Types – There are 3 types of sleeves, round, oval and double barrel. Round is the lowest quality, because you need to use a cup to point crimp on these. You are putting pressure on a point on the line. Oval and double barrel are similar in quality, the cup to cup crimper deforms the sleeve more evenly around the line. The double barrel just helps be sure that the lines do not cross in the crimp. Since there is not a big difference in price, go for the double barrel and be happy.
Material – Brass, Copper, Nickle or Aluminum – as we know aluminum and SS do not like each other. Like an anode, aluminum will not live long on a SS leader cable in salt water. (Life can be measured in weeks!) Aluminum can only be used to crimp monofilament (or things that are not going in the salt water). The rest are OK with the stainless cables or monofilament. Most of black are copper or brass.
Round sleeves should be crimped with point to cup pliers (left)
Oval and double MUST be crimped with cup to cup (right)
As with Nicopress sleeves they should be crimped end to end in one cup not across.
Crimp using the correct size on the tool, smaller is not better as you may damage the monofilament inside the crimp.
When crimping, monofilament leave a flared gap at the edge or you may damage the line. Wire will not be damaged, so it can be crimped up to the edge.
Size – Pick the correct size (line & wire will generally tell you the diameter to match up to the size on the sleeve). It should fit snugly but still slide on the line.
Tip – to make your end just right, make the loop and slide the end of the line through. With a lighter heat the end and push it against a hard surface to make a small ball at the tip so it will not pass through again, pull that snug to the crimp and make the loop size you like.
When using wire, be sure the end is just inside the crimp or use a crimp protector, loose edges can snag or cut.
Chafe tube, loop protectors and thimbles all do the same work. There are different sizes depending on the thickness of the line or wire you are using. Remember, you are putting expensive lures at the end and a big fish that may be worth lots of money or a great meal. Don’t lose it all over a bad crimp!
