I need some Keel grabber anchor measurments please

[Phoneguy]

If anyone has some keel grabber anchors on their rigs could they please help me out by giving some measurments? I am going to get a mold made so I can make my own.

What I would like to know is the Length of the different sides of the J as well as the thickness of the anchor. If you can tell me how much that anchor weighs that would help too. I want mine to end up being 7 - 8 oz.

Maybe a picture with a tape measure for scale would be good. If you don't want to post it up here you could email me at JAbbott@telus.net ...

Thanks
James

[Jimbo]

Making your own weights is a good idea. What about designing them to fit the keels of your own decoys ?

[Phoneguy]

I found some pics on ebay, but without dimensions. I measured my decoys and decided that if the hook was 1" wide that would work, so then I scaled everything from that. One of the fellows at Saperton F&G is in the metal fabricating business and is going to help me out by machining a mold up. We guessed at the depth needed to be 3/8". Can always not fill the mold to the top if they are to heavy (open faced mold). Once the mold comes in I will be able to see what the actual weight of the anchors is.

James

[Jimbo]

Do you have a supply of lead for your weights ?

[Phoneguy]

Do you have a supply of lead for your weights ?

I have enough to get started from air rifle shot at the range. It is pretty pure lead, I am hoping it will be hard enough. I haven't yet tried to get some used wheel weights, but may look into that if I need more.
The only problem with the spent ammo is that there is a lot of paper in it and it makes one heck of an aroma as it burns around the melting lead.

To date I have tried casting in a dollar store muffin tin, (at 1/2' thick they are 1lb, to heavy) and some dollar store stainless shot glass sized containers. I haven't weighed them yet, but think they may be to heavy too.

I am hoping this mold idea works out, as it would be the most functional for keeping the decoys nice and neat.

James

[Jimbo]

Phoneguy, PM sent.

[870]

how hard is it to melt led?
how do you do it?
anyone have an 8oz mushroom mold or something like that that I could use for a few days?

[K-1]

You can go to Can.Tire and get a 1lb. ball mold for fishing. Leave it open , poor your lead in both sides, put in the anchor loops, that should give you 2 - 8 oz. mushroom shaped weights.

[870]

how do you melt the led, and what can you melt it in?

[lip_ripper00]

how do you melt the led, and what can you melt it in?

lead melts at 625F, a coleman stove will get hot enough. A large soup can wilth vice grips will work WEAR A RESPERATOR!!! If you want lead let me know.