jjsjigs
Banned
Wading studs seem to be a necessity on most of my local streams. I tend to use them year round. They work well when the rocks are slimly with muck and algae and studs are definitely needed for winter-time fishing on the ice covered streambanks. Putting in studs can be wickedly EASY! But if you have never done it before this basic primer should get you started.
First you need a pair of wading boots. These are cherry new Chota's with felt soles. One may do this with rubber soled boots as well.
Now you will need as many 1/4" Sheet Metal (tin roof) Hex-Head Nuts was you wish. Most use 12 to 14 per shoe. These cost a penny apiece at my local hardware store opposed to the "retail" studs from Simms, Cabela's, Bass Pro, or Orvis that cost between $15 and $30. There are really NO difference between the "retail" studs and the sheetmetal screws from the hardware store.... except for fancy packaging and a "brand".
RIGHT! Let us begin!
You will also need a screwdriver with a Flathead driver. (Or if you have an electric screwdriver that has attachements one can use a 1/4" nut driver like this one)
Line up your nut driver with the screw hex-head
Take a magic marker and draw out the pattern on the felt to the spacings you want the studs. If your soles have pre-drilled pilot holes, (like these) omit this step. Make sure that the base of your boot (aka cleat base) and (any pilot holes) are clear of foreign debris and are clean.
Align the stud so that it is vertical to the cleat base.
Screw into the cleat base (felt) until the hex-head nut seats firmly to the felt. Once it is seated. STOP! DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN!!
When your done... it should look something like this.
These studs can be removed when they get worn down. Or if you lose one simply fill the empty hole with some super glue or Goop and let dry. Re-fill with a new Hex-Head stud. That's pretty easy, huh?
First you need a pair of wading boots. These are cherry new Chota's with felt soles. One may do this with rubber soled boots as well.
Now you will need as many 1/4" Sheet Metal (tin roof) Hex-Head Nuts was you wish. Most use 12 to 14 per shoe. These cost a penny apiece at my local hardware store opposed to the "retail" studs from Simms, Cabela's, Bass Pro, or Orvis that cost between $15 and $30. There are really NO difference between the "retail" studs and the sheetmetal screws from the hardware store.... except for fancy packaging and a "brand".
RIGHT! Let us begin!
You will also need a screwdriver with a Flathead driver. (Or if you have an electric screwdriver that has attachements one can use a 1/4" nut driver like this one)
Line up your nut driver with the screw hex-head
Take a magic marker and draw out the pattern on the felt to the spacings you want the studs. If your soles have pre-drilled pilot holes, (like these) omit this step. Make sure that the base of your boot (aka cleat base) and (any pilot holes) are clear of foreign debris and are clean.
Align the stud so that it is vertical to the cleat base.
Screw into the cleat base (felt) until the hex-head nut seats firmly to the felt. Once it is seated. STOP! DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN!!
When your done... it should look something like this.
These studs can be removed when they get worn down. Or if you lose one simply fill the empty hole with some super glue or Goop and let dry. Re-fill with a new Hex-Head stud. That's pretty easy, huh?