Any quick substitute for nail weights?

[gotarheelz14]

I don't have any nails around and I actually want to be able to determine the weights that I will be using. Unfortunately, I also don't have any local tackle shops that are specialized enough to have nail weights.

I want to stick one on the end of a 5 inch senko to throw wacky rigged.

My question is, can I insert a 1/16 or 1/32 bullet weight instead? Or will this not give my weight any wiggle but will just make it fall straight down instead?

I just don't know if the weight distribution matters at all since the bullet weight is more concentrated and the nail weight is not.

Thanks you guys,

Carlos

[SirSnookalot]

Keel hooks when I want weedless, otherwise plastic on jig head.

[JacobK]

solder or lead wire.

[Fishes in trees]

2 thoughts.  1 - Get yourself a fairly accurate postage scale, one that weighs down to the gram, not just for nail weights, but for any fishing tackle that you want to know how much it weighs.  Mine cost around $40 at a business supply store and as I recall the ones at WalMart were similar.  Take the battery out when not in use and it will last longer,

2 - Lumber Yard - you can get all kinds of nails at the lumber yard.  One time, I found some thin brass screws with a larger round head on them.  The screw threads make them less likely to fall out and when you're fishing around rock, the brass makes a little click from time to time.

Just a thought.  I don't use nail weights very often, but you can carry many of them in a zip lock bag and that's where most of mine came from.

[Crestliner2008]

You'll never be able to use bullet weights in this kind of plastic. They'll tear too easily - as you've probably found out by now.

Why is it so important to "know" how much weight you are inserting? As long as you know that you have "some" weight inside, that'll do. You can increase / decrease according to the results you are having.

Use solder - best weight insert around. And it's easy to come by and has been around for a long time.

[lightsout]

You have a few options. You can, as you mentioned cut the plastic and put a bullet weight inside. Then a drop of super glue to keep it there. I used to put 1/8 tungstun weights in the heads of the manns hardnose jerkbaits.

Another option, is to take a hammer to the lead weight of your choice. Just pound it flat (you want it fairly thin) and cut it with some strong snips. It doesnt take long.