Procopius Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 I live near a NAPA store, and I was wondering today if any of you knew if their wheel weights were small enough to be used as noseweight for 1/72 planes. Normally I'd just walk over, but it's really cold outside, and this is what the internet has done to us. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
famvburg Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 I don't know about NAPA weights but I have used wheel weights for years. mostly old ones from my local tire repair shop, for free. If they are too big, cut them down. Those and fishing weights are my main weights. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
marvin20 Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 I use fishing weights, and you can smash them with a hammer to get them to fit into otherwise tight spaces. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
phasephantomphixer Posted February 11, 2014 Share Posted February 11, 2014 I don't know about NAPA weights but I have used wheel weights for years. mostly old ones from my local tire repair shop, for free. If they are too big, cut them down. Those and fishing weights are my main weights. Yup, used ones as requested from tire shop-at my favorite price. And fishing weights can be found in some small sizes. I use craft glue like Eileen's to keep them in place. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hawk10 Posted February 11, 2014 Share Posted February 11, 2014 For years, I used both wheel weights and fishing weights (cut them to fit w/a set of heavy duty dykes). Then about 25 years ago I ended up with a 25lb bag of #12 lead bird shot which works absolutely great for adding weight to models. Just pour the shot where you want it and secure it with white glue or epoxy. I still have about a dozen or so plastic 35mm film containers full of the birdshot left. I did some checking out of curiosity to find out what a bag of shot would cost me today. The local gun shop has 25lb bags for 35 bucks each. If I were to buy a bag I would talk to any modelers in my area and see if they would go in with me to get a bag (I turn 70 this year and the odds are pretty good that the bag will last longer than I will!) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
famvburg Posted February 11, 2014 Share Posted February 11, 2014 For larger models I use lead weights from the tops of aircraft batteries. They are right at 1 ounce and being an aircraft mech I have an abundance of them. I just break open the caps, remove them and wash them well to remove acid residue and I'm set. I use silicone, epoxy, or craft glue for them too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Crazy Snap Captain Posted February 12, 2014 Share Posted February 12, 2014 I use lead shot wrapped in blu-tac. Works for any size model. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dnl42 Posted February 12, 2014 Share Posted February 12, 2014 Agree with the lead shot. I got it to balance a 1/12 RC Lobster Boat years ago, yet I barely I've dented it. Cost per model is very very low... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DrGlueblob Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 Pennies and .177 pellet gun ammo here. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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