Small hook holding tool

[Wallyfish]

I love to tie size 18-22 flies. I tie tons of small Sexy Walt's worm where a midge bead is used for the head. I dredge the hook through the bead container and eventually I snag a bead of the hook. I have been using tweezers to hold the hook as I "fish" for the bead but I lose the grip too easily using tweezers and the hook goes flying.

What tool do you use to hold small hooks for getting a midge bead on the hook using a dredging technique? I have seen YouTube videos that use Plunger Style hackle pliers but I can't locate them. Thanks.

 

[nfrechet]

i use a test clip to hold the hook (u can find them on the big auction website for $1 or so for a pack of 10)

i only dredge through plastic/glass beads. metal beads are a 50/50 chance of getting the small hole on the hook

i hold metal beads in my fingers

hackle pliers make good metal bead holders

test clips

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10pcs-Single-Hook-Clip-Test-Probe-for-Electronic-Testing-SMD-IC-/331519551449?epid=1283107078&hash=item4d301ae7d9:g:~mEAAOSweW5VG78p

 

[Vaughn]

I use one of these to hold the hook : http://www.jsflyfishing.com/hareline-fly-hook-hackle-plier

And one of these to hold the bead : http://www.jsflyfishing.com/wapsi-deluxe-beadzers

 

[Wallyfish]

Great suggestions. I only dredge for glass beads as well. I was using a good set of tweezers but the hook would move during the dredge or the hook would be set free and I spent time trying to find it.

Thanks so much.

 

[outsider]

I use my own technique to put a bead on a hook. First I put the hook in the vise with the point upward. Then I put the bead on my fly tying table. I then put the end of a bodkin into the correct side of the bead, holding the bead in place with my finger. Then I keep tension on the bead with my finger and release it onto the point of the hook. Take the hook out of the vise and place it into the normal tying position.

This is the best way I can explain it without a video. Once I mastered it, it became a simple task even with small hooks and tiny beads. I showed a friend this technique, now it is the only way he will put a bead onto a hook.

 

[nomad_archer]

I use the plunger style hackle pliers to hold hooks.