Debarbing Hooks

[Rabmax]

Hello all i have been debarbing my hooks with a small pair of hook debarbing pliers.It works very well until i get to size 18 then you need to be very careful not to break the hook point.I have read that you can use a small metal nail file .Does this work or can someone suggest anything for smaller hooks . Cheers

[Rabmax]

I already have a pair similar to them Alan although mine doesn't have all the extras. I was tying some flies last night & found debarbing them before tying was much easier than finished flies at the river bank.What a difference i have noticed for releasing fish easily & unharmed since i started crushing the barbs.Cheers

[Fishtales]

How are you debarbing them, across the point or along it? I think along it would be best for small flies. Usually when the point breaks off it means the hook is over tempered and brittle. I had a load of Partridge hooks size 16 and 18 that kept breaking, the Mustad ones never did.

[Rabmax]

How are you debarbing them, across the point or along it? I think along it would be best for small flies. Usually when the point breaks off it means the hook is over tempered and brittle. I had a load of Partridge hooks size 16 and 18 that kept breaking, the Mustad ones never did.

Across the point just tried it along the point & its not practical on 18s with the hook gape & the down eye.I have been using lathkill 31180 All Purpose Light Hooks.They all seem easy to debarb except the size 18s much better with the bare hook though. Cheers

[Fishtales]

I use snipe nose pliers to debarb mine.

[scotty9]

I use snipe nose pliers to debarb mine.

Me too.

Just get the very tips of the pliers on the barb only and squash it. Takes minimal pressure - don't squeeze hard! I haven't had a problem with small hooks...