[Black Hills TDub]

Straight lead is usually too soft and pulls out. I use lead with about 30% pewter added. Also, fray the very end of the cable a little to give more surface area for the lead/pewter to bond. I use plaster Paris to make my molds for different style cable ends.

 

[Black Hills TDub]

Lead weights is a misnomer. Here in Commiefornia, lead is illegal to use as a fishing weight. They are all steel now. But still an appropriate size with a hole in the middle of a brass or steel bead. I will fray and solder, was thinking lead-free solder. From a mechanical influence point of view, lead-free solder is stronger than lead solder.

I did not know that for CA. I knew lead shot in shotshells had gone to steel in some places but did not know about the lead weights. Learn something new every day is something I try to do and there ya go - You just gave me today's lesson!

 

[Black Hills TDub]

I have always picked up lead car wheel weights if I see them laying in a parking lot. First, I hate trash and second - it's good lead.
What does CA use for car wheel weights or motorcycles for that matter?