch, and I'm careful not to grab the hook in removing the head.

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Yep.

I've used them like that before. It doesn't matter much especially if you paint 'em.

Now where the mold meets together you shouldn't have much of any but I know what you're talking about.

Sometimes you'll have some slip past the bend of the hook going up towards where the eye is. It's no big deal but I remove it on mine.

Quality control starts at home. It starts with you if you are not happy with the jig heads than YOU might want to start casting your own. That happened to me I started casting my own. Soon I was making my own molds and this became a life long journey to make the ultimate jig. Has not happened and never will but what a ride.

Redman

Sending you a PM. Do more than just paint them to make them tight.

Skip

Thanks - I don't know that I'd trust even cured powder paint to keep them tight. Not that I'm going to be selling them (giving to buddies more likely), but I like the stuff I make to be A1....

That is why I started making my own also, if you want something done right you better do it yourself. I don't know how many you are planning on making but I can pour about 24 and remove the flashing's in a half hour. The time consuming part is painting and dressing them.

I like the painting part - I've gotten pretty decent with powder paint from painting ice jigs. Tying jigs will be a brand new one for me - can't wait to start! As far as pouring my own, I know I would enjoy it, but I don't want to get that into equipment. Already between rod building supplies and powder, now jig tying - I need an addition on my house!!!

There's not that much to it a 110 volt lead melting pot $38, and a jig mold about $38 from Janns Netcraft, and Lead is cheap.

Hey come on now, don't get me started on something else!!

Lot of good comments.
If you are Powder Painting them __ they will tighten up 1 from being heated & 2 from the paint.
Some times when using harder lead this happens .. and the way they are removed from the mold.

JSC

I'd still use them,painting tightens them up.I'd try another head maker,there are plenty here.

Thanks for all the comments everyone - I'll see how they turn out - good heads to practice on anyways!

Look at it this way, you don't have to add rattles. Seriously, they will fish fine, and I'm like you with wanting everything just so. Drives the wife nuts. They'll catch fish and you'll be through them before you know it. You could squeeze them in a small vise which would tighten them and give you a flat area to put the painted eyes on.

Another technique some use, is to give them a little squeeze on the side of the head with a pair of flat faced needle nose pliers.... just enough to tighten them and not to much pressure that makes things worse. Between that and painting them, they should be tight again.
Good Luck,
NightProwler