Cleaning paint from hook eyes on jigs

[Uncle Grump]

How do you guys clean the paint from the eyelets of jigs? I've got one of those "eyebuster" tools - which works ok for the larger jigs, but how about really small ones, like say a #14 or 16 Marmooska (sp)?

I've used hook in the past, but that leads to stuck fingers. Also used a knife blade to scrape the eyelets, but that seems to leave sharp "burr" edges, and w/ #2 test line, it don't take much too knick it.

Thanks

UG

[Scoot]

I have an old jig in my tackle box that I've sacrificed for eye bustin'. It's a 3/4 oz. leadhead that I won't use for ice fishing, but that I keep somewhat shart for popping out paint on the small jigs.
As for your fingers- be more careful! My fingers get smacked once in a while too, but I figure a little blood makes me look tougher.
Scoot

[Deitz Dittrich]

I too still use a larger jig head hook to take paint out of smaller jigs.. HOWEVER, I do it at home when my hands are warm, if you wait to do it when you are out on the ice, your chances of drawing blood seems to go way up!

[Guest]

I got something that will work great! I have got a little tool called "POWER ZAP" it gets up to 1200 deg. and has a little tip for melting paint off jigs, cutting braided line, and much more.
I got it at Scheels in mankato for $9.99 on sale its the best thing I have bought in a while (besides them angle-eye lures ).
It works great!

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FISHSTUNNER

[MattT]

I just "borrowed" one of my wifes sewing needles-it's one that is made for sewing thick fabric on coats and such and is about 2" long so it's easy to hold on to. I just grab the hook of the jig I'm punching the paint out of with a needlenose and use the needle to punch the paint out. No poked fingers!

[ferd]

This is just too easy! Just grab a 2 1/2 or 3 inch sheetrock screw and pop it through the paint with a little twist. No more wrecking a hook point or shoving one into your finger. The price is right too.
Ole

[Uncle Grump]

Thanks guys!

I felt kind of stupid asking that question - but how else are you going to find out what others use/do?

I really like the drywall screw idea.

UG

[Steve Foss]

For the really little stuff, I use the needle, because it's in my kit in case I've gotta sew up a rip in the Trap II, or my eyelid, or the seat cover in my ailing Chevy.

Drywall screw's a good idea. It's not like I don't have 3,429,032 laying around in the shop.

[Guest]

There's a small clean-out drill made for cleaning the nipple on a Muzzle Loader - has a small end on it for twisting with fingers / it's very small overall and works for me.