Sheet lead

[Trout Of Doubt]

I've seen many mentions of using the lead from the top of wine and spirits bottles to weight hooks.
As an alternative to the lead sheet sold for fly tying, how does this compare? Are there limitations on the size of flies you can use it on? And any tips on how to use it?

[fredaevans]

Would be very rare to actually find a lead foil topping on a wine bottle anymore (save for a VERY old one). When it was discovered that lead based paints were damned harmful of consumed/absorbed. Actually it was American Inner-city neighborhood where this came to light. Lots of very young kids were getting toxic poisoning from chewing on window sills ... odd, but a true bit of history.

A zillion years ago I did, in fact, strip the lead foil off wine bottles and actually use it for just the purpose you mentioned in your thread opener. That said, the wine industry shifted to aluminum caps close to 30-40 years ago. No weight in those Puppies. Far cheaper, and zero health hazard (at least that I know of).

fae

[fishon2]

i use the lead that is used for leading windows the local glass shop norn has plenty off cuts for free

[Trout Of Doubt]

Fair point on the lead poisoning front.

Either way, the comments I've seen about using the foil off bottles have been in the last 12 months, so I suppose the question stands.

[fredaevans]

If you have one in one hand, the other in 'the other,' the difference is remarkable. Not to mention that a lead foil cap will be three-five times as thick. There will be 'no question' as to which is which.

Just a thought, just a thought.

fae

[steve collyer]

Veniards (amongst others) sell adhesive lead strips which are actually an improvement on the old lead foil bottle tops. I often use the stuff.

[stevekale]

Go to a golf shop. Much cheaper.

[horses50]

Try this for self adhesive lead sheet only £2.50 a roll Home

[stevekale]

I think this link will get you closer to the above:

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