Thread: Lead Wedges

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Is no risk, you take in more cancer cancer causing Nitrates from bar be quing a steak.

Damn, there goes BBQ'in

I work in the lead/acid battery industry and all employees are tested annually for blood-lead levels. If you test over 30 parts per million, you are required to wear a respirator until you test lower.

I have cut wheel weights with a chisel and the beat the lead piece with a ball peen hammer on an anvil until it is the right thickness for a wedge. It doesn't take long to get the thickness you need.

I have a box of .38 caliber lead bullets that can be hammered. Or google sheet lead and order what you need.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Lord in heaven,spookey stuff,next time I go catfishing I will bring nitrile gloves before attaching a wgt to my line.
Went after Shad this A.M,caught 12 large females,I guess I should not be using my teeth to attach splitshot to my line

You took Shaq out this morning & caught 12 large females,,,,,,
Hopefully he bought a brush or two from you,,,,,

First, a little perspective: no one is going to get sick or die from crimping a sinker with their teeth, unless they do it REALLY often. And cancer is actually one of the less common endpoints for lead poisoning.

The real issue with lead is most frequently chronic (long-term) exposure; acute, high level exposures are typically restricted to industrial work with lead.

Because I've already addressed this topic in another thread, I won't rehash it here. But I encourage anyone who it's considering working with lead to follow handling and cleanup recommendations.

I worked repairing industrial batteries (3,000 lb sizes) for several years. Terminals were drilled, torched, filed, hammered and my annual blood tests came out fine.
Both eyes don't seem to line up quite right, but I'm getting along well. LOL

Lead, as with any hazardous substance, requires the user to be knowledgable of the material and use proper equipment and procedures. Do a little research and get some basic safety gear. Look up some basic ventillation principles and how to clean up. If you can do these things you should be fine. If you feel there is a chance you wont be able to perform concepts, then do some more research or get someone else to do it for you.

If you think about it, we deal with hazardous materials every day in a safe manner. All that is required is a little fore-thought.

looks like a de-railment

Sorry about that

Sigh....take the lead, smack it to rough shape, trim, file and fit, just like in the old days. Only way to do it. Easy to work with and provides proper balance out on the end of the scales. Correct for old restos. Don't breath it, eat it, wash hands, clean up.
OR, use something else! Lead is everywhere. Lead poisoning is serious, yet seemingly rare. Working wirh exotic woods, horn, pearl, bone and ivory, yes, even steel all have health hazards. We are not doing this all day, everyday, guys!
Do it or not, a personal decision! Take precautions as you deem necessary. JMO
Lead! It's not just for breakfast anymore!

I've been using Tagua nut for wedges. I like the off white color giving it an "oldish" look. It's a very hard, natural material but machines well.