Custom Baits - Forum

Jigs, Spinnerbaits and Sinkers => Walleye/Toothy Critters => Topic started by: oleo40 on 06/29/22 14:41 UTC

Title: how do you keep wb400's from falling out of teardrop and other molds
Post by: oleo40 on 06/29/22 14:41 UTC

I have a new teardrop mold and can"t   keep  the wb400;s to stay in place.  Try to make a full mold and better than half fall out EVERY time .

Title: Re: how do you keep wb400's from falling out of teardrop and other molds
Post by: Fishermanbt on 06/29/22 16:42 UTC

First and foremost welcome to the board. I have a few questions. Could you list the mold models you are having this issue with?  For example, the teardrop jig Model #: JT-5-WBA. Secondly, are you making sure the WB400 keeper is actually seating into the grooves beside the hook?  Sometimes if one doesn’t seat properly the mold will not seal when closed thus causing the keepers and or hooks to fall out. I tend to lay my molds all the way open and load the keepers and hooks on the left side so the the leg of the keeper is pointed down into the cavity. Maybe post a few pictures of your mold loaded with keepers and hooks then a picture after the pour.

Title: Re: how do you keep wb400's from falling out of teardrop and other molds
Post by: Muskygary on 06/29/22 18:12 UTC

Fishermanbt hit the nail on the head. Make sure to load the side of the mold so that the wire keeper leg is facing down into the mold. Then close the mold and check to see that the mold is closed all the way before picking the mold up.

Title: Re: how do you keep wb400's from falling out of teardrop and other molds
Post by: Lines on 06/29/22 20:55 UTC

Both of the above tips should work. Also, be sure your mold hinges are oiled well so they do not seize at all. Really makes a difference when it closes smoothly.

Title: Re: how do you keep wb400's from falling out of teardrop and other molds
Post by: ctom on 06/29/22 21:38 UTC

Welcome aboard oleo40! Listen to the three replies and you'll be fine.

Title: Re: how do you keep wb400's from falling out of teardrop and other molds
Post by: bigjim5589 on 07/01/22 17:49 UTC

Welcome!

Get yourself a good pair of medical grade tweezers if you don't already have them, and use them for placing the wires in the mold. I also use a wood dowel, that had been sharpened on one end in a pencil sharpener, to nudge wires & hooks when necessary. The wood, unlike metal tools, won't become magnetic, so the wires & hooks won't stick to it.

As others have indicated, having everything seated in the grooves is necessary.

I actually gave up on using the WB400 wires, and have modified my molds for the larger WB800. My issue was primarily that the smaller wires too easily became loose, especially in heads that were smaller, like in the Midwest Finesse mold.

Unfortunately, the WB800 wires are longer than needed for some molds and that mean I have to spend the time cutting or bending them to fit. I'm not going back to the WB400, as I'll do the extra effort to pour heads that I don't get loose keep wires. 

Title: Re: how do you keep wb400's from falling out of teardrop and other molds
Post by: Lines on 07/01/22 17:57 UTC

Good idea on the dowel rod bigjim! I'm using that on my next pouring session. Thanks!

Title: Re: how do you keep wb400's from falling out of teardrop and other molds
Post by: oleo40 on 07/06/22 13:14 UTC

Thanks everyone for the welcome.  I will try the left side idea as I do everything else mentioned.  That is the mold I have [among lots more] first with the wb400