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Thread: Do hooks weaken with age?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Somersett Reno, NV
    Posts
    412

    Default Do hooks weaken with age?

    I have some major brand hooks (sizes 6 to 22) that are 40+ years old. Are they still as strong as they were or should I trash them??

    I am thinking of tying flies again and using all my old stuff- just in case this is another passing fad.

    Already had to invest in a magnifying lamp.

    Jim

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Sacramento
    Posts
    7,786

    Default Do Hooks Weaken??

    Assuming that they've been stored in a dry place, they should fine (I have some hooks I acquired in the 60's that's fine). Maybe not as stylish or the latest thing. Be sure to remove the barb if using in "barbless" waters.
    "America is a country which produces citizens who will cross the ocean to fight for democracy but won't cross the street to vote."

    Author unknown

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Tejas !!
    Posts
    792

    Default

    I don't think they go bad. stay wit what you have for now, but when you get some new hooks you will be amazed how much is out there and how good it all is now.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2020
    Location
    Santa Rosa
    Posts
    108

    Default

    I also have hooks from the 70s and still use them. I was trained as a mechanical engineer and see no reason they would go bad with age.
    Older hooks are not as sharp out of the box as the new hooks and some of the old Mustad hooks were over-tempered so the points sometimes break off, often at the barb when striking a rock, but they don't straighten like some of the newer hooks.

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