Is it lead?

[salvadore]

I found some metal in a coffee can someone gave me years ago. They are barrel shape about 2" across and almost 2" tall with a hole in the middle about 1.25" across. I gave it the garage floor drop test and believe they are pretty close to pure lead. Does anyone know what they are and what alloy?

 

[Sure Shot Mc Gee]

Could be weights for a fishing net maybe. I really can't say for certain what it is you have there without seeing one.

 

[DD4lifeusmc]

lead?

Hard telling. What part of country you in.
Years ago, before illegal, could of been fish net anchors, although the center hole seems a little large.
Balancing weights in a machine shop.
It would be best if you had a hardness tester or a place nearby that had an electronic scanner. Lot of scrap metal salvage yards have them to confirm
various metals.

 

[mehavey]

See The Pencil Test about 2/3 down the page here
http://www.texas-mac.com/Evaluations_and_Recommendations_for_Lead-Alloy_Hardness_Testers.html

NOTE: The pencil tip is made absolutely square/flat (not pointed),
and used as a 45° push chisel (not used as in writing)

 

[salvadore]

Do these help?

 

[B.L.E.]

If you can nick it with your thumbnail, it's likely pure lead or close enough for muzzle loading bullets.

 

[44 Dave]

I have some of those that I salvaged long ago. They are counterbalance weights for the sprinklers on "side roll" or Wheel Line irrigation. Mine are close to pure lead.

 

[salvadore]

Hey thanks Dave, I live in Idaho the home of the center pivot, I bet that's it.

 

[DD4lifeusmc]

weights

Yep look similar to ones we used in Nebraska when I was growing up.
Never paid much attention back then to what they were made of.
Were just heavy for as small as they were.

But still nothing like a real hardness tester to confirm.

 

[4V50 Gary]

Thank you 44Dave. I was puzzled over them too.