Smoothing the head on jigs

[andrewlamberson]

What is the best...and safest...way to smooth the head of your jigs?

I have been twisting the sprue off...and then using the side of my pliers to smooth out the lead.

I thought about using a file...but that would create lead dust...which would not be a good thing!

I read somewhere else to to cut down a butter knife.

Andy

[pjmcla]

That's what I do; use the inside edge of of my needle nose pliers.  If you hold the head with pliers that are non serrated, and rock the sprue back and forth with another set of pliers,  often the break is pretty clean.  I don't really worry as not as there is not a sharp edge.  I can't see where the fish have cared at all if it wasn't perfectly smooth.

[Denny Welch]

I find that twisting the sprue off will often leave a point.  I used to use sandpaper or a file to take the point off.  I now use the same method as Paul and rarely have a problem. 

[gone2long]

Yep don't cut them off with pliers or gate shears just take needle nose and rock back and forth to break off the sprue you should get a pretty clean break. you may try when still hot or let cool to see how your lead is working you may see a change there and when you powder coat them allot of the visual goes away.