Well, I have no experience with squirrels so I can`t help you out there but as far as shepherd`s hooks go, last fall,the local Home Depot had an assortment of sizes on clearance so you might want to check them out.

Since I posted above, I've been searching this site using Google. I made the mistake previously of using GW's search. I apologize. So, no need to reiterate what's already been discussed on this subject; I'll keep reading on Google. I would still, however, like to see a pic of your squirrel-proof set-up, if you're willing to share.

I don't have a pic at the moment, but a squirrel has never made it onto my platform feeder since we put it up many years ago. It is made of threaded iron pipe hammered into the ground with a screw on flange attached to the feeder. Below the feeder is a baffle made out of round metal duct probably 6" diameter and 2' long. There are some sheet metal strips crisscrossed to close off the top of the baffle tube and to give it some way to hang off the pole with another pipe fitting. The bottom of the feeder is probably a little under 5' off the ground. The pole has a clear area of maybe 4-5' all the way around. It is also a good 10' away from anything real high that they could use to jump down onto it from above. The setup is ugly as sin, but it works. I plan on trying to use a pole in an umbrella stand next so that I can move it around easily since I don't use it in the summer. I have heard that a baffle made out of 4" pvc with a cap is sufficient too. I wonder though if the plastic would not get roughed up enough over time to let them get a grip.

Here are instructions for that type of baffle and it looks a lot better than mine. I'll have to try one with a nice cap and black finish someday

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-make-a-squirrel-and-raccoon-bird-feeder-baffle/

The round plastic disc on the top has been deterring squirrels pretty well. They can easily crawl along the branch, but there's no way they can hang off the disc. The edge of the disc is also about 10' off the ground.

I have this feeder I hang it close to the trunk and the squirrels are clueless as to how to get on it. They tried jumping, but it slides closed. They tried hanging,but they can't be upside down without pulling it closed. Lastly, they gave up! I am so happy that all $9.99 of my birdseed goes to the birds! It works so well. Definately worth $20.

The sheperd's hooks have worked best for me so far.The squirrels manage to grab a few seeds before plummeting to the ground, but no big deal.

Did have a squirrel hanging off top of feeder gorging on seed. I put a round disc(in this case the lid of a garbage can with a hole in the lid) over the top of the feeder. The idea was similar to that shown by farmboy1. The squirrel couldn't get a hold on the disc or reach around it.

I have a setup similar to farmboy1's. Got the feeder from Yard Envy and the disc does some good. I've also seen ones that are feeders that will flip the squirrels off, but I haven't tried them yet.

Thank you for all these posts. I'm inspired. Was really feeling hopeless before.

Forgot to say my feeder is called the perky pet squirrel be gone

I have no squirrels on my feeders. I use a very long pole that comes in sections to put together. The bottom section has a screw like thing with a hole in it for a long screw driver. You put the screwdriver through the hole in the bottom section then screw the bottom section into the ground, add the other sections with a baffle near the top then put the section with the hooks on. After I did all of that I had to move the bird bath because the squirrels were jumping over the baffle. No squirrels can get there now. The are driving me nuts with my suction cup feeders on the window though.