How to Melt Lead or Copper to Make Your Own Sinkers for Fishing

How to Melt Lead or Copper to Make Your Own Sinkers for Fishing

Lilo Lil on Flickr

No matter what kind of fishing you do, you're bound to need sinkers at some point. Because the cost of losing these sinkers to underwater snags and dexterous fish can add up over time, some anglers choose to make their own sinkers to reduce costs. While the idea of melting down metal may be intimidating to some, it is actually an easy process that you can complete in less than 15 minutes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:
  • Tongs Work gloves Bulk lead or copper Aluminum can Propane torch
  • Tongs
  • Work gloves
  • Bulk lead or copper
  • Aluminum can
  • Propane torch
Step 1
Wearing work gloves, pick up the piece of bulk lead or copper with the tongs.
Step 2
Turn on the propane torch and apply flame to the metal. If metal chunk is big, focus on one spot. Spreading out flame will reduce heat.
Step 3
Situate the aluminum can underneath the lead or copper to catch the molten metal.
Step 4
Continue heating and melting until there is a sufficient amount of molten metal in the can to pour into a sinker mold.

Tips & Warnings

 
Melt metal in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside.

Article Written By Jonathan Croswell

Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University.

Write for Trails.com
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