Barb Plier

Like the description says this is a plier for flattening barbs. The size/design of the jaws is suitable for a wide range of hook sizes. I've used my plier with sizes 16 through 2/0 but I'm sure they would work fine with a few sizes lower smaller or higher. The spring-loaded jaws make for easy one-handed operation at the tying bench or on the water. And wrist lanyard (which can be tighted by a sliding rubber ring) ensures that you don't drop them in the stream or overboard. This plier is a quality, well-designed tool offered at a reasonable price.

I have had mine for a couple years now & wouldn't be without them. The spring opening smooth jaws make barb mashing easy & they just "pop" open after mashing, thus clearing the hook point from unwanted contact/damage. Some forceps are too narrow to work well with larger (size 10 & larger) hooks, but not this tool...the jaws are wide enough that they do very well on larger hooks. Just another well designed & well made Dr Slick tool. I would certainly buy it again.

If you need a pair of smooth nose pliers for smashing barbs and flattening lead on medium to small flies, then these are what you need. I've been pleased with the quality of every Dr. Slick tool I've ever bought and these are certainly no exception. They are also small and light enough to clip on your vest if you want to take them with you on your next outing.