i have blisters

[Hammonkey]

When using wire don't just fold the end over. Fold the wire completely in half so that the two ends of the wire never go into your zing it. That way there is nothing to snag.

This! with a G- string.

(guitar strings you filthy animals.)

[thematt]

What everyone else has said. I was lucky and had some 1.5 mm aluminum wire around that I used. Worked great. Good luck and be patient.

[sunshower]

i bought 22g floral wire but didn't bend it in half, just twisted it.
i am using 2.2 zing it.
what does it mean by "taper the ends" i tried opening up the end and cutting off a couple of strands but the stuff doesn't cut that well and it just started fraying. i ended up very frustrated~!!

[Catavarie]

i bought 22g floral wire but didn't bend it in half, just twisted it.
i am using 2.2 zing it.
what does it mean by "taper the ends" i tried opening up the end and cutting off a couple of strands but the stuff doesn't cut that well and it just started fraying. i ended up very frustrated~!!

You can just cut the line at an angle instead of trying to pull the strands and cut individually.

I use carpet needles for all my splicing needs. Work great for 7/64 Amsteel, a bit more difficult with 1.75 line though, and you have to work the line a good bit to loosen up the core before it will pass.

I also find taht with the needle having a pair of needle nose pliers handy is invaluable.

[Arothian]

I have felt your pain. I use copper wire from CAT 5 cables doubled over which acts as the eye.

+1 to this. Still though, zing it is not fun to splice. But those loops and shackles are too darn handy.

[dangerous]

Yep green floral/craft wire from Walmart folded over to form a loop is what i use. Also I too cut the end at an angle with a razor blade instead of trying to pull strands apart for tapering. Good luck.

[bushcraftbasics]

When using wire don't just fold the end over. Fold the wire completely in half so that the two ends of the wire never go into your zing it. That way there is nothing to snag.

....werd...

[newlease]

I'm sorry you're having such trouble with it. Tapering was key for me, but a sharp knife helps. I picked up a ceramic knife cheap from Harbor Freight and that cuts straight through with a clean edge.

[mountainhanger]

Loop turner perhaps??? Gonna have to try it on the zing it only used it on amsteel so far

[JohnSawyer]

+1 on the folded wire. The trick to a taper is to cut the diameter in half, making it easier to fold over and pull through. The first few tries, make your taper 1" long... unbraid the line, cut half of them off. I find a razor knife, utility blade, or single edged razor blade work well on a hard wood surface.

To splice, insert your looped wire through the Center of the line, loop first, fold the taper in half, and pull it back through.


When you have had more practice, make your tapers smaller...