The Lid Rig is a stainless steel nipper that uses magnets to attach to any appropriate surface. Opposing magnets also pop the jaws open, eliminating the need for a spring. The sharp, precision aligned jaws will cut through monofilament, fluorocarbon, and even braided backing. The Lid Rig retails for $74.95.
Understandably, that last bit of information gives people pause.
Scott Wilday, the man behind Lid Rig, gets it: “Honestly, I was shocked when I realized how much people were paying for what are essentially fingernail clippers.” But as an angler, he also gets it: “I know why so many people buy them and use them. Because there is something there: something cool, something that works, something you’ll use.” And at under $75, the Lid Rig comes in on the less expensive end of the premium nipper scale.
Plus, Wilday set out to design the Lid Rig to separate it from the other quality nippers on the market. “I like the people in fly fishing and I like the fly fishing industry. So from the start I asked, ‘What is a problem I can solve?’”
Integrating a recessed needle for cleaning hook eyes is expected on a pair of nippers. The included clip, which is the perfect size for the Lid Rig, bears a couple impressive features. First, it is the perfect docking point for the nippers. Of course it can be slid onto the brim of a ball cap, given the eponymous name of the product. But it can also slide onto a wader strap, a vest pocket, or any other convenient place. The clip is diamond coated, allowing you to sharpen your nipper blades or any hook on the fly. Just for kicks, the clip also has a bottle opener on the back end.
Appropriately, the idea came to him while he was fishing. “I was on the river, and I got my fly stuck in a tree. I had to clip my line but I was all stretched out reaching up and couldn’t get a hold of my nippers. I had just received a golf ball marker that was clipped onto my hat. It was right there; it worked. It was a lightbulb moment.”
A few prototypes and tweaks later, and the Lid Rig is seeing a lot of success in the angling community.
“It is one thing to have a crazy idea,” Wilday says, “it is another to walk around with nippers on your head and have people buy it.” But that is exactly what has been happening. “It is a great conversation starter. Out here in Colorado, I run into plenty of fly fishers who want to know more. It has been a lot of fun, and I’m going to keep going – keep innovating, seeing what’s next.”
I have been impressed with the Lid Rig. The first thing I noticed about them was their size. They’re smaller than the other high-end nippers that I use. This isn’t a negative, though. Since the jaws fill the entire width of the frame, it makes cutting materials – loose or under tension – simple. Regardless of how you grip them, you’ll generate enough force to get the job done.
Wearing the nippers on the brim of the hat is totally unobtrusive. You forget they’re there, and the magnets are strong enough that you won’t lose it if you do toss your hat off. Personally, I prefer to carry my nippers on my pack. I still receive the benefits of the total design, though. I slide the clip on my sling, and then anchor my “lanyard-ed” nippers to that spot. This prevents the nippers from bouncing and clinking as I walk and reminds me to give my hooks a quick sharpening on a regular basis.
I like nice tools, including nippers. I’m also on the record in saying you don’t need expensive nippers. They’re a luxury, but they’re a luxury that accomplishes something. If you’re in the market (or you are someone who has it all and needs gift ideas) consider playing with the Lid Rig and giving it a shot.
You can head to the Lid Rig website to learn more or pick some up.