Using crimps

[Dadwood]

I've never bought the special crimping pliers; I simply squeeze the crimps using flat jawed pliers. I've never had problems of slipping crimps or rigs breaking beneath the crimp. I tend to use 8mm long crimps and the width of the pliers are 6mm. I position the pliers centrally over the crimp and thus avoid any chance of the sharp end of the crimp cutting into the rig line. So, why am I telling you all this? Because some chap I met for the first time at Leysdowne told me that he couldn't believe I've never had rig breakages when just using ordinary pliers rather than the custom made crimping ones. Anyone else 'got away with it' like I have? Do I need to get some proper crimp pliers without delay? Kind regards.

[SIMPLE MAN]

If it has worked all this time for you then why change,I have to admit i do use crimps when making my traces but the smallest traces i make are 60lb and the biggest is 250lb and i must admit that if i had a 400lb bull shark on i think i would be more happier knowing i had used crimps as even a small kink could prove to be my down fall but if i was fishing in UK waters i wouldnt have a problem with just using pliers i think that people often make the mistake of putting to much pressure on with pliers and this can cause weakness but with crimps providing different size holes its harder to over clamp,people think that tighter is better and this is not always the case,it sounds like you have never had any bother so why change now tight lines simpleman

[geejayy]

hi, i've always crimped with regular pliers, on lines from 80lb- 20lb with few problems
btw,
breakaway coilcrimps i've used in the past are a bit fiddly but will cause no crush damage, got to watch the sharp ends where cutting to length though,
also they can be moved for ajustment and if your a dedicated skinflint removed and reused on another rig.

[Bluesbro]

I always use my teeth the do the crimps up lol, not had any trouble so far and I can feel exactly how much pressure I have applied

[Ish The Fish]

Have to say Simple Man has the right idea...
If it ain't broke, don't 'fix' it.

Speaking as a relative n00b, I've only ever had 1 "Whoops.. " moment.
Lesson was learnt very quickly, and not had any crimp related breakages since.

Will admit to having the odd (very minor) slippage, but it's nothing a quick re-adjust and squeeze won't sort out.

Another way to look at it....
Do you have:
Any sort of rig tying tool? (I only know of their apparent existence due to another thread on here!)
Bait Needle?
Bite Alarms?
Kitchen Sink?

There are plenty of things that you 'can' get, but just how many do you really need.
If you looking for a 'Stocking Filler', or have funds burning a hole in your pocket (I have spare pockets that have plenty of room if you need them! ), then it could be worth getting some.
Other than that, can you honestly justify wasting good bait money on them.

[chris.oldgit]

Originally Posted by Bluesbro

I always use my teeth the do the crimps up lol, not had any trouble so far and I can feel exactly how much pressure I have applied

lol joe,
thats great if you have got any, i just bought some dedicated crimp pliers, the 'bite' is even all along the crimp, so no hot spots for line damage by an over tight tooth bite.
BTW, it also keeps the crimp straight.

[Bluesbro]

Originally Posted by chris.oldgit

lol joe,
thats great if you have got any, i just bought some dedicated crimp pliers, the 'bite' is even all along the crimp, so no hot spots for line damage by an over tight tooth bite.
BTW, it also keeps the crimp straight.

Ha ha point taken lol, I will eventually get round to getting some crimpers but as ish said I cant justify spending good bait money on one. Perhaps santa may slip on into my stocking

[chris.oldgit]

predx about £8 on flea bay

[chris.oldgit]

Originally Posted by Bluesbro

Ha ha point taken lol, I will eventually get round to getting some crimpers but as ish said I cant justify spending good bait money on one. Perhaps santa may slip on into my stocking

if your taking to wearing stockings santa may put one in lololol

[..::Pike Pirate::..]

same as everyone elses comment really, ive never used crimping pliers, and never had any problem!

who is this person putting these ideas in your head? hes not your local tackle shop owner is he?