Need a heavy material for DIY sandbags... whats out there?

[Nevilleblack]

Im trying to make a sandbag for my stands but want to make them as small as possible. I figure if there is something out there heavier than sand so that I can have a smaller bag that would be much better for space.
But what is a really heavy commercially available material?

[grewbek]

lead shot. you can pick it up at any gun show.

[Naturalist]

lead shot. you can pick it up at any gun show.

+1 for this recommendation and you'll be hard pressed to find anything heavier that is not expensive.

Go to a gun show or local gun shop that sells reloading gear and pick up a bag or #7-1/2 or #9 fine bird shot. If you're smart and not fill your bag up to the rim, it will have room to move about so it can easily hang on stands, etc.

Some heavy canvas material will do the trick without breaking the bank.

[FELINEDEBOURGES]

This isn't exactly what you were asking for, but I just did a quick search myself for lead shot, and came across these. http://www.leisurepro.com/prod/SSTSB.html?ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=SSTSB

I don't know if it's just the size, or also the cost you are trying to save one, but these seem like a reasonable cost as well, however I can't find where it says how much they weigh. I'm not sure if the numbers printed on there are pounds or kilos or not weight related at all...er nevermind, I just saw when I clicked to order that those numbers are the weight in pounds. Is 5 pounds even enough? I'm not sure, I need to buy sandbags/weights myself and this has me wondering now.


EDIT: Now that I'm looking around there are some even better deals, I just found these bags for 2, 3, 4, and 5 pound capacity for only $2.74! Buut when I put it in the cart it's 7ish dollars for shipping...however when I upped the number of bags it barely went up in price for shipping, so if you order several it's a great deal.

[jpbimages]

FELINE-
shipping is high because lead weighs a LOT, therefore heavy package=more shipping.
They probably ship in flat rate boxes (the reason that the shipping barely, if at all increases)
I may do the same concept for my own weight bags (my dad sells lead and linotype on e-bay and so I have the supply and know-how, also why I know about the shipping)

[Nevilleblack]

I live in Canada. Not sure we have gun shows heheh. But I am in Ontario so Im sure theres plenty of hunting stores. Similar? They should have some right?

[cicopo]

If you can't find a gun show then check a local dive shop for weight bags filled with lead shot. They should be available in 1, 2 & 5 pound sizes, and work great.

[Sports_Dude]

I'm using exercise ankle weights that wrap around the base of the stands. If you have Amazon prime, you can pick some up relatively cheap.

[Nevilleblack]

Diver shop might be an idea but then ^^ mentioned ankle weights. Easier to get and seems like a great idea. They work well?

[Sports_Dude]

Diver shop might be an idea but then ^^ mentioned ankle weights. Easier to get and seems like a great idea. They work well?

Ankle weights work well. I actually got the idea from another member on this forum.

[Nevilleblack]

Just picked up 2 5lbers
Should be good enough yeah? Whats a regular sand bag at the photo shop weigh? 7?

[Steve Wintrow]

there is one big problem with lead shot. lead is considered a hazerdous material, so if your bag breaks you may be responsible for a hazmat spill and cleanup which could be very expensive and may include jail time.

[cicopo]

Because of that very reason the pellets used in soft pouch dive weights have a coating to protect the environment, & the diver.

[Wilt]

there is one big problem with lead shot. lead is considered a hazerdous material, so if your bag breaks you may be responsible for a hazmat spill and cleanup which could be very expensive and may include jail time.


copper jacketed bullets fix that :D

[bohdank]

Tire weights. Used to balance tires. I used to be able to get those from tire shops for free. That has changed I'm sure since lead actually has some value now. I had a small furnace and used to cast my own bullets which is why I know about those things.

Somewhat overkill for someone that just needs a few bags but it's a thought.

[jpbimages]

bohdank- that is actually what my dad does... well he melts them down to ingots, but same concept.

Even though lead is "hazardous" (as far as I know) it's only hazardous when ingested or the fumes are breathed (from melting it).... then again I may be very wrong.....

[bohdank]

You're right. Lead is very hazerdous to your health. This is not something I did indoors.