How to Make Fishing Sinkers

Making your own fishing sinkers is a good way to get them in the exact size, shape and weight that you prefer, and do it economically at the same time. You won't have to settle for whatever limited supply and variety is available at your local tackle shop if you are willing to gather a few supplies and invest a little time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Welding gloves
Safety goggles
Heavy-duty protective clothing
Lead (available from scrap metal dealers)
Small heavy-duty cast iron pot with pouring spout on side
Pair of vise grips
Old metal bucket
Sinker molds (see Resources section)
Propane camp stove or barbeque with side burner
Large metal spoon
Edge trimming tool

Step 1

Place the lead ingots or pieces of scrap metal in the pot, and attach the vise grips to the pot on the opposite side of the handle. Do not overfill the pot so that it is easy to handle when the lead is molten. Before it gets hot, make sure that your stove can support the weight of a pot full of lead. You may need to place a sturdy grate over the heat source to support the pot.

Step 2

Fire up the stove, place the pot on it and heat until the lead melts. The impurities in the lead will float to the surface. Use the spoon to scrape them off and put them in the metal bucket.

Step 3

Lift the pot off the stove by grabbing the handle and the vise grips at the same time. Carefully pour the lead into the molds.

Step 4

Allow the sinkers to cool completely. Pop them out of the molds and trim the rough edges with the edge trimming tool.

Tips & Warnings

Put on all safety gear and proceed with caution, as molten lead can be very dangerous.

Resources

Lead Molds and Supplies

Article Written By Anthony Smith

Anthony Smith began writing for Demand Studios in May of 2009 and has since written over 1400 articles for them. He also writes for "The College Baseball Newsletter." He attended the University of New Mexico, and has more than 25 years of experience in the business world.

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