Perfect Articulated Shanks Made Easy

[@terrenceboylanjr]

Very impressive

[@paulhuizenga5262]

Thank you so much for all of your videos, I'm very new and your videos are very insightful! It's great that some of my bench jeweler tools will translate into this new hobby.

[@sallysanderson3627]

Thanks I have been trying to make these with the one step looper but always cuts it. Now I know to cut off the piece!!!!!

[@josephbroadus7458]

Try a jewelry wire end rounder. Small twist tool for taking the sharp end off of wires so they don't catch clothes or skin. Makes the end of the wire rounded.

[@FrugalFlyRodder]

@josephbroadus7458 jewelry wire is to soft.

[@josephbroadus7458]

@@FrugalFlyRodder lol I know that . Not saying use jewelry wire, just suggesting using the tools for a better end result. The end rounder smoothes the end over. Makes it rounded. No sharp edges to cut the thread.

[@FrugalFlyRodder]

@josephbroadus7458 My way will do hard stainless steel wire much better and faster. Plus, there is no need to buy more unnecessary stuff.

[@davejohnson5641]

I saw your video and had to get the tool. I tried it out on some wire as soon as it arrived. Now I suppose it depends on the material one is using, but I did not have to make the modification you mention. I put the wire under the post and down through the big hole ( between the jaws of the tool) NOT the tiny hole in the opposite handle. As I begin to crimp I wiggle the wire behind the nipper and then as the gap enlarges, I bring it forward to again allow the jaw to close and form the tag. I haven't tried fishing a fly with my shanks, but I don't think that I need a ton of strength in these shanks. Not for my type of fishing. However, if I do get some breakage, I'll go with your method and use larger material. Thanks for the idea. I'll have some fun with this.

[@FrugalFlyRodder]

Yes, certainly let's us know. Consider joining our Facebook group at: Facebook.com/groups/thefrugalflyrodder

[@davejohnson5641]

Update: The tool works well with #1 paperclips (1 1/4"). If you need a more substantial shank use paperclips. The technique is the same as in my initial post

[@oldsmugglerflyfishing]

Cool trick.

[@marvincarle1313]

Do you need to rotate the front loop 90 degrees so the one loop is vertical and on loop is horizontal on the same shank??

[@FrugalFlyRodder]

Good question... I will do that if the fly is built with the hook first. If the hook is at the head of the fly and last to be tied on, then it doesn't really matter.

[@rabbithole_flies]

can you explain which size wire & which tool to use for different flies being tied? example small nymphs, & then tail shanks for game changers along with the 10, 15, 20, 25 shanks for it. appreciate your help!

[@FrugalFlyRodder]

I don't tie anything smaller than a size 1 hook. But I was too guess. I would think the .030 wire with the 1.5MM one step looper is the tool to use. Lengths would be up to you. Just experiment.

[@rabbithole_flies]

@@FrugalFlyRodder thanks so much!

[@cgcalhoun1936]

Have you ever tried making them so the loops are at 90 degrees rather than inline?

[@FrugalFlyRodder]

Yes, just depends on the streamer I'm tying up and how many shanks are being used.