Wire traces breaking

Hi all, just wondering if anyone else has had this problem. Have been making my own wire traces and following the advice from the people at Fox have been heating the ends with a lighter in order to make twisting easier. However I was fishing today and got caught on a snag which ended up with the wire breaking just below the swivel. I can only think that heating this part of the wire has weakened it. Luckily I was able to retrieve the remainder of the trace and bait as it had come free and was on the surface thanks to a pop-up ball. I'd be interested to know if anyone else has had problems.

it happens

what wire in particular, bs etc

when i make traces i always use crimps iv never had any snap on me yet

I crimp as well. Don't like he idea of twisting. Where's the weakest link in a rig? the knot! Read any book and the bang on about changing your trace if you kink it then they'll suggest you twist.

I use both depending on wire twisting bare wire and crimping wire with plastic coating. Don't know why though.

i always use plastic coated wire but apparently so i have been told its better to twist it because when you burn it the plastic melts and makes it stronger. god knows il just stick to crimps lol

I've been using Fox 30lb easy twist.

You only heat the last quarter of an inch so that the end ties in neatly, Dont heat the part thats attached to the hook or swivel.

I always crimp my traces and i have never ever had a problem of any sort.

Maybe its time for a change fella.

Lurpak wrote:I've been using Fox 30lb easy twist.

bin it buy 40lb carboflex

easy twist used to have the nickname easy snap

all this twisting crimping debate is irrelevant both work, but both can be messed up when you do them

if you want to crimp buy proper crimping pliers from fox they work and dont let you over crimp

twisting as youve mentioned annealing the wire then only do that on the very last bit, and thats only for a neat finish if your sleeving the wire with shrink or silicone tube then you dont need to bother tbh

Been doing the twist for 30yrs and in all honesty ,never had a trace fail. i always use good quality wire.

lowdouble wrote:You only heat the last quarter of an inch so that the end ties in neatly, Dont heat the part thats attached to the hook or swivel.

you just read my mind lowdouble

Thanks for the advice chaps, interesting to know it had the reputation of easy snap. Think I have been heating too much of the wire, didn't realise it would create a weak link. Do use crimps as well occasionally using the proper crimp tool, but like to twist as well. Will have to redo the traces I've made with twists, don't want that to happen again.

Good man Lurpac, the pikes welfare has to come first. New traces only cost pennies to make and could save the life of a fish of a lifetime

its a problem i've had one or 2 times before while i was using drennan 7 strand mate, although i cant remember a single time with easy twist. when you've finished doing the twists on the wire and are turning the forceps to take off the tag end it occasionally pulls and kinks the wire. best thing to do is make sure the forceps are tight up against the side of the wire when you clamp them onto the tag and keep an eye on how straight the main wire is at the point where the twists end..... if theres a kink formed (it looks like a little hump in the wire) then either start over or tie a slightly shorter trace after cutting the problem end off. best not risk a dodgy trace as sods law will dictate that its a fish that breaks it instead of a snag.

Thanks Robh, have to admit that sometimes I can do nice neat twists and other times it's a bit untidy. Guess I'll just have to practice some more.

Your not Danish are you mate ??