📌 What you’ll learn in this article
✅ What’s special about the Smith Split Ring Opener EX
✅ Why I switched away from a line-cutter combo tool
✅ Why I’ve been using it for 5 years
✅ How I ended up owning 3 of them
✅ How to use it for hook changes and barb crushing — plus a bonus trick
🎣 What is the Smith Split Ring Opener EX?
A pliers dedicated to split rings, from Smith. All-stainless, deliberately minimal in design.
I used to run a multi-tool combo — line cutter plus split ring opener in one body. It looks convenient, but every time the cutter went dull I had to replace the whole thing, tossing the opener side that was still perfectly fine. That always bugged me.
“An opener should just be an opener.”
That was the thought behind switching to the Smith Split Ring Opener EX. 5 years later, I’m still using it. In fact I liked it enough that I now own three — one in the fishing bag, one in the car bucket, one at home.
📋 Specs
| Length | 113mm |
| Type | Straight |
| Recommended ring size | #0–#3 (official) |
| Price | ¥1,850 + tax |
| Material | All stainless steel |
Official size range is #0–#3, but in real use you can still handle #4 and up — a bit more effort, but doable. Where this opener shines is that the ultra-fine tip works cleanly even on tiny #0 or #1 rings.
🔧 Main uses
| Use | Details |
|---|---|
| 🔹 Hook changes | Official range #0–#3, but #4+ still workable with extra force |
| 🔹 Barb crushing | Handles small to large hooks cleanly |
| 🔹 Forceps substitute (bonus) | Works as a hook-out for deeply-hooked jigheads in aji fishing |
For actually pulling hooks out of fish I use a Studio Ocean Mark hook remover, so these pliers are mainly for hook changes and barb crushing. Splitting the jobs across two tools makes each one faster.
That said, when a fish deeply swallows a jighead in aji fishing and this is the only tool on me, it’s unexpectedly useful. The simple, narrow tip slides into the mouth cavity. Not a replacement for a proper remover, but handy to know.
⚖️ Pros & cons at a glance
For a quick overview, here’s a side-by-side. Details below.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| Ultra-fine tip handles even #0–#1 rings smoothly | Slim handles may feel thin in large hands |
| Simple build = almost nothing to break | Not ideal for big hooks/rings (needs more force) |
| No forced upgrades from line-cutter wear | — |
| All stainless — it doesn’t rust | — |
| Works well even for people with small hands | — |
| Great value (owning 3 is realistic) | — |
👍 Pros — why I’ve stayed with it 5 years
🎯 Ultra-fine tip, even #0–#1 rings go smoothly
The tips are finished to a very fine point, so even #0 and #1 rings open cleanly. On top of that, the design prevents over-opening: squeeze a little too hard and it still won’t deform the ring. Small thing, big quality-of-life win.
🔩 Simple build means it doesn’t break
No extra features = fewer things to fail. After 5 years mine still has zero play. I don’t treat it roughly, but 5 years without a single issue is rare.
🛡️ The “never need to replace it” feeling
With a line-cutter combo, once the cutter dulls you start thinking about replacement. The opener half is still fine, but you end up tossing the whole thing — a waste.
This Smith opener has nothing to wear out. “I think this might last a lifetime” feels realistic here. That’s the strength of an all-stainless, single-purpose design.
🛡️ Stainless = doesn’t rust
All stainless, so saltwater doesn’t touch it. Rinse with water, wipe dry, done.
🤝 Friendly for smaller hands
It has a crisp, solid feel when opening. My hands are on the smaller side and I can grip it firmly and put clean force into it. The tactile “click” moment when a ring opens is a small but genuinely satisfying detail.
💰 Excellent value
High performance at a reasonable price. Buying three doesn’t dent the wallet much — which is exactly why I keep one in each of three locations (fishing bag, car, home) so hook changes are never blocked.
👎 Cons — honestly, these are the only ones
In 5 years I haven’t found a dealbreaker, but if I have to pick, it’s these two. Worth knowing before you buy.
🤏 Slim body may feel thin for larger hands
The whole tool is slim and light. My hands are small so I actually prefer this, but if your hands are bigger — or you grip hard for leverage — you might wish for more thickness.
If there’s a local shop that lets you try it, take a grip first.
🎣 Not ideal for larger hooks / rings
Official range is #0–#3. You can open #4 and above, but the ultra-fine tip needs real force at that size — not smooth. If you run big-bait #5–#6 rings regularly, grab a dedicated heavy-duty pliers instead. Your hands will thank you.
For sea bass, catfish, trout, bass, aji — anywhere small-to-mid lures dominate — you’re inside the recommended range and there’s nothing to worry about.
💡 If you want one tool for big rings, look at the “Stainless Fishing Pliers EX”
I haven’t used it myself so I won’t speak in absolutes, but the “Stainless Fishing Pliers EX” — also from Smith — handles large split rings and hook changes. It’s a multi-function model with a line cutter built in, so if you’re often on #4+ rings, that’s worth considering.
The ideal is matching the tool to the scale of your gear. I’ve landed on running multiple Split Ring Opener EX units, but the right answer depends on your tackle.
📦 Why I own three
💡 The tool you can grab instantly is the tool that gets used.
It started with one in my fishing bag. The more I used it, the more I thought “I want this in other places too” — and it grew from there.
- 🎒 #1: Fishing bag — hook changes and barb crushing on the water
- 🏠 #2: Home — got tired of pulling the one from the car bag every time I needed it indoors
- 🚗 #3: Car bucket — clipped directly to the bucket so I can change hooks the moment I arrive
Keeping a unit at each place I’d actually use it removes the friction entirely and saves time. The price makes this kind of “luxury” practical.
✅ Summary
🎯 Anyone who changes hooks often
🎯 Anyone who wants a simple, near-unbreakable pliers
🎯 Anyone tired of replacing line-cutter combos over and over
🎯 Anyone looking for high-value gear
If you’re torn on which opener to get, try this one. 5 years without a hiccup and 3 repeat purchases — that’s my answer.
📖 Related articles
- 🔗 Studio Ocean Mark Hook Remover HR165S Review — My go-to for pulling hooks out
- 🔗 Gamakatsu Treble SP/RB Series Review — The hooks I change most often with this tool
