So during the virus shutdown here in Washington State I have been surfing fishing forums. And sorting & retying gear. Including repairing plugs and spoons. And putting stainless steel rings on some of the Tomics that were purchased without rings.
Below is my ring installation method, this is on a Halibut jig but the same for plugs.
I hate split rings. A cure below.
Some tools and ingredients:
The old reliable acetylene/air torch, it produces a flame hot enough to get the job done. This outfit is over 75 years old, it was my fathers. Handy for a lot of things.
I have a larger oxy/acet torch rig, but even with the smallest tip the flame is too large and hot. This little Prestolite rig is "just right" when using the smallest tip in the kit.
Stainless steel rings, 8/0 hooks, 6 inch white hoochies, crimps, swivel, and a assist hook rig made using 300 pound mono.
Alstate silver brazing alloy, flux coated, very expensive but very strong and flows well if your heat is high enough and the metal is clean.
Clamped in the vise, ready to silver braze. Note the swivel.
Brazing complete, compared with the original. These are 14 ounce PLine Halibut Jigs. I like the larger SS ring, it gives more room for the assist hooks rigging.
Full view.
Finished product. Note the Cheater bobber inside the hoochie head. I do not use a hook in the hoochie as it tends to foul the bottom, the areas I jig have rocky bottoms. The assist hooks work better anyway.