Nymph - Rather than use two pliers (one to hold and the other to wrap), I use the vise to hold the shaft as you wrap the spinner with pliers.

Once you've put on the hook, body, bearing, clevis, and blade, I clamp the upper part of the shaft (about half way between the upper end of the shaft and the clevis) onto the vise. I then make one wrap of the shaft around itself, insert the swivel, and continuing wrapping for another 2 - 3 wraps.

If this sounds complicated, it's not. Instead of using two pliers, try using one pair plus the vice.