Reusing Hooks?

[Nick Williams]

Hey I have some flies that are either falling apart, look like **** or that I just want the hooks out of, so what are the best ways for getting the hooks clean?

Aside from using scissors, which I would rather avoid, are there other way to clean them off?

[jasperflyfisher]

carpet razor blades

[mic]

Concur, razor blades.

[dennis boatman]

...bic lighter...

[Jason R.]

I use razor blades, scissors, lighters, pliers, exacto knives and even pocket knives. Depends on what you're trying to remove. Lighter is the fastest way sometimes but it can make your hooks brittle if you heat them up too much.

[Pflugradt]

Razor blades. I'm all thee time cutting up stuff to save the dumbell eyes or beads. I have hooks for days so unless its something I'm short on most times I'll chuck the hook if its marred or maybe has a touch of rust starting to show.

Steve

[flyrodman]

Razor blades, lighters, and pliers are my most effective methods.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

I have a pair of scissors marked for only this job... cutting of old material away. Good scissors make it really easy.

(they are anvils..)

[jdmidwest]

I use an exacto knife, essentially a razor blade with a handle. Check for any rust under the material that may form due to moisture. Discard hook if rusty. Scraping the hook with a knife sometimes takes away the coating and the hook may rust faster second time around. Be sure to sharpen before you tye with it again to get a nice sharp point.