How to Make a Mold for Lead Sinkers

Fishermen employ a variety of tackle in order to catch the type of fish they're after. One item that is commonly found in a tackle box is the lead sinker. Sinkers weigh down the line to keep the lure at a fixed depth. These lead weights come in a variety of shapes, sizes and weights, and are widely available at bait and tackle shops. You can also make your own lead sinkers using a mold. Making a mold for lead sinkers can be accomplished with little difficulty.

Things You'll Need

  • Large baking potato
  • Knife
  • Carving tools
  • Small planting pot
  • Crucible or pot
  • Scrap lead
  • Ladle
  • Needle nose pliers
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a large potato in half using a sharp knife. Ensure that the cut is as straight as possible across the body of the potato.

    • 2

      Cut out a small cavity at the center of the cut potato using a wood carving tool. You can make the sinker cavity as big or small as you prefer, and in any shape that suits your needs.

    • 3

      Fit the potato half in a small plant pot. Ensure that the pot is slightly smaller than the diameter of the potato so that it will fit snugly and not tip over.

    • 4

      Melt scrap lead in a crucible or pot. Pour the lead using a ladle into the mold cavity slowly and carefully. The potato will sputter and fizzle at first. Allow the lead to cool for 15 minutes, then pull it out with needle-nose pliers.