Soap Bubble Wiki
Soap Bubble Wiki

I've been meaning to write this entry for close to a year now.

I've never seen anyone attach their loops quite the same way I do.  I've seen a lot of people asking about materials that dont snag or rust, and each time, I've thought to myself "jeez, I really need to add a blog about this!"  So, here it is...

If you're using modified crappie poles, or other light weight fishing rods, chances are you've had to (like me) remove the thinnest end section of the pole, because it's just too flimsy.  This, of course, leaves you with nothing but a hollow tube at the end of your poles.  I've seen that a few people have used cable ties to attach a metal clip or a swivel etc. to the end section of similar poles, however, I wanted to make mine so that the loop hung off the very tip of my poles, eliminating any chance of snagging. (I'm not the most graceful "dipper" and the less chance of getting a string caught on my poles, the better!)

So, I used a quick hardening epoxy putty, to secure a snap swivel in the tip of that hollow tube I had left, after removing the thinnest section of my fishing poles.  

There are photos below, which pretty much explain it all...

First, take a brass snap swivel and attach a small cable tie to the loop (see photo #1) and just snip it off with a pair of scissors. I find this gives the putty something more to grab onto, than just the eye of the swivel.

Then, cut a small piece of mighty putty or a similar product. I like the JB Water Weld, since it's designed to work even under water. (see photo #2) Knead the putty till it's smooth and uniform in color and then form it around the cable tie and the end of your snap lock, being careful not to get it too far up the barrel of the swivel, because when you're finished, you still want the swivel to move. Then, just stuff it down inside the end of the pole and let it cure. (see photo #3)

That's it! You can attach the loop of your string directly onto the snap lock or, use another swivel on the loop when you're making it and attach that or, any number of other materials people are using on the ends of their strings.

The point is, this gives you an attachment point at the very tip of the hollow fishing poles, and because they're solid brass, the snap swivels don't rust or corrode.

I've thoroughly tested this method, through hundreds of uses and they're just as sturdy as the day I first attached them. No signs of loosening, nor any other signs of wear.

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