weights

fishbait · 12-21-2000, 12:12 PM

Old wives tale...

The main problem is that wheel weights are not pure lead, so a 2 oz or a 24 oz poured out of wheel weights will not actually weigh what it says. Not a big problem. I, and most of my best fishing buddies have been using home made weights poured from wheel weights for over a dozen years without problems. The biggest problem is getting them, about 3 years ago tire dealers were required to sell only to authorized recyclers. DOT wnats to make sure that used weights are not being used on auto wheels and flying off at highway speeds. Soooooo, in order to get wheel weights these days you need to know somebody and they are no longer free like they used to be. I have also gotten lead from my Dentest, it seems that every x-ray has a small piece of lead in it. In September he traded me three bags that weightd about 40 pounds. He told me it was about two years worth. So get some lead, pour your own weights and never pay those outrageous prices again.

12-21-2000, 12:28 PM

Lead quality as mentioned above is critical. Some of the cheaper weights coming from overseas have a low purity to them, which can be heard if they are dropped on the floor. Now imagine that pinging noise underwater against the rocks.

If you can't scratch it with a thumbnail, it's not good stuff.

Bait O' Eggs · 12-21-2000, 12:52 PM

Jet
If you are looking for lead, I know Clackamas Steel has a bone yard you can buy stuff by the pound from. Last time I checked lead was $0.35/lb. They usually have a good selection of various size pieces from unknow origins. Tire weights work fine. Just make sure you have good ventilation when working with it.

jet · 12-21-2000, 01:06 PM

Thanks all for the help, I might call the guys with the lead. Pure lead sounds like it will possobly work better when back bouncing for salmnoids, the ping really might not help.

Jet~~~

zipper · 12-21-2000, 01:56 PM

Tire weights work fine as does old lead pipe - ventilation is the key! A fan blowing out an open window a couple feet from the melting pot and don't let your young children help! It is a know carcinogen and we all of you around for alot longer! (my dad always got his lead from dead batteries, though I won't go there personally) zip

jet · 12-21-2000, 02:12 PM

My...02 on melting lead. Always do it outside , maybe on a coleman stove and doooo not let let the kids help on this one. Have them help clean fish, their rooms,and ducks after they have been shot(that way they can save the feathers) sorry I also love to duck hunt

Jet~~~~

nivtup · 12-21-2000, 03:56 PM

I have been using weights made from tire weights with home made molds (pyramid) for sturgeon for several years, not a problem catching them with these cheap weights.

As stated above the lead is really dangerous, not only to kids. Do your melting outside only, not in the house with a fan on. Not only the fumes, but the nearly invisible dust that is put off during the process is a dangerous cancer causing substance. You can clean up the dust, but you need to use TSP to get it up.

I have worked with lots of different compounds and chemicals over the years and have read a lot of MSDS (material safety data sheets) and the one on lead is downright scary.

So be smart about it, especially with kids around.

All that said, I think I will be making up some more weights soon.

jet · 12-21-2000, 05:47 PM

Thanks Niv

With this great resource (IFish) nobody should pay retail for weights. I for one boycot Bimart, GiJoes and Fishermans. Maybe their is someone with lots of lead and lots of time who might want to make a few bucks. This might be a great little business for someone. Their are lots of needy and thankful possible customers right here.

Good idea??

Jet~~~
I could use a few 3,5,8,10,16,and 24oz weights (round)

Trick · 12-21-2000, 07:25 PM

How about the lead cores out of old auto batteries. I know that banking soda will neutralize the acid but I want to know if it is more of a pain extracting the lead then it's worth????????

[This message has been edited by tshickam (edited 12-26-2000).]

jet · 12-21-2000, 11:39 PM

I have been told from old timers(so it must be true) never make cannon balls out of old tire weights. Can somebody tell me why? old weights seem to be the cheapest form of lead.

When Bi-mart sells a 20 oz. for 2.39 and Gi Joes sell them for 11.98...lol usally not the best value at Gi Joes. One looks for better (cheaper) sources of weight.

There a fishing question.This one will not have any political connectons I hope.

Jet~~~

[This message has been edited by jet (edited 12-21-2000).]