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#3972
Soft weights
DiveRex - 5/25/2007 8:04 PM
Category: Equipment
Replies: 6

I have about 60 lbs of hard weights, that I have collected over the years. I use them for a variety of things underwater. However I would like to have some soft weights for my integrated BC. Right now I have weight bags that I put the hard weights in and then put them in the BCD.

My question is, does anybody have any ideas on how/where I could get my hard weights melted down and made into shot so that I can make my own soft weights? I asked my LDS and they said buy the soft weights from them! :)
#2636
NWKatShark - 5/26/2007 7:25 PM
For wht it would cost to have them melted etc., you might as well just buy the soft weights.
#3979
DalelynnSims - 5/29/2007 10:10 AM
Hi there

If you know someone that does their own loading of ammunition they may have the ability to make the shot form raw led. Don`t know how widespread that is done anymore as there are hazzards to the fumes and such but there may be a few out there still. Other than that I agree it may be just as costly to have that done as it is to get more and then you have to put the shot into packages of some type. maybe the locak dive shop can give you a trade in deal for every 5lb they will give you one pound of soft led..

Take care and Best Fishes!! `•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸>
#735
bushwacker4u - 6/03/2007 9:58 PM
well you can get a melting ladel and cut the weight into 4or 5 pieces (so to melt faster ) then get a large screen or grater or something to scatter the melted lead into a bucket of water, when the lead hits the water it should harden into shot, only drip the lead in don`t throw the whole melt in . remember you are dealing with lead oxide and lead vapors when handeling and melting lead which may contribute to cancer and raise in blood lead levels , so you might want to take it out doors and wear protection,and not talking about the protection that you might carry in your wallet :-)
#10
solodiver - 6/14/2007 8:14 AM
Not posssible to melt down. Soft weights are the way to go. I have found 50 lbs of hard weights at Morrison this past year. I melt them down for fishing weights. I make my own soft weights. Go to a sporting goods stores, gun shop or somewhere that sells reloading supplies. Buy a bag of lead shot. Normally about $12 - $14 for 25 punds. I use nylon material from Walmart. Cut it into a rectangle. fold it over, have someone sew it around the three remainging sides leaving a 1/4" opening, get a funnel and fill with lead shot. Then sew up the 1/4" I have also used zip lock bags, burlap screw bags with draw strings etc.
#2636
NWKatShark - 10/15/2007 6:09 PM
Sure you can melt down lead weights! There`s a few manufacturers in China that melt them down and put the resulting product in kid`s toys!
#165
TXRdiver - 4/02/2008 9:22 PM
Wouldn’t work. Lead weight isn’t just lead, it would be to soft if it was. There are other metals mixed in with it so it doesn’t wear down with use, chip or bend. Besides, with lead shot I think each of the little bee bees is coated with something to keep them from rubbing together and breaking down.