Using Lead for Everyday Items That You Might Not Know It Is In
Lead is a soft, malleable, and heavy metal that can be used in many applications but can be toxic with too much exposure. It tarnishes very quickly but is a great option for things that need to be resistant to rust or have some weight to them. There are many products that we use every day that contain lead.
Lead Roof Flashing
Flashing used around vent pipes on your roof made be made from lead. The metal is soft so can be formed to fit the roof perfectly, and it is resistant to rust which helps it stand up to all kinds of weather. Most of the time, the flashing will have a lead sleeve formed into it that slides over the vent pipe to hold it all in place and ensure a seal at the roofline.
Lead Fishing Weights
If you have ever done any fishing, you know about these little weights called spit shot. The weights are basically balls made from lead that have a slot in them. You can place them on the monofilament fishing line and crimp them tightly around it with plies, and they will weigh the line down to drag it below the surface of the water. They are very effective and come in many different weights and sizes.
Lead Shotgun Shot
When you buy a shotgun shell for hunting ducks or birds, the shot or little balls inside the shell can be made from lead. The shot is made in many sizes for different kinds of hunting and game. In recent years, lead is starting to be phased out in favor of less toxic materials, but lead shot is still being used by many manufacturers.
Lead Diving Weights
Scuba divers use weight belts and ankle weights to help offset the natural ballast of the body and the air fill tank they are carrying on their back. The weights are typically made from lead and can be added or removed from the weight belt to compensate for the person's size and weight. There are many types of weight systems available that can be used by divers and in cases where divers are making very deep dives, the amount of weight they carry can be much higher than that of a standard diver.
In all these cases, lead is used for it properties and weight. In wet environments, lead holds up well for years with very little maintenance.