Plier modifying - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

Zeal · 01-25-2017, 03:00 PM

Bought a nice pair of Sargent Sportsmate pliers (I think that's what they are called). Only problem is they don't come with a lanyard.

Would it be possible to drill a small hole in one of the handles to attach a lanyard or will I ruin a drill bit or the handle?

JohnR · 01-25-2017, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeal

Bought a nice pair of Sargent Sportsmate pliers (I think that's what they are called). Only problem is they don't come with a lanyard.

Would it be possible to drill a small hole in one of the handles to attach a lanyard or will I ruin a drill bit or the handle?

They look like OK boat ones. Tough call, wrecking the pliers or killing bits to walk a hole might not be worth it. Good bits are probably $20 and up so you have spent a lot more.

I would return and get something more appropriate. Something with the lanyard, holster, and less weight if you are in the suds.

Failing that, getting a good wrap of some strong line (not fishing) you might be able to wrap in a cable into one of the handles but it will still be a weak link....

pbadad · 01-25-2017, 07:38 PM

The sargent sportmate I have had a hole thru the vinyl cover and steel handle. Love the pliers. Strong, cuts braid, 6/0 hooks and holds hard getting a hook out of a mean yellow eye.

redlite · 01-25-2017, 08:19 PM

I have been carryin 9" rapalas for years. Just gotta sand rust off em and oil em every once in a while.
For a lanyard i took a short length of parachute cord tied a loop with double figure 8 knots as a stopper knot. Wrapped the #^&#^&#^&#^& out of it with electrical tape to the handle and put an old land line phone cord on it tied to the sheath. Been fine for 10+ yrs
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fishrick · 01-29-2017, 12:05 PM

Love the Sergants, wrapped black elec. tape on the leash to hold it to the handle. Only plier I know will cut VMC's. Also great replaceable blades for cutting braid.

falkners · 01-30-2017, 07:44 PM

I designed those. I wanted a hole and lanyard but was overruled by the beancounters. Its not that difficult to do. Remove the grip by heating up with a heat gun or hairdryer. Prick punch about 3/8" from end. Drill with a small (1/8" or so) then open up hole with a 1/4" drill and deburr with cointersink or file. Heat up grip and slide back on. We use rubber cement to hold the grips on. Then put a hole through the grip with the 1/4" drill.
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falkners · 01-30-2017, 07:50 PM

Billy, the pair you have was modified by yours truly.
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fishrick · 01-31-2017, 07:51 AM

Thanks for the tips....will modify mine thusly!

JFigliuolo · 01-31-2017, 08:15 AM

LOVE these pliars. Had a Tog on one hook, and a spro jig through my thumb. Pliars cut the spro hook like butter. (in case anyone cares, tog hit top hook while fluking mid july).

wdmso · 01-31-2017, 09:43 AM

they look really heavy duty do they have mechanical advantage ?

Zeal · 02-01-2017, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by falkners

I designed those. I wanted a hole and lanyard but was overruled by the beancounters. Its not that difficult to do. Remove the grip by heating up with a heat gun or hairdryer. Prick punch about 3/8" from end. Drill with a small (1/8" or so) then open up hole with a 1/4" drill and deburr with cointersink or file. Heat up grip and slide back on. We use rubber cement to hold the grips on. Then put a hole through the grip with the 1/4" drill.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I'll be getting on that for sure! I love the pliers and really don't want to see them fall to the bottom of the bay/lake/ocean from my yak because there was nothing to attach to it.

Would you recommend putting rubber cement on the grip when sliding it back on?

basswipe · 02-02-2017, 06:03 PM

Thumbs down on these.So over-thought on mechanics and yet lacking a basic lanyard.The pair I had seized almost instantly after one trip in the salt.

For the price I paid why the hell should I have to bust out my own tools to modify these as there are much better pliers out there that require no mods?

basswipe · 03-05-2017, 05:09 PM

Picked up a pair of Bubba Blade pliers for about half the price of the Sargents'.The Bubbas' come with a sheath and landyard...the grips are far superior to the Sargents.They really feel good in your hands.

Outside of the above for all I know they'll fail after the first outing.I will obviously let y'all know the outcome after some real world use.