A swivel joins two pieces of line and lets them turn without twisting. A barrel swivel is the simple, cheap one; a ball bearing swivel turns more freely under load. Sizes run the opposite way to what you might expect: a bigger number is a smaller swivel. We sell both types, and the lengths below come from the listings.
What is a barrel swivel?
A barrel with a ring at each end. It stops line twist from a spinning lure. Ours is stainless steel, 100 to a bag, in size 8 (16.5 mm), size 10 (15 mm) and size 12 (12.5 mm).
What is a ball bearing swivel?
A swivel with a bearing inside, so it keeps turning under tension. Ours has solid rings, is stainless steel and copper, 20 to a pack, in sizes 0 to 9; size 0 is 11 mm long.
How do the sizes run?
The higher the number, the smaller the swivel. On our barrel swivels size 8 is 16.5 mm and size 12 is 12.5 mm. Match the swivel to the line and the lure: heavy line needs a larger swivel.
Where do I put a swivel?
Between the main line and a leader, or between the line and a spinning lure such as an inline spinner, to stop twist. See our leaders guide.
Compare what we sell
| Product | What the listing says | In the box | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless barrel swivels, 100 pack, sizes 8 to 12 | Per bag: 100Sizes: 8, 10, 12Material: Stainless steel | Barrel swivels: 100 | $13.99 |
| Ball bearing swivels with solid rings, 20 pack | Per pack: 20Sizes: 0 to 9Material: Stainless steel and copper | Swivels: 20 | $14.99 |
| Steel wire fishing leaders with swivel, 20 pack | Per pack: 20Lengths: 15 to 30 cmColours: Black, green | Steel leaders: 20 | $10.99 |
Questions people ask
Do swivels weaken the line?
The knot to the swivel is the weak point, not the swivel. Tie it with a Palomar or an improved clinch; see our knots guide.
Which size for a spinner?
Choose a swivel that is small enough not to dominate the lure but rated for your line. Our listings do not state breaking strain, so we do not quote one.
Are the sizes the same on both swivels?
No. The two listings use their own size tables, so check the length on each product page.
