I bought a pair of split ring pliers from Amazon last year and they seem to work pretty well. When changing #4 and #8 trebles these do the trick - but when I go to replace hooks on my Shadow Rap jerkbaits (these are size 6 trebles but I think must be a size 2 split ring?) I struggle to even get the ring open and once I do the ring always ends up permanently opened a little bit. Not comfortable fishing the split rings with a gap. 

 

Does anyone have any recommendations for a pair of split ring pliers that'll do the trick here? 

 

Texas tackle split ring pliers, 4" should do the trick.

I know this is technically wrong but I just start by getting things open with my fingernail then insert the new hook behind the old one and use it to push the old one out. Bigger split rings need something stronger.

Split ring pliers from craft stores like Michaels work well.

1 hour ago, Junger said:

Texas tackle split ring pliers, 4" should do the trick.

This

2 hours ago, Junger said:

Texas tackle split ring pliers, 4" should do the trick.

X3. Best ive found. Had to buy another pair after my wife tried, liked, and kept mine. 

Say no more.

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Texas_Tackle_Executive_Split_Ring_Pliers_4/descpage-TTEP.html

If the problem is that the flat side won't fit inside the split ring, just put the flat side of the split ring on the outside of the split ring rather than the inside.

30 minutes ago, EGbassing said:

If the problem is that the flat side won't fit inside the split ring, just put the flat side of the split ring on the outside of the split ring rather than the inside.

 Nicely Done ~

And we're still on the first page.

A-Jay 

1 hour ago, A-Jay said:

 Nicely Done ~

And we're still on the first page.

A-Jay 

Thanks. ?

3 hours ago, EGbassing said:

If the problem is that the flat side won't fit inside the split ring, just put the flat side of the split ring on the outside of the split ring rather than the inside.

Yup - Learned that the other day when I was struggling to get it to work ..

 

Heard voices in my head saying this: "Burke, try the side ...wont hurt to try" 

After that, it worked like charm. 

Yellow handle Texas Tackle brand are the best for small split rings all the way to med/large.

I never have to open big saltwater or Musky size rings and these 4" work well for everything.

I use Sampo split ring pliers that I bought from a local tackle store.  I needed some for size 3 split rings.  The guy let me try them out to make sure they were what I needed before I bought them (a good reason to go to your local tackle store).  I just tried them with size 2 split rings and they seem to work.

Here's a photo of my "back up" pair.  Keep your existing pliers for larger split rings.

I picked these up from Amazon awhile back and they work good. You may be able to find them in craft stores too.