hooks

[stanger1944]

If a lead mold calls for instance a number 2 Eagle claw 570 or 575 hook will a sickle hook in the same size number 2 work?:huh:

 

[Doc Crappie]

If a lead mold calls for instance a number 2 Eagle claw 570 or 575 hook will a sickle hook in the same size number 2 work?:huh:

not always depends on the mold my be the same size hook number wise but they are very different in make and design

 

[SaltyBuckster]

They usually will.The sickles are shorter before the hook bend and sometimes the hook point hits the edge where it goes through the hook channel in the mold.The next thing is the hook eye leg is sometimes too short,it's best to get a couple hooks of differant sizes from somebody and try them out in the mold and pour a couple before you go buying a bunch in any one size.

 

[LedHed]

Ditto SB. Also Matzuo is infamous for lack of quality control. You will hear a lot about how the leg length is not consistent.

 

[Fatman]

X3 - and yeah Matzuo's quality control sucks. I usually take a box and dry fit them in the mold so that when I go to pour I know they all fit. I can only speak on the red one's I don't know what the quality of the black sickles is.

The only way to not have to fit them is mod the eye hole in the mold and if you do be REAL careful you don't nick the back edge by the jig head shape or you'll have lots of trouble with lead encased eyes.

 

[Hawnjigs]

Yup, can't predict Sickle fits, have to have them in hand. SOME batches have a mix of different leg lengths - these hooks might need to be individually examined and sorted for proper mold fit. More important for collared molds where the hook shank should ideally run straight thru the middle of the collar. No collar molds have more leeway for off angle shank positioning.

And, SOME Sickle batches might need twisting the eyes and/or points back to center to allow for tight mold closure.

If you want an upgrade strong sharp hook with consistent out of the box fit Mustad Ultra Point 32746 is usually reliable.

 

[hookup]

With a dremel tool, any hook will fit in any mold.

 

[Hawnjigs]

Yes, molds can be modified mostly for LARGER hook fits, but as Fatman says cutting too much metal may result in messy melt bleed. Downsize hook mods might also cause bleed and sloppy fit due to excessive movement of eyes and/or shanks in oversize slots. This might also be a problem when using original stock hooks in a mold modified for larger hook fit.

 

[hookup]

cutting too much metal

Can be fixed w/ JB Weld.