harleyhunter 0 Report post Posted September 15, 2005 Hey guys, I'm new to tying. I wanna start some streamer patterns but most require lead wire. What is a good substitute for this besides beads and cones. I really want something in a wire form. Also where can I get it in a .25 to .35 size? Thanks ahead of time all. Sam Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted September 15, 2005 You wanting something that is not lead but still in wire form? I have seen some tungsten stretch lace but have heard mixed reviews on it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
harleyhunter 0 Report post Posted September 15, 2005 Hey Smalliehunter, Yes to weigh down the streamers like wooly buggers. I actually just found a lead free weight wire from J. Stockard its about 60% the density of lead and comes in both sizes. So i guess you just use more wraps to equal out the difference in weight. I should of researched it more first. But if anyone has another type I'm open to ideas. Thanks Sam Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skunkaroo 0 Report post Posted September 15, 2005 An inexpensive alternative to lead wire is fine guage lead-free solder (obviously buy the kind without the flux core). Aaron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marty 0 Report post Posted September 15, 2005 QUOTE (skunkaroo @ Sep 15 2005, 10:00 AM) An inexpensive alternative to lead wire is fine guage lead-free solder (obviously buy the kind without the flux core). Aaron Good idea! somebody's always thinking You can also just use copper wire. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted September 15, 2005 Hey- That was my idea! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VirtuallyTied 0 Report post Posted September 16, 2005 As Sam already mentioned, J. Stockard carries lead free wire, and here's more info. It comes in diameters of 0.015", 0.025", and 0.035". You can find it by clicking on Lead Free Wire. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Al Beatty 0 Report post Posted September 16, 2005 Hi Sam, I have to vote for solder. Why? Because I have a lot. In another life I was a manager for an operating telephone company. In the mid 80's they discontinued solder connections and went to wire wrap. They hauled truck loads of solder to the dump. One of those trucks found its way to my place. I've been supplying it to friends for about 20 years. I'm down to three or four spools of it now. Take care & ... Tight Lines - Al Beatty www.btsflyfishing.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
harleyhunter 0 Report post Posted September 16, 2005 Thanks for all the help guys!!! Sam Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jjhaag 0 Report post Posted September 23, 2005 Dan Bailey's also carries some non-toxic lead alternative in .015, .025, and .035", but they're pretty pricey. I've been using mostly copper wire with a coat of lacquer to keep it from tarnishing and bleeding color through on light flies. The flux-free solder idea is a great one, though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
