Obtaining Lead

• Without lead you can't make your own sinkers, and you obtain lead for free. Grab a phone book and start calling local auto mechanics. They will have lead that they use in thier shops, and most of the time they have extra lead that they'll never use. The lead they use is also perfect for making fishing lures. It is a softer lead that will do better in the molds that you will use. If you can't find lead from a local mechanic then you can always buy it. Check eBay for good deals on bulk supplies of lead.
  
  

Choosing the Right Mold

• There are a few companies that create molds specifically for making fishing sinkers; sources are listed in the Resources section of this article. These companies create their molds out of aluminum and are perfect for making fishing sinkers. All you have to do is find the mold of the sinker that you want and purchase it. If you don't find the mold that you want, you can create your own. To do this you need to obtain a blank mold. These same companies sell blank molds for you to alter. Once you have your blank, contact a local machine shop. They will have the proper tools and a CAD programmer you can work with to design your mold.
  
  

Melting Pots

• A melting pot is used to melt the lead so that you can pour it into the mold. Just like the molds, there are melting pots specifically designed for making fishing sinkers. A good melting pot will also have grooves so that you can poor the lead directly into the mold without the use of a ladle. The Resources section contains a link to a melting pot like this.
  
  

Creating the Sinkers

• Once you obtain these necessities you will be ready to make your own sinkers. It is an easy process when you abide by safety precautions. Use the melting pot to melt down the lead. When the lead is liquid you simply use the grooves in the pot to poor the lead into the mold. Allow the lead to cool in the mold for at least 30 seconds and then remove the lead from the mold with needle-nose pliers.