Making DIY sinker molds lets you create custom fishing weights at home. You can use materials like silicone to shape lead or other metals into sinkers.
In a Nutshell: DIY Sinker Molds
- You will learn what items you need for DIY sinker molds.
- You will see simple steps to make your own molds.
- You will find out where to get help and supplies for your project.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Want to save money on fishing gear? Making your own DIY sinker molds is a great idea. It helps you get the exact weights you need for your fishing trips. This is a fun project for many anglers in Canada.
What You Need for DIY Sinker Molds
To make DIY sinker molds, you need a few key things.
- Silicone for Molds: This is a popular choice. You can buy RTV (room temperature vulcanizing) silicone from craft stores like Hobby Lobby or online. This silicone often comes with an activator. You mix them together to make the mold.
- Lead or Metal: You need lead or another heavy metal for the sinkers. You will melt this metal and pour it into your molds.
- Wood or Metal Shapes: To make sinkers in certain shapes, use wooden dowels or metal pieces. Make sure they are very smooth. If wood is not smooth, the grain might show on your sinkers.
- Glue: Use glue to hold your shapes or any swivels in place inside the mold box before you pour the silicone.
Quick checklist for your DIY sinker mold project.
DIY Sinker Mold Essentials
How to Make Your DIY Sinker Molds
There are a couple of main ways to create DIY sinker molds.
Using Silicone Molds
Silicone is flexible and good for detailed shapes.
- Mix Silicone: Carefully mix the silicone and its activator. Follow the instructions that come with it.
- Prepare Shape: Get your wooden dowel or other shape ready. Place it in a small box.
- Pour Silicone: Pour the mixed silicone over your shape. Make sure it covers the shape completely.
- Let it Cure: Wait for the silicone to dry and harden. This can take several hours.
- Ready to Use: Once cured, take out your shape. The silicone mold is now ready for pouring melted lead. You can see how this is done in YouTube tutorials.
Using Wood or Metal Molds
These are simpler but might not last as long as silicone.
- Make Mold Shape: Cut your sinker shape into a piece of wood or soft metal.
- Smooth It: Sand the inside of the mold so it is very smooth.
- Pour Lead: Carefully pour melted lead into the mold.
- Cool Down: Let the lead cool and get solid.
- Remove Sinker: Take the finished sinker out of the mold.
- Smooth Shapes: Sand any wood masters very well. This stops wood lines from showing on your finished sinkers. A smooth master means a smooth sinker.
- Right Mix: If using silicone, follow the mixing rules exactly. Too much or too little activator can make the mold weak or not set right.
- Level Pour: Make sure your mold box is level before pouring silicone or lead. This helps make sinkers that are even and balanced.
- Cool Fully: Let lead cool down completely in the mold before you try to take it out. Removing it too early can break the sinker or damage the mold.
Types of Sinker Molds You Can Buy
If you do not want to make your own, you can buy ready-made molds. Stores and online shops sell many kinds.
- Bell Sinker Molds
- Cannon Ball Sinker Molds
- Pyramid Sinker Molds
- Split Shot Sinker Molds
- Trolling Sinker Molds
These come in many shapes and sizes for different fishing styles. You can see examples of different sinkers in this video.
Where to Find Help for DIY Sinker Molds
If you want to learn more, there are great places to find help.
- YouTube Videos: Websites like YouTube have many videos. They show step-by-step how to make DIY sinker molds. You can find helpful tutorials like this one or see live demonstrations.
- Lure Making Sites: Companies like Lure Making sell many jig and sinker molds. They are a good place to get ideas or buy molds if you do not want to DIY. They offer over 400 different molds. This shows many anglers want custom gear.
- Do-it Molds: Another great resource is Do-it Molds. They have a big catalog. They also offer tips for making your own molds.
My Experience with DIY Sinker Molds
Many fishers find making their own DIY sinker molds very rewarding. It is a good feeling to catch a fish with gear you made yourself. Plus, you can try out different shapes and sizes. Stores might not sell these custom shapes. It takes a bit of practice. But soon, you can make sinkers just right for your fishing spots and save money.
Safety First: Tips for Making Sinkers
Working with melted lead needs care. Always think about safety.
- Wear Safety Gear: Use gloves and eye goggles. This protects you when handling hot lead or sharp tools.
- Good Air Flow: Melt lead in a place with good air flow, like outside or in a garage with doors open. This helps you avoid breathing in fumes.
- Heat Safety: Hot lead is very dangerous. Use a thermometer to check its heat. Be careful when pouring.
Conclusion
Creating DIY sinker molds is a fun project. It saves you money. It also lets you make custom fishing gear. With the right stuff and some practice, you can make great sinkers at home.
Your Questions About DIY Sinker Molds Answered (Simply)
What is the best material for DIY sinker molds?
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