Split rings ......

I have the hardest time dealing with the split rings on my painted crankbaits. I have split ring pliers, but still have a difficult time with them. I am doing something wrong? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

SOme pliers help more than other and that is just a fact, but don't know of any that make it really easy. They are always somewhat tuff.

I have a lot of different pliers for these and this is the one I like best. Split Ring Pliers - Medium Opening

Skip

bought and like the Texas Tackle split ring pliers - although I really liked my old cheap Worth brand pliers

Texas Tackle Split Ring Pliers

I changed some hooks out on some CB's last year, and some would cooperate (if you can call it that) and that particular split ring would be easy, but the very next one was a PAIN. Try holding the lure differently, I found holding the split ring pliers in my left hand (I'm right handed) was better/easier for me, but I would mix it up on the difficult ones. GL

I use a small knife and open the ring, then slide the swival and blade in the opening and work them on the ring with small pliars. Done it enough that it's somewhat easy but still reel tedious.

Small split rings are a killer even on the best of days. You need to be even tempered and definitely not in a hurry. Good luck.

Okay, thanks guys. Was wondering if it was just me.

They are pesky no matter what, but I have dealt with them so much for so long it's not that bad. I do think what pliers you use can help.

split rings come in different sizes too. Moving up one size can often help out.

Here are some micro SR's we use. The Zurons are nice with the new design. Best quality and works down to #00 splits.
Widget Supply: Ring Plier

I did my first split rings on spinner blades last night. Yes, it was a pain but I learned a few things to make it easier.

First, I used the edge of the spinner blade closest to the hole to open the split ring. Once open it was just a matter of turning the blade to draw the ring through the hole. If I moved the blade about 1/8" further into the split ring it created an opening wide enough to slide it onto the jig swivel. The trick was to steady the jig swivel by clamping a hackle clamp to its edge. Once I had the split ring in the swivel eye I used a tweezers to rotate it.

Of course, all this was done with the aid of a swing-arm lighted magnifier on my shop table...the greatest invention since sliced bread. I doubt this would work with a hook since it doesn't have the fine edge that the spinner blade has.