jt_ncbassman Posted August 23, 2013 Report Share Posted August 23, 2013 I have browsed through the forums for what people use for ballast and where to get it, however, it seems like it used to be alot easier to acquire. For instance, alot of guys use the "pencil lead" or lead cylindrical bars from places like Mcmastercarr but I don't think they have it anymore. I had been using the BPS Finesse weights but it seems like those weights are poor quality/not pure lead due to the weight variation. Just wondering what yall are using these days, and if somebody can point me towards a good source for lead sticks. Also, I was hoping somebody could give me some details about the brass wire that Mcmaster Carr has in stock. They only have one grade, and I want to make sure its not too soft before I order a batch. P.S. I've got some killer flat cranks that I could trade for good brass wire or good sticks of lead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vandy Posted August 23, 2013 Report Share Posted August 23, 2013 This probably isn't what you're looking for, but I just use split shot sinkers. They are readily available and provide a consistent weight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobP Posted August 23, 2013 Report Share Posted August 23, 2013 I have soft temper brass wire from McMaster-Carr. Is it too soft? depends on the diameter. I use .041", which is similar to the wire used in classic balsa baits. When twisted into a hook eye, my opinion is it's strong enough for bass baits. But I prefer using their soft temper stainless steel wire in the same size. Size for size, soft stainless is noticeably harder than soft brass wire but it is just as easy to shape. And it will not corrode. I think you can buy coils of 1/4" diameter lead for molding bullets - you might check with reloading suppliers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassguy Posted August 23, 2013 Report Share Posted August 23, 2013 I use an egg sinker and install my own twisted ss wire for the hook hanger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nedyarb Posted August 23, 2013 Report Share Posted August 23, 2013 I pour my own, from an old drilled out do it mold! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt_ncbassman Posted August 23, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 23, 2013 That was another question I had, is the soft temper stainless from MC easy to work with. The only issue I have with SSt wire is diving lips. Installing a lip with a brass tow is a lot easier, plus its easier to tune without stressing the lip or where the wire is anchored in the body. Thanks for the responses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobP Posted August 23, 2013 Report Share Posted August 23, 2013 Yes, soft temper ss is easy to shape. I make line ties and hook hangers by twisting it into a "screw eye". When bent into a tight circle, it's surprisingly strong and I've never noticed any deformation of a line tie or hook hanger while bass fishing. However you choose to bend it, soft ss is a little stronger than soft brass, just slightly stiffer, and easy to bend. The only concession I make to soft wire is running a bead of epoxy along the wire on the bottom of the lip on deep diving baits where there is lots of distance between the line tie and the nose of the bait where the tie is anchors. Ease of tuning without cracking a lip or the finish on the nose of a bait is the reason soft wire is better but it's also much easier to make wire components accurately with it, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracy G Posted August 24, 2013 Report Share Posted August 24, 2013 (edited) I am currently using 1/8 oz. egg sinkers. But I do have an aluminum mold that I made, just haven't used it yet as the egg sinkers are cheap and easier. I also use the 18 ga. ss wire, I find mine at the auto parts store (bumper to bumper). Edited August 24, 2013 by Tracy G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted August 24, 2013 Report Share Posted August 24, 2013 (edited) I use 1/4" lead wire, pushed into 1/4" holes in the bellies of my baits, and held in place with a drop of crazy glue. A 1/4" length weighs 2 grams, so it's easy to measure and cut the weights I need. I like to push it in just past flush, and then fill the depression with Bondo that I can sand to shape. The 5lb spool I bought a few years ago is labeled "Ames Wire", but I don't remember where I bought it. I think it was Cabela's, but they don't show it on their website anymore. For a hobby builder like me 5lbs goes a long way. Here is Ames' website: http://leadproducts.amesmetal.com/viewitems/pure-lead-pure-tin-wire-solder-bars-wire/spool-wires? You may be able to find out from them where a local retailer is in your area, or just do an online search for 1/4" lead wire. Edited August 24, 2013 by mark poulson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamie Posted August 24, 2013 Report Share Posted August 24, 2013 Mark I do same thing and I bought mine at gander mountain. I will score the lead with a hack saw blade in a few spots so when glueing the glue graps the lead a little better. Maybe overthinking things but in my mind it makes sense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt_ncbassman Posted August 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2013 Thanks for the responses. I stayed up till 1:00 AM trying to make a mold for ballasts. Turns out..... I can't drill a hole as straight as I thought I could lol. I pretty much ruined one of my old spinnerbait do-it molds. If I cant drill a decent hole before tonight I will go ahead and order some of that wire. I appreciate the link Mark.... I would have never found that stuff. I guess the only thing "tedious" about that stuff is straightening it out. Now, I just need some stiffer, .30 brass wire and I will be set. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nedyarb Posted August 26, 2013 Report Share Posted August 26, 2013 I used an old 1/32 0z round jig head mold. It has eight slots that are exactly the same. I used 1/4" drill bit and drilled out four slots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thogan6 Posted August 27, 2013 Report Share Posted August 27, 2013 lurepartsonline.com sells ballast weights cheap and different sizes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark poulson Posted August 27, 2013 Report Share Posted August 27, 2013 (edited) When I use the 1/4" lead wire, I cut a 6" length with wire cutters, roll it on top of my tablesaw with a flat piece of steel to straighten it, and then use a drywall knife to cut the length I need. I roll the cut off piece again to remove the mushrooming that cutting it off causes, so it fits easily into a 1/4" hole. I use PVC for my baits, and the lead wire is snug fit. Edited August 27, 2013 by mark poulson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RayburnGuy Posted August 27, 2013 Report Share Posted August 27, 2013 I think it was Gene (Lincoya) who posted a tutorial about making your own belly weights. Check the tutorials section and it should be in there. Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt_ncbassman Posted August 27, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 27, 2013 Well, you guys have got me straightened out now. I was really overlooking and overthinking things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbf Posted September 2, 2013 Report Share Posted September 2, 2013 I think it was Gene (Lincoya) who posted a tutorial about making your own belly weights. Check the tutorials section and it should be in there. Ben Thats what I did. I've built 2 so far and will soon be starting a 3rd one. They work great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
