Lure Wire Bending Tool, Let's Build One

When you make your own lures you have to choose a way to get hook eyes on the lure. If you're bending your own lure wire harnesses, either for soft or hard baits, you're probably going to find this wire bending tool and bend technique useful. I've been bending my own lure wire harnesses since my very first handmade lure and using this little wire bending tool is the fastest , most accurate way i've come up with to do it.
www.amazon.com/shop/engineere...
/ engineeredangler
pB5ReGuDlS...
/ engineered-angler-9424...
/ @engineeredangler
Affiliate product links
Affiliate product links help support the channel. As an Amazon Associate EA earns from qualifying purchases found in the links below.
Lure Parts:
Bargain Lure Eyes: amzn.to/3Hd1zVg
Spinner Wire: amzn.to/3obAtVz
Bulk Wire (I use the 174lb): amzn.to/3qk2pJx
SS Straight Wire: amzn.to/3C8CuHn
Mold Making Silicon:
Smooth-on fast: amzn.to/3o6r2rN
Smooth-on oomoo 30: amzn.to/2ZGM4nA
Specialty resins’ mold silicon: amzn.to/3G10gXX
Casting Resin
Specialty Resins’: amzn.to/30ZheHy
Alumilite white: amzn.to/3E4jdbE
UV resin:
amzn.to/3nPvvOa
amzn.to/3my4UWv
Glues:
Super Glue (may favorite size): amzn.to/3wrjD94
Larger size super glue: amzn.to/3mUmfJv
Super Glue accelerator: amzn.to/3EWJEQM
Spray on glue: amzn.to/302FEic
Paint Sealer, Mid-Coat:
Minwax Polycrylic: amzn.to/3oaBU6F
Floor Wax: amzn.to/3bQRgHN
Spray on Cleat Coat:
Krylon outdoor clear: amzn.to/3n2fQfv
2K Automotive Clear small batch: amzn.to/3qetApn
Clear coat 2-part resins:
Amazing quick coat: amzn.to/3d1uD4f
East coast resin: amzn.to/3jTYWNO
Good lower coast alternative: amzn.to/3H2r1fV
Chrome spray:
SpazStix: amzn.to/2ZK0zqp
Molotow: amzn.to/3jWkIRd
Looking Glass: amzn.to/31gaXXv
UV Lamps
UV LED Nail lamp amzn.to/3jVdwF2
Basic UV nail lamp amzn.to/3pTPIoP
UV Spot light: amzn.to/3mBdsvX
Airbrush:
Full setup: amzn.to/3GIIMRe
Beginner airbrush: amzn.to/3CC7gJs
Iwata Revolution: amzn.to/3bwiOlI
Iwata high performance: amzn.to/2ZCqSi6
Texture stencil: amzn.to/3kfzd2C
Fly Tying Stuff:
Excellent fly tool starter kit: amzn.to/3xEY5GL
Flu tying materials kit: amzn.to/3D1OavS
Paints:
Badger ghost tints: amzn.to/3buSFnd
Createx paint set: amzn.to/3nR9Vcl
Excellent high quality paint set: amzn.to/30bLcaL
Hand Tools:
Twisting pliers: amzn.to/3wd314U
Hand drill: amzn.to/3q0NWlJ
Wire bend pliers: amzn.to/3nMMm4n
Twistech wire former: www.jannsnetcraft.com/wire-fo...
Sanding sponges: amzn.to/303Myo2
Sanding Board: amzn.to/3wqr2oY
Flush cut saw: amzn.to/3ESdeXu
Coping Saw: amzn.to/3kjoLY5
Mini plier set: amzn.to/3mWIjDn
Wire cutters: amzn.to/3EWpvdr
Power Tools:
Bandsaw: amzn.to/3mvGkWi
Drill bits: amzn.to/3CvHZ3H
Lathe: amzn.to/2ZHtdYW
Wen Belt sander: amzn.to/3jWqz92
Pistol grip rotary tool: amzn.to/3bRj4Mj
Light duty cordless drill: amzn.to/3C7jMjn
Benchtop drill press amzn.to/3EV8wYV

[@agelualofa]

Brother you are the king. Thank you brother LOVE your channel. Your channel does not deserve a like, It deserves a LOVE bro. Honestly

[@EngineeredAngler]

I appreciate that

[@georgebredon66]

I have no interest in fishing! However I want to make a wire bending tool. This video is by far the clearest one I have seen as regards making (1) knobs and (2) a wire bending tool and (3) the wire bending template idea shown at the end. I shall go into my (woodworking) workshop and hopefully develop a new set of skills based on what you have shown in this video. And thank you for the list of tools and materials you use. Really professional and presented with pedagogical precision!

[@EngineeredAngler]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pakde8002]

Enjoying older tutorials from your catalog while waiting for the next edition.

[@EngineeredAngler]

So happy to hear that...share them with your buddies...I would really like to build the EA community.

[@strohmoose]

Just finished making my own copy of your bender. A fun project for sure.

[@k9er233]

Great build idea. Purpose-built jigs are some of the most useful and effective tools in any shop.

[@EngineeredAngler]

Very true!

[@Floridamarty]

I enjoy watching you DYI everything. I am the same way. I used to get so much satisfaction tying my own flies for fishing in the CA Sierra. I have been in FLA for 16 years, and mostly surf fish since and trying to improve all the time. You are a blessing to the fishing community. Thanks for the education.

[@EngineeredAngler]

That is awesome!...thanks so much.

[@davidsullivan27]

I'm a new subscriber. All I can say is "WOW". Not sure how i've gotten along without your channel. Thank you for the info about all the mistakes i have made trying to make a satisfactory swimbait. And I'm a gadget nut. Thank you for all your DIY tutorials. you are fantastic.

[@EngineeredAngler]

Welcome aboard! Thank you for your kind comment.

[@aidenmcnulty]

Rain expected this weekend, looks like I have a new project 😉👍. Thanks so much for sharing, clever little tool. This should really save the ends of my fingers. I'm always catching them when force wire around. Thanks so much EA ☘☘☘☘😉👍

[@EngineeredAngler]

Rain here too...

[@kevinwimmer4159]

I'm glad you changed .625 to .0625. Bothered me lol

[@stripermanly]

Wish I had seen this 20 years ago. I have a small commercial wire bender, but for the larger wires I use to make umbrella rigs and A-Rigs with since 1995, I bent every one by hand. I don’t want to admit how many bends ago that was. Maybe 150,000-200,000 bends.

[@EngineeredAngler]

Wow my hands hurt just reading this...cheers. and happy holidays

[@WATTSROBIN]

I made one up after watching a previous video of yours. Works an absolute treat. One of the best ideas I've ever seen on youtube

[@EngineeredAngler]

Thank you. ..

[@mrBDeye]

This is a great technique. Thanks for making this video demo.

[@thelurefactory8557]

Wow that’s brilliant, it so simple and obvious when shown how. Thanks for sharing I’m away to make one right now.

[@jameschristian306]

Thanks for sharing your ideas and videos.

[@capt.martin5169]

Love your videos! Thanks for sharing!

[@rhahn427]

THANK YOU...... THANK YOU ....... THANK YOU for the video on making the bending tool and for measuring in inches ......... keep em coming ........ You’re great !!!

[@stephenperry5927]

I told my kids, “This is what paying attention in school can do for you!” Excellent job Mr.Engineered Angler. You gave me an awesome example to show my kids, who just started learning fractions this year, of how you can use fractions and decimals to make the things you want. I really appreciate you making this video.

[@EngineeredAngler]

Wow....I live for these kinds of comments...thank you.

[@delsmithfishing2891]

AWESOME , thank you for the video . I've been waiting for it . I've got to make me one of these !!!!

[@sturgeonman5208]

Well done! Great to find a video on the details of ‘how’ and ‘why’, not just “watch how I do it”. 👍

[@j.m.8185]

Thank you for this video!

[@brucewilliamsom5928]

Once again thanks Franco...your the best

[@HookLife]

3 minutes into my first watch and I’m a new sub for life. Thank you for what you do

[@EngineeredAngler]

Thank you so much.

[@110101719]

This is really cool, and your tutorial shows how to do it with out having a machine shop.

[@infiniti2003]

That was cool man thanks.

[@steveevans4932]

thanks Engineered Angler, i have to make one.

[@oscarstone9361]

Good video, this looks more practical than some of the other wire benders that cost much more than this would.

[@josequintero2875]

Thanks you for sharing your tricks of the trade

[@EngineeredAngler]

My pleasure!

[@BasSpain-custom-lures]

Sin duda, una gran herramienta para el "Custom Bait"

[@dondawson7409]

Great video

[@shane-woody]

Would love one of them in Australia for a project on a shell lure

[@reneespiricueta3543]

Great jig

[@moonolyth]

Just did something similar except used a large screw and long nut. It's for a sailboat clip for the cables, doing a vid for that too. Works surprising ly well. Will be making yours as it looks very versitile compaird to mine.

[@thewarpsyrhead]

I wish I could like this video more than once - great stuff!

[@EngineeredAngler]

Thank you

[@kevin_1979]

Nice! I'm a machinist (teacher) and just recently took up fishing. After losing a few spinner jigs I naturally have been thinking about making my own jigs but couldn't think of how to make the bend fixture. This really helps me out a ton.

[@EngineeredAngler]

Glad to help!

[@emmanuelmartinez8902]

I'm learning a lot thank you! Awesome content!

[@EngineeredAngler]

Glad to hear it!

[@teindavid421]

Cool thanks

[@tima.4040]

Simply awesome.

[@EngineeredAngler]

Thank you.

[@proffishingandhunting2938]

Nice one

[@SplishSplashFishing]

This build/idea is so cool - Don't know how I missed it in April. Wire bending has always been my nemesis, and getting results that are consistent, not easy. I'm sure this will help me - Thanks

[@EngineeredAngler]

I had promised some subs that I would do the build, I'm glad you found it helpful, cheers.

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Awesome content. Thanks!

[@EngineeredAngler]

Thank you...

[@chrisfurry766]

Good info. Thank you.

[@EngineeredAngler]

You're welcome!

[@tommynilsson503]

Thanks for the video. It was really good helps alot with the stuff im making. thanks again.

[@EngineeredAngler]

Cool...glad you found it interesting and helpful...and thank you for the feedback.

[@mancavelures2793]

@@EngineeredAngler Hi again this is my youtube alias:P. Did one vid on painting a softbait. but going to make some later when making my hardbaits.

[@lloydslures1987]

This was an awesome video! It helped me build my own wire bender and a wire jig for my first epoxy resin lure. I make my own custom wooden lure and I find myself learning new tricks all the time. I have all so started to build my UV cure chamber after watching yours. Thank you for your help!

[@lloydslures1987]

I all have some pictures to share if you want to see them

[@EngineeredAngler]

I am happy fellow lure makers are getting something out of my videos. Thank you for your kind comments and stay tuned for more

[@CornyCapersTV]

so good

[@bruno54981]

Great video and awesome little tool. I am interested in you creating an instructional video on how to make your homemade haywire forming and twisting tool for heavy gauge wire up to .062 diameter. Keep the content coming!

[@Tacklefinlures]

Brother... great video! Thank you !!!!

[@EngineeredAngler]

Thank you bro.

[@TheFrugalFlyRodder]

I've made a few and bought one bender. What I see here, is the one I think will work best for my application. Nice channel by the way.

[@EngineeredAngler]

Thank you. ..

[@shane-woody]

Love ur videos

[@LBendandi]

Will be making one for myself for sure! Immitation being the senserist form of flattery...

[@EngineeredAngler]

Go for it...I'm flattered.

[@razvanspataru7228]

Niceee,really helpful. Thank you so much!

[@EngineeredAngler]

Glad it helped!

[@HamzahNordin]

Nice sharing 👍

[@strohmoose]

Now I would like to see an eye twister. Have you made one of those?

[@candycuadras4348]

Congratulations you have many tools.your way to maket it its wonderful.in mexico doesnt many tools Ihad idea.easily and super strong.with hooks its very dificult to explane.but I think if you want to get out the hook whit your machine.meaby you broken the lure.I dont know how many lbs.resist.

[@vinniebarbarino-1]

thanks for the video, very helpful, i have subscribed, cheers

[@EngineeredAngler]

Thank you...

[@MrBassOutdoors]

Carriage bolt would have been 100% perfect, wouldn't have a nut in your palm. That being said, I couldn't do any of this with that precision, excellent work.

[@bangpetrok332]

Nice....

[@gregorycedotal9072]

I am having trouble finding the video on building the jig plate. I enjoy your work, it is very informative.

[@EngineeredAngler]

Here's the video...it goes through the whole process so watch it all.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJLOoWiPjdqNr7s

[@rhahn427]

I just built 2 of them yesterday ........... again Thanks

[@EngineeredAngler]

Wow

[@ArunVijayan]

I was breaking my head over some lure wire bending tools. This is hell of a simple idea and aligns with the jig based bending what the professionals use. Wondering why i didn't think of this. Thanks a lot. I don't have all the equipment you have used to make this but will ask the workshop nearby.

[@EngineeredAngler]

Glad you found it useful...thank you for watching.

[@chrissewell1608]

Not to be negative or sound critical. You made a great tool from scratch! Great job! But, I think I can speed up this build. Get a large pre-made, threaded knob. And get a bolt, that fits the knob's threads. Pre cut your bolt to size, and shape, etc. And last, screw it in and epoxy, or J.B. Weld it into being permanent. OR- Leave the bolt removable. Then if you want different wire bending heads / sizes? You can swap them out as needed? The fishing lure wires don't require allot of pressure to bend, as much as straight angles, and a little direct force. You could also get a small block of aluminum stock, and tap it as a final jig (versus the wooden block)?

[@EngineeredAngler]

Yup...first one I made was from a pressure regulator adjustment bolt, already had a handle on it.

[@christopherromina5445]

Cool

[@digitallureworks7297]

I’ve been a subscriber for some time but missed this one. This is brilliant. I bought the Hagens Wire former that I’ll use for the twists but had been searching for quick way to form those loops that drop down for the belly hooks. I’ve given up on wood carving and am moving in direction towards building with CNC router. I want to route tiny channels for the thru wire so I gotta be able to bend that wire extremely accurately for that to work. I’ll have benefit of having entire design in CAD so can make perfect bending jig also

[@EngineeredAngler]

Sounds awesome.

[@jindatackle]

Thats nice thank you Sir;)

[@EngineeredAngler]

Thanks....

[@pmm422]

That is a very neat device well done! I did find it entertaining that you did all the math and then you used a hack saw and a file to fudge it together, lol I know math is the engineers friend and part of the shtick so I'm good with it. The math makes a lot more sense in your buoyancy calculations though. Keep up the good work!

[@EngineeredAngler]

The math was there for those with the tools for the precision... But you do what you have to do to get it done.😉

[@huxmetalworks7371]

Great work I have a question and a problem I love what you are doing I need to make a R bend in my spinner bait wire 035 and 040 my problem is no one has them ever place are out of stock can you advise me on how to make a simple tool this is all I need to bend I'm new here thanks for sharing your work keep up the great work

[@EngineeredAngler]

Welcome to the channel, I'll see what I can do...

[@MH4Designs]

awsome

[@EngineeredAngler]

Thank you

[@ottogillen9113]

This is so awesome man. Would you ever try to engineer a homemade eyelet twister? Thanks for your vids

[@EngineeredAngler]

working on one now....

[@ottogillen9113]

@@EngineeredAngler excellent! You rock!

[@charleco1000]

WoW!!!!!!! tks

[@Pescadorultralight1000]

Top. !!

[@jamesathendune9026]

Thank you but this all new to me. So a question, why or how did you hammer a nail or pin sideways into the black handle? Are you driving it into the metal bolt? Doesn’t seem possible. Did you have a pre drilled hole in the bolt threads?

[@EngineeredAngler]

Yes..I I drilled the bolt.

[@rileyvanallen872]

Very informative and inspiring! What guage/type of wire are you using, or would you suggest?

[@EngineeredAngler]

For most lures .03 inch diameter works just fine...thank you for the positive feedback.

[@imadolaby1026]

SUPER

[@EngineeredAngler]

Thank you

[@happyhankjr]

A 3/8 inch carriage bolt would be better. The top, where the palm of the hand rests, would be flatter and smoother.

[@j.m.8185]

Can you make a video on how to build one of those lure duplicator machines that uses an angle grinder saw? I think alot of lure builders would really enjoy that, make the video in several parts, 1 2 and 3..

[@EngineeredAngler]

I can't say I haven't considered it but, up to now it just hasn't seemed worth the work. If I make a lure on the lathe that really works well I just make a mold. Making lures from resin is much more predictable, and usually results in a tougher longer lasting lure. But thank you so much for the suggestion and for watching the video.

[@PfeifferFishing]

What is the best wire to use for a crank bait . Wanna make thru wire lures , 3” plus lures for trout or larger ones for pike . I hear stainless steal tig welding wire . What diameter would be best

[@EngineeredAngler]

Stainless steel straight wire .040 to .050 inch diameter. You can find it on my amazon store: www.amazon.com/shop/engineeredanglerlures

[@pellegrinoglentz406]

And this video you say you made a video on the jig for each lower for the bending wire tool I looked through all your videos I cannot find it can you please tell me what video it is that you make that aluminum jig thank you sir

[@EngineeredAngler]

This should help kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJLOoWiPjdqNr7s

[@Essox19x]

This is exactly what I am looking for! Building small baits that hold up to large fish in light wood. HOW do you get this masterpiece inside your blank?

[@EngineeredAngler]

You have to remember I am molding my lures from resin. This means I can embed all the hardware by placing it in the mold and pouring the lure around it.

[@SpeedwayV8]

👍

[@rickfreeda5845]

So u are cutting the wood lure in half and laying the wire in ? Nice video

[@EngineeredAngler]

I sometimes do that but, mostly I put the wire harness in the lure mold and cast the lure around it.

[@jose88pto]

This tool can be used to bend AISI 316 stainless steel rod 1.6mm or 0.629 inches? Thanks for your videos I am learning a lot.

[@EngineeredAngler]

You'll have to make it large enough to fit the wire and maybe put a T-handle on it for leverage.

[@jose88pto]

Thank you very much. I understand it perfectly

[@walleye56789]

Great Video! Do you know if someone makes these to sell?

[@EngineeredAngler]

No, I doubt it anyway, It's my original design.

[@walleye56789]

Is it possible to make two full turns with this tool... looking to make bottom bouncers with it

[@EngineeredAngler]

It could be done maybe if you lengthen the center pin and play with little bit

[@GeorgePetron-gk2bs]

How much would you charge , if you would sell one of those jigs with the wiring tool? The twitchin rap 2wr8 is the pattern I would want and I would make the mold myself? Is that possible for you to ship?

[@EngineeredAngler]

I appreciate the offer but I'm not selling anything...for now.

[@Davemon1957]

I love your craftsmanship, but you're having way too much fun in your Workshop😅

[@rider660r]

Should have just ran threads in the wooden knob with a spare bolt with a grove cut down them (makeshift tap) I see the aluminum jjigs but that wooden ones should be made out of hard wood to wear less,Osage Orange Mesquite,and Black Locust is the#1,#2,and #3 hardest North American trees.Janka scale Osage 2760, Mesquite2345, Black Locust 1700.

[@mostmerculief4787]

what size wire and where do i get it? i have a twistech and never could find the wire i need to make spinners

[@EngineeredAngler]

try here amzn.to/3obAtVz

[@elkabary148]

Thanks a lot for you perfect video I wondered if you could make one for me I haven’t enough tools to make it I can pay all costs

[@EngineeredAngler]

Thank you so much for your interest in my channel...but I really don't have time right now to make products for sale. Keep watching and thank you for your comments.

[@bigmikefishingchonicles9950]

how much would you charge to make one that would come in handy for making spinnerbaits

[@EngineeredAngler]

There are a few tools already on the market, Google "lure wire bender"

[@mikekrening7327]

I'm not familiar with the glue that you used. I think you said it was AC glue? Thanks enjoyed the video.

[@EngineeredAngler]

AC glue is just generic for super glue...thank you for watching

[@hitnmiss49]

Is you wire twister homemade also?

[@EngineeredAngler]

No I baught that one.

[@wmslayton59]

Can I use this tool to do the following: I want to make a wooden lure, drill a hole through the length, create a line loop in a wire for the front end, slip the wire through the lure, and make a treble hook loop for the back end. This back end loop is done with the wire in the lure. Is there a way to do it without scuffing the lure?

[@EngineeredAngler]

I don't think you can because this tool is meant to make all the bends prior to installation of the wire...

[@wmslayton59]

@@EngineeredAngler Love seeing people create their own tools. I've tried to create a tool for this particular challenge but I'm new to lure making and just don't have the depth of experience required to come up with a solution. Do you have any possible ideas for a solution?

[@melvinleong8944]

what kind of wire should I go for... any recommendations ?

[@EngineeredAngler]

I use 174 lb stainless leader wire. It's cheap and you can buy it in stores or online.

[@theRussianJiu]

What gauge wire do you use on the 2" lures vs the 4" lures?

[@EngineeredAngler]

There's really not a big enough difference between 2 inch and 4 inch lures to change the wire. I use .026 inch diameter wire for everything up to 6 inches. And I move up to .032 for larger lures. If you really making big lures you can get .04 inch diameter wire but I think that's as heavy as you'd ever want to use. I know folks who are using .05 but that's really excessive. The strength of The Wire far exceeds any other part of your fishing rig. It's an Overkill in my opinion.

[@theRussianJiu]

@@EngineeredAngler , and where is a good source to buy it and what do I ask for?

[@1joaonobre]

Hi mate, what is the size of the wire that you are using . If you know in meteric system I´ll apprecieted.

[@EngineeredAngler]

It's .05 inches...or 1.27mm

[@mrBDeye]

When someone say "hi mate" you can presume they use the metric system for measuring.

[@1joaonobre]

@@mrBDeye in England they use both but because I'm from Portugal I use the metric that is more accurate them the imperial.

[@mrBDeye]

@@1joaonobre Both are accurate. As a Mechanical Design Engineer I would like to see your example of how metric is more accurate. Thanks.

[@ERone43]

Kooooool

[@jamssosv]

why did you start using thicker wire?

[@EngineeredAngler]

I'm using the thicker wire so that I can make some tougher harnesses for soft plastic lures. The small lures I'm making now are fine with the .270 inch wire but the heavier stuff is going to be better for bigger soft Plastics.

[@zzz7zzz9]

Great job. I have to get more precise with my wires. I just kinda wing it. They turn out, and they work, but far, far, far from being uniform and replicated.

[@EngineeredAngler]

Dude, Do it your way...the way that is satisfying to you. Lets face it if we were looking for precise, we could buy the lure off the shelf. As always, thank you for being engaged with the channel.

[@claudegagne2805]

Why couldn`t you use the pins as a center for your hand tool rather than glue a pin in?

[@EngineeredAngler]

You can't have all the pins in place, they get in the way of bending.

[@Backroadsfishing]

Patent that thing

[@BreamAlliance]

Would love you to make me one ? & I pay for it plus shipping to Australia the tool so I could bend some wire