BYO large split ring pliers.

[gstours]

In some fishing situations the angler needs very large split rings.  These are fingernail breakers and sometimes make poking your other hand with a screwdriver leaving swear words, and blood a high probability.....
  So I decided to eventually find a larger pair if split ring pliers so I could add or remove a 2/0 or larger swivel or snap.   I couldn't find anything reasonable so I decided to make my own.

Another picture closed position.  Note the fairly large wedge that holds them open.

   Any inexpensive needle nose pliers will do..... This may give you a good excuse to replace a pair you may have with a better pliers.....Heating to a cherry red and slowly bending the tip of one will help it from breaking.    Remember go slow and keep playing the heat on the bend radius.....then shape the chisel part after air cooling. and finally shorten the opposite side for clearance.   Adjust if needed.    thanks for watching.  Many will sneer!   But these work for me.   Im back on the fish!

[steelfish]

cool amigo, I love the DIY tools.

can you later post a pic of your pliers in use with those 2/0 rings?

[johndtuttle]

Awesome job!

For those interested but not ready to DiY their own tool Texas Tackle makes outstanding split ring pliers that work great on the biggest and toughest Owner split rings. About $20.

[MarkT]

I just ordered a pair of the large Texas Tackle pliers! I already have 3 pairs of split ring pliers but they all have the tooth extend past the lower, flat, jaw.  The ring tends to roll with that config and the ring doesn't open as much as is possible given the size of the tooth. The TT pliers have the flat jaw extend past the tooth so they tend to hold the ring upright and more open... at least that's what I'm hoping! You need as much help as you can get with the larger Owner Hyper Wire rings, they're beefy!

[Dominick]

I use a staple remover.  The one that has jaws like an rattle snake.  Works pretty good.  Dominick

[Reel 224]

I use a staple remover.  The one that has jaws like an rattle snake.  Works pretty good.  Dominick

I like that Idea Dominick, because they sure don't do a good job on staples. I end up having to pull the mutilated PP clip out by hand most of the time.

Joe

[bluefish69]

When there aren't any Split Ring Pliers around use the point of a large hook to open the ring. Be Carefull

Mike

[johndtuttle]

I just ordered a pair of the large Texas Tackle pliers! I already have 3 pairs of split ring pliers but they all have the tooth extend past the lower, flat, jaw.  The ring tends to roll with that config and the ring doesn't open as much as is possible given the size of the tooth. The TT pliers have the flat jaw extend past the tooth so they tend to hold the ring upright and more open... at least that's what I'm hoping! You need as much help as you can get with the larger Owner Hyper Wire rings, they're beefy!

They do have different sizes of pliers (2) from Texas Tackle so if you get the right size they can handle any split ring made for fishing easy peasy.

[steelfish]

I use a staple remover.  The one that has jaws like an rattle snake.  Works pretty good.  Dominick

I should try this one..

Thanks Dom