For dedicated anglers, especially those engaged in specialized fishing techniques like slow pitch jigging, popper fishing, and stick baiting, split ring pliers are a vital part of the tackle box. They enable fast, reliable changes of lures and hooks, an efficiency that becomes even more crucial in the challenging conditions often faced in saltwater fishing.
Bill Falconer, a seasoned custom rod builder and passionate angler, spent years testing various pliers on the market. He recently shared his journey to finding the right pair, a quest that led him to Toit tools—a brand he now endorses not only as a user but as an investor. “It’s a tool that just works, no matter the size or type of split ring,” Falconer explains, adding that Toit’s pliers “changed the game” for him.
What Makes a Great Split Ring Plier?
When evaluating split ring pliers, several key attributes stand out: durability, ease of use, grip comfort, corrosion resistance, and the ability to handle split rings precisely without damage. These qualities are particularly essential for saltwater anglers, who frequently operate in environments where reliable tools can make a real difference. “The biggest issue with most split ring pliers,” Falconer notes, “is they’re not built to handle the abuse of saltwater and high-volume ring changes. If you’re a serious angler, you need a plier that holds up.”
Bill Falconer’s Journey to Toit Split Ring Pliers
Falconer’s path to finding the right tool started with his growing interest in slow pitch jigging and popping for offshore species. “I went from rarely using split rings to constantly needing to switch out hooks and lures,” he recalls. This shift sparked a search for pliers that could handle everything. As a rod builder working with various manufacturers, Falconer often tried different brands, but he found each lacking in at least one critical area.
After testing pliers from brands like Texas Tackle, Bulldog Tackle, and HPA, Falconer realized each had its limitations. Some were sturdy but cumbersome and hard to carry on his hip; others were lightweight but broke easily or damaged the split rings. “I kept running into tools that were either too delicate, too limited in range, or just awkward to use,” he says. It wasn’t until a fellow angler introduced him to Toit’s innovative design that he felt he’d finally found a solution.
The Mind Behind Toit: A UK Craftsman and Engineer
A significant factor in Toit’s quality lies in the expertise of its creator, Warren du Toit, a British craftsman with a background in engineering and metallurgy. Originally from South Africa, du Toit moved to Sheffield, England—a city known for its long-standing tradition of metalworking. With his background and training in Sheffield, du Toit brings a deep understanding of tool design and durability to Toit products. “This isn’t some mass-produced, quick-fix tool,” says Falconer. “Warren’s approach to these pliers is serious—he knows exactly how to create a tool that lasts.”
Du Toit’s design process is driven by advanced engineering principles. Using CNC machining—a five-axis technology known for producing components with extremely tight tolerances—he ensures each pair of pliers is manufactured with precision. This process, combined with high-grade materials such as T6 aluminum and stainless steel, results in a tool that’s as strong as it is refined. “We’re talking about pliers that are built to last a lifetime,” Falconer notes. “They’re not your average hobby-grade tool; they’re built by someone who understands what anglers really need in terms of resilience and performance.”
Du Toit’s background also includes work on components for Formula One, where precision and durability are paramount. This experience shaped his approach to Toit tools, from selecting corrosion-resistant metals to designing ergonomic, easy-to-grip handles. The pliers are also available in modular kits, allowing anglers to swap out different sizes of jaws and tips as needed. “It’s brilliant, really,” Falconer says. “It’s like having multiple tools in one, but each piece is crafted with the same high level of engineering. You’re getting a serious, well-thought-out tool, not something churned out of a factory with no regard for how it’s used.”
For du Toit, craftsmanship and user-focused design go hand-in-hand. Every pair of Toit pliers is developed with input from real anglers, ensuring they meet the demands of fishing environments while maintaining their structural integrity. “You can tell these are made by someone who cares about quality,” Falconer emphasizes. “They’re not just functional—they’re intelligently designed, crafted by someone with a true respect for the art of toolmaking.”
Du Toit’s meticulous attention to detail sets Toit pliers apart. By using advanced engineering and metalworking techniques, he’s created a tool that meets the highest standards of durability and functionality, a perfect fit for the harsh conditions of saltwater fishing. “These are tools made by an engineer who knows exactly what it takes to handle tough fishing environments,” says Falconer. “You can feel it in the quality. Warren’s dedication to perfection comes through in every pair.”
Comparing Key Features of Toit vs. Other Split Ring Pliers
Design & Build Quality
Most split ring pliers are designed to handle only a limited range of ring sizes, requiring multiple tools to cover the full spectrum of small to large rings. Toit pliers, however, are designed to work with nearly any size ring, from tiny size-zero finesse rings to large size-12 rings for big-game fishing.
“They’ve got this dual-action design where you can open small rings easily, but if you need more range, you just turn the pliers, and they expand further—without damaging the ring,” Falconer explains. Toit’s CNC-machined construction uses T6 aluminum and stainless steel, resulting in a tool that feels sturdy, balanced, and capable of lasting a lifetime.
Ease of Use & Comfort
Compared to traditional pliers, Toit’s ergonomic design provides comfort for long hours of use. Falconer highlights the asymmetrical jaws—a unique feature with one cone-shaped and one elliptical tip—that allow him to handle both tiny and larger rings with ease. “It’s a design that doesn’t make you feel like you need five different tools on board,” he says. “Toit’s design simplifies things.”
Durability in Harsh Environments
Saltwater can be brutal on fishing gear, causing corrosion and weakening poorly made tools. Toit’s pliers are crafted from corrosion-resistant materials designed to withstand repeated saltwater exposure. Unlike some pliers that rust or weaken after just a few outings, Toit’s pliers hold up in intense offshore conditions. “These aren’t toys,” says Falconer. “They’re serious tools you can rely on trip after trip without worrying they’ll corrode or break down.”
Precision & Performance in Action
Many split ring pliers either don’t open wide enough for larger rings or are too rigid, which can lead to ring damage. Toit pliers overcome this with a design that allows for precise control over ring expansion, ensuring the ring opens just enough to insert a hook or swivel without overstretching. “I haven’t damaged a single split ring since using these pliers, and that’s a first for me,” Falconer emphasizes. “It’s just a reliable tool that performs under pressure.”
Summary and Recommendation
Falconer’s journey underscores the value of Toit tools for anglers who need split ring pliers that are versatile, durable, and designed for both everyday use and extreme environments. For anglers who frequently fish in saltwater or rely on frequent lure changes, Toit’s split ring pliers provide a reliable solution that eliminates the need for multiple tools. “It’s a lifetime investment,” Falconer says. “If you’re someone who values high-quality, durable tools, Toit will exceed your expectations.”
Falconer’s story offers valuable insights for other anglers seeking a tool that can handle any split ring need, onshore or offshore. Whether you’re a newcomer to split ring pliers or an experienced angler frustrated with the limitations of standard tools, Toit delivers quality and performance that can make a tangible difference.
