SOUTH BEND Chrome Plated 2-1/2" Rigging Needles

Really want to give this 5 stars. I put this on my Taurus model 85.Pros: comfortable, you can fit your pinky finger in the grip instead of under, has the same texture of stickiness as the stock grip, shipping was as expected.Cons: you can't pull the hammer back comfortably without the point of the grip getting in the way, upon assembly to the pistol, the bottom two prongs kept the grip from sliding together so I had to trim those, it comes with inserts into the grip instead of just installing them in the factory which those required trimming also and two of them did not fit in the holes but it does NOT affect performance, the frame of the gun wiggles just about 2 millimeters but that does not affect shooting either.Over all, if you're wanting performance and better handling, this grip is the one. If you're nit-picky about things fitting perfectly and don't have a problem with trimming, then go with houge.

Works

I bought these Celsius Rigging Needles by South Bend for both rigging and working tarps and rope wrapping. They are really too thick and big for sewing, but I've made them work when I had to sew the zipper back on my cover for the boat. These are heavy needles and serve both purposes well, but be prepared to have to push with the finger and thumb doing some work. I keep them in my tackle box and on the flytying desk, in case I need one out or at home. These needles are Chrome plated 2 1/2" long with a slotted edge for dragging a thread behind them without too much drag. Three needles should cost a little less than $5.41 even delivered free. I like them, though really they could be more reasonabley priced.

The needle in the package on the left(which are the ones pictured on Amazon) are the best needles I've used for small trout sized minnows. The package of needles on the right are one of the worst needles I've used. The eyelet on the needles on the right totally destroy a small minnow, I mean it just eviscerates them. My problem is these needles are in the same packaging with the same part number, so when you order them sometimes you receive the ones on the left(the good ones) WHICH ARE THE NEEDLES PICTURED ON AMAZON or you receive the ones on the right(the crap ones). So when you or I order them it's a crap shoot sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. Can somebody please recommend another brand of needle that's like the needles on the left?

The open eye part of the needle has sharp edges that need to be smoothed before use or risk cutting the rubber band or dacron floss. It is not bad for the price. While waiting for these to arrive I made some homemade ones that work fine by bending small gauge wire to leave an ope eye and are just as good. If you don't have the time or desire to make your own then order these and finish sharp edges with sandpaper or small file.

These are hard to find, I went to Cabellas and Bass Pro, neither carried these needles. I found some at a local bait shop but the needle was to big, and often killed my minnow pre-maturely. I use these for the med to small minnow, with a treble hook at the end . . . best way to catch your fish without them stealing the bait.

These needles are just what the doctor (or fisherman) ordered. Excellent for rigging small to medium bait fish. They arrived in time for the opening day of fishing season here in CT. They were a success.

Nice small needles

Haven't had the chance to use, but wasn't quite what I was looking for.