Wheel weights for your rolling stock

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

This is the time of year for foraging at the tire shops. People are removing their snow tires (although many parts of the country hardly had a winter) and putting their summer tires back on. The tire companies are generally prohibited or choose not to reuse wheel weights. That is mandatory for stick on weights which are prevalent in most models that use alloy wheels.

So walk into the back door of your local tire shop and ask the first guy that looks like he actually works there… not the boss; he has a recycling relationship somewhere and turns them back into some cash.

Tell them what you are doing with them… they become sooooo curious. I’ve never been turned down.

Don’t worry about the black stuff being asbestos… they removed it from brake material in 1985. Wash them in lacquer thinner and they come out looking like new.

Don’t cave into the blister packs in the hobby places that give you a few ounces for five bux.

I’ve actually found other modelers out there working in the backs of tire shops.

see ya

Bob

2

You’re right: the last time I asked, I was given a cardboard box (originally for a pair of work boots) full of used wheel balancing weights. I melt them down, then cast the molten lead into simple shapes using homemade moulds.

There’s a short tutorial HERE on the procedure.

Wayne

3

The boss at the place I get my tires has given me strips of brand new stick on wheel weights. The secret is to ask for them when you are actually buying tires.

Other people use pennies or shot.

4

I work in the automotive retail parts trade. I get my supplier to get me supplies for my RR.

If anyone would ask me, I’d give them strips of weights as I have lots.