Rubber-coated Hard Weights

[bisugo767]

I have always wanted to apply a rubber or plastic coating on my hard weights. Any suggestions or recommendations as to how I can do this on my own? Or, can this even be a DIY thing and what stuff do I need?

PA (bisugo767)

 

[SteveAD]

Go to a hardware store and get tool dip. make sure the weights are good and clean before starting.

 

[JEScholz]

The disadvantages are many, first dipping reduces the size of the hole for the belt. Second, when you do eventually wear through the dip, you will trap water between the weight and the coating.

Not trying to rain on your parade, just pointing out the down side.

 

[dumpsterDiver]

I tried the tool stuff and it was somewhat of a mess, but it did work. It is kinda expensive.

 

[Bob3]

Yep, the "Plasti-Dip" tool handle dip will do the trick for ya.
You may want to skip to a larger can of the stuff though, several different sizes are available, including aerosol.
More Info on Sizes

 

[Waterskier1]

I have always wanted to apply a rubber or plastic coating on my hard weights. Any suggestions or recommendations as to how I can do this on my own? Or, can this even be a DIY thing and what stuff do I need?

PA (bisugo767)

Is there a specific goal that you have in mind for doing this? Is it purely esthetic? Or is there another reason?

 

[bisugo767]

I would like to have my hard weight coated so they won't be too hard (i.e. rub to much as to wear out that area of the suit) against my wetsuit. I guess I can also consider using weight pouch/Belt instead of Tool Dip.

Phil (bisugo767)

Is there a specific goal that you have in mind for doing this? Is it purely esthetic? Or is there another reason?

 

[bisugo767]

Thanks for the Tool Dip idea, guys. I have thought about this before but I seem to have a hard time looking for Tool Dip in Vancouver, BC. I might try the more speciality hardware stores instead of Home Depot or Canadian Tire. Or, my best alternative is to just use a Weight Pouch/Belt. The primary reason I wanted to rubberize or plasticize by weights is because I want to minimize wear on my suit's waist area when I am wearing them. Also, I would like to do my part in protecting the Ocean by minimizing or even eliminating the leakage of lead powder or filings that comes from pouches of lead shot or bare naked lead bricks. I guess weight pouches don't really address reason #2 effectively.

Phil (bisugo767)

 

[CardShark]

I found it in Home Depot's Electrical section, near the tape, as "liquid insulation". [/I]

"The primary reason I wanted to rubberize or plasticize by weights is because I want to minimize wear on my suit's waist area when I am wearing them.

That would be fewer psi, true; but over a larger area, still crushing ( and chafing ) what is about the same volume of neoprene.

Also, I would like to do my part in protecting the Ocean by minimizing or even eliminating the leakage of lead powder or filings that comes from pouches of lead shot or bare naked lead bricks.

I agree with your preservational view, but don't think the solid lead weights' erosion is significant. If ANY erosion is significant, then the solid weights' lower surface area ( less erosive potential ) and abrasion ( as shot pellets do tend to grind against each other ) would cause the solid weights to be preferable to the shot.

 

[bisugo767]

Cardshark,

Thanks, I will look for it in the Electrical Section of Home Depot this weekend. I hope the Canadian stores stock it the same way as the US stores. The goods they carry is somewhat different between the US and Canada.

I agree with you on the erosion rate between hard lead weight and shot lead. However, everytime I rinse/wash my weights, I notice small lead filings (tiny bits of lead or shavings) left in the tub where I soaked them. It may have a small impact to the environment but the accumulated effect will be significant in the long run. Someone has to develop a non-harmful weight material as a substitute to lead. Hmmm, is this a business idea in the works!

Phil (bisugo767)

I found it in Home Depot's Electrical section, near the tape, as "liquid insulation". [/I]

"The primary reason I wanted to rubberize or plasticize by weights is because I want to minimize wear on my suit's waist area when I am wearing them.

That would be fewer psi, true; but over a larger area, still crushing ( and chafing ) what is about the same volume of neoprene.

Also, I would like to do my part in protecting the Ocean by minimizing or even eliminating the leakage of lead powder or filings that comes from pouches of lead shot or bare naked lead bricks.

I agree with your preservational view, but don't think the solid lead weights' erosion is significant. If ANY erosion is significant, then the solid weights' lower surface area ( less erosive potential ) and abrasion ( as shot pellets do tend to grind against each other ) would cause the solid weights to be preferable to the shot.