Does anyone know how to correctly and safely remove the lead weights from the bottom of a cast net? I need to convert a 15# to a 10# net. If the 15# net was not fairly new and in great condition I would just buy a new one. Is there a tool or procedure? I need to remove 1/3 of the weights. Help!!!
maybe some type of wire rope cutting device? fish through the lead weight if possible then “saw” the weight off…otherwise I’m not sure how you would get weights off without actually cutting the net…
The Morris Island Lighthouse www.savethelight.org
Tin snips will cut them without cutting the rope.
My nephew took 1/3 off a calusa with one of those cut everything tools you see on TV, never cut the net or lead line at all.
You can’t catch fish on a dry line
I’ve never done this but if I were going to do it i would:
1 - Spread the net out neatly
2 - Mark the weights I wanted to cut with some tape, making sure I left even spacing around the net so it opens
3 - Use a set of heavy duty snips (Tin Snips, Metal Shears, Bolt Cutters etc.) and carefully cut the lead weights off.
4 - See if anybody on here has a Mold that I could borrow to turn that 5lbs of lead into some useful fishing weights!
Good luck!
I held the led in a vice and used a hacksaw and cut down close to the rope, then used a screwdriver as a pry bar to open it up and pull the rope out. Just take your time and be patient. Good luck.
15.5 Scout w/60hp 4-Stroke
My Current Obsession
quote:
Originally posted by Reformed YankeeI’ve never done this but if I were going to do it i would:
1 - Spread the net out neatly
2 - Mark the weights I wanted to cut with some tape, making sure I left even spacing around the net so it opens
3 - Use a set of heavy duty snips (Tin Snips, Metal Shears, Bolt Cutters etc.) and carefully cut the lead weights off.
4 - See if anybody on here has a Mold that I could borrow to turn that 5lbs of lead into some useful fishing weights!Good luck!
From someone who poured 80 pounds five years ago for bottom fishing offshore, it’s not worth your time or money to mess around with melting five measly pounds… Lol. Haven’t bought lead since!
quote:
Originally posted by 23Sailfishquote:
Originally posted by Reformed YankeeI’ve never done this but if I were going to do it i would:
1 - Spread the net out neatly
2 - Mark the weights I wanted to cut with some tape, making sure I left even spacing around the net so it opens
3 - Use a set of heavy duty snips (Tin Snips, Metal Shears, Bolt Cutters etc.) and carefully cut the lead weights off.
4 - See if anybody on here has a Mold that I could borrow to turn that 5lbs of lead into some useful fishing weights!Good luck!
From someone who poured 80 pounds five years ago for bottom fishing offshore, it’s not worth your time or money to mess around with melting five measly pounds… Lol. Haven’t bought lead since!
That’s the voice of experience - I’d never done it, just seemed like something to do with the weights. I’m cheap - I hate throwing anything out!
quote:
Originally posted by 23Sailfishpoured 80 pounds five years ago for bottom fishing offshore
this is why your monkey smokes…
The Morris Island Lighthouse www.savethelight.org
I would take RY’s advise but use a zip wheel in a 4" side grinder instead of snips. Weights held in vise for sure.
J Ford
i tapped it with a screwdriver on concrete lengthwise and split it out with two pliers. works for me I have done it to four nets before. tried dremel but lead got hot and disc bogged down.
quote:
and safely remove the lead weights
An oscillating blade multi-tool like a Rockwell Sonic-Crafter will cut them like butter and not damage the line. It won’t even cut your finger if you slip. Heck of a tool, it will cut dang near anything, soft metals, fiberglass, plywood, but you can hold the blade against your hand without damage 
Try that with an angle grinder and zip wheel. No, don’t try that [:0]
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
Use a chisel
use a pro model garden shrubbery trimmer, cuts right thru the leads!
2nd the chisel