How do you identify lead?

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How do you identify lead?

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Treacodactyl
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Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Mon Aug 29, 05 12:08 pm Post subject: How do you identify lead?
I know lead is gradually being banned in all sorts of things but I was wondering how you test for it? I have some 'lead' shot for fishing and I expect it to be lead free but is there an easy DIY way of finding out?

tawny owl

Joined: 29 Apr 2005
Posts: 563
Location: Hampshire

Posted: Mon Aug 29, 05 2:54 pm Post subject:
I know you can buy tests for lead paint, but no idea whether that would work for shot. There's probably some sort of density test with water you could do.

sally_in_wales
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 06 Mar 2005
Posts: 20809
Location: sunny wales

Posted: Mon Aug 29, 05 5:54 pm Post subject:
lead will quicky grow a white bloom if you expose it to vinegar fumes in a sealed jar- what you get is white lead/ceruse

dpack

Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 46249
Location: yes

Posted: Wed Aug 31, 05 12:20 am Post subject:

just get some non lead split shot from the local fishing shop and ask about what you have so far as to if it is ok and non lead , if it is not dont use it , lead shot is mistaken for grit by birds and it dissolves rapidly when eaten poisoning the wee critters . large lead weights 30g plus are fairly safe so long as they dont hit you or the wildlife ,or passers by. the big lumps are really sea tackle. non lead shot is cheap , available ,ethical and it works.

dpack

Joined: 02 Jul 2005
Posts: 46249
Location: yes

Posted: Wed Aug 31, 05 12:22 am Post subject:
lead writes on paper is the other answer . safe shot wont , same goes for gun shot

dougal

Joined: 15 Jan 2005
Posts: 7184
Location: South Kent

Posted: Wed Aug 31, 05 9:32 am Post subject:
Eureka! Archimedes, 11.34 gm/cc...

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Wed Aug 31, 05 11:19 am Post subject:

The lead shot was in a new fishing tackle box but it contains stuff for sea and fresh water, it says 'meets current standards' on the box. It has lead leads, I assume for sea fishing, and split shot that doesn't look like lead but is painted so hard to tell. I don't think there's enough to try water displacement.

I would never use real lead shot for fishing. I assume it's illegal but what about the sizable lead weights? Should I remove them from the box unless sea fishing?

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