Sealed Weights

[Jon C]

Some time ago, in a catalog far, far away, I saw some soft, SEALED lead weight pouches for sale. I didn't buy them then, but after watching the lead bleed out on my driveway during post-dive cleanings, I want to go with the more environment friendly version of the shot weights. My internet search went bust. Does anyone have any contacts on where to purchase these?

Jon

 

[Peter_C]

Mine do the same thing, and I have enough poisons in my life. Would there be a way to remove the beads seal them, then sew the bag closed again? I guess the question really is how to seal the lead beads up?

 

[Mo2vation]

Mine do the same thing, and I have enough poisons in my life. Would there be a way to remove the beads seal them, then sew the bag closed again? I guess the question really is how to seal the lead beads up?

I'm a fisherman. And there has been a move afoot for sometime to replace the lead in the jugs and flies we use. Some manufacturers have gone to zink. Some to other materials.

In these products, we're just using a tiny bit of material at a time, so any cost difference between lead and these other materials is minute.

For the manufacturers out there - is there a huge cost difference between lead and lead-alternatives? I mean, we're paying what, $2.50 a pound or something for soft shot weights? I'd pay $3.50 a pound for a lead alternative.... or would it be more like $10.50 a pound?

Someone on SB will know this stuff.

Thanks

---
Ken

 

[Jon C]

As I said, I have seen these before, but did not notice the price at the time. Even at twice the $'s, it makes sense to me. I have enough experience with my gear to know exactly how much I would need for several configurations...drysuit/wetsuit. Hopefully, I won't be in a position to dump weight so often it bankrupts me! I consider weights "durable goods".

Like Ken said, there must be someone on SB that knows where sealed weights can be had! Let's hear from you!

Thanks,

Jon

 

[dflybldr]

Hmmmmmmm, My DIY brain cell is starting to remember that foodsaver vacuum bagger in my garage that I never use. I need some 2 and 5 # packets for my Knighthawk.

 

[O2BBubbleFree]

Hmmmmmmm, My DIY brain cell is starting to remember that foodsaver vacuum bagger in my garage that I never use. I need some 2 and 5 # packets for my Knighthawk.

'Course, if you vacuum bag 'em, they won't flex any more.

Seems to me that you'll basically end up with 'solid' weights that have small air pockets in 'em.

Wouldn't it be easier to just get solid weights and coat 'em (if they're not already)?

If you want flexible weights, I think you would have to coat each lead ball. Maybe get larger shot, coat it, then put it in the bags?

Just a couple of random thoughts...

 

[Jon C]

'
Wouldn't it be easier to just get solid weights and coat 'em (if they're not already)?

If you want flexible weights, I think you would have to coat each lead ball. Maybe get larger shot, coat it, then put it in the bags?

No, no, no!!! You have mistaken me for someone who would actually be willing to DO SOMETHING personally about the problem...I am a "Path of Least Resistance" believer.

Besides, part of going with the sealed weights is to NOT touch them. The thought of handling each and every bb while consuming Dorritos and salsa seems to be self-destructive. I already have an extra thumb and a third eye brow from my past encounders with lead. I need to throw money at the problem and just buy some.

Hey, here's a thought: Maybe liquid mercury would work...its heavy, forms easily and tastes better than lead.

Jon

 

[dflybldr]

Well, I didn't say that particular brain cell worked very well ... :-(

Tom

 

[H2O Addict]

Check out this link

http://www.scubapro.co.uk/products.asp?P=305

I was given some of these by a friend who quit diving, but have never seen them in a store.