Literal Ton of lead.

**RammerJammer** · 03-13-2017, 03:45 PM

I recently acquired approximately 2200lbs of 3/4" lead sheeting from a nuclear plant. Dont worry, it's not rad contaminated so I'm not glowing or anything. My question is now, what do I do with it? Is this just soft lead scrap? Could this be more valuable since it is "nuclear grade"? I have pictures of the lot if that would help but cant upload since my attachment limit is so low. Local recycler's going price for soft lead is 0.52/lb. I am new to this so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

**hobo finds** · 03-13-2017, 04:02 PM

Post a few more times I think 10 or so and then you can do pic's and welcome to the show!

**tski72** · 03-13-2017, 04:40 PM

How you doing and welcome. You might want to post an intro about yourself in the proper section to start off. That will start to up your count to post pictures.

As far as the lead, I cant offer too much but I was going to scrap a lead keel from a sailboat at one time and when I inquired about prices, it was cost affective and the customer won't pay anything to remove it. I know the pricing was based on spot prices but they always seen to move around.

Happy scrapping.

**RammerJammer** · 03-13-2017, 05:07 PM

Thanks for the input guys. I will update the profile now.

**RLS0812** · 03-13-2017, 05:50 PM

Folks buy lead for bullets, fishing sinkers, and tire weights.
Around here, 1 lb 'home made' bars go for $1.50 - $3 each if they are free of dirt and contaminants.

**RammerJammer** · 03-13-2017, 06:36 PM

No contaminants or dirt here. I have talked to a few "fish weight makers" and I am getting offered .65/lb. I'm sure none of them want a 2k at $1.50-3.00 though. Lord knows I wish they would. I don't know what high radiation barrier typically goes for.

**armygreywolf** · 03-13-2017, 06:53 PM

You could send a sample to me and if it's low alpha lead I'll buy it for 1.80/lb. Did you physically pull the lead out yourself? Was it inside a detector box?

**mikeinreco** · 03-13-2017, 08:05 PM

Originally Posted by armygreywolf

You could send a sample to me and if it's low alpha lead I'll buy it for 1.80/lb. Did you physically pull the lead out yourself? Was it inside a detector box?

WOW probably best offer he's gonna get!!!!!!!!!!

**RammerJammer** · 03-13-2017, 08:22 PM

How much would you need to test? And from what I have read, low alpha would probably been before this was used/procured. Plant was built in 1974 so that is the approximate age of the lead.

**armygreywolf** · 03-13-2017, 08:34 PM

really only need 2 ounces or so. The reason I bring it up is because there will have been LOTS of sensitive instrumentation in a power plant, some of which benefits from low alpha lead shielding. I'm with you in that I think it's not real likely, but still worth sending a sample in case it is.

**RammerJammer** · 03-13-2017, 08:51 PM

Can you private message me your info and I will send you some. Plus as soon as I can get enough posts, I will upload some pictures of the lot. Thanks!

**CopperHeadAKA** · 03-15-2017, 02:22 PM

It's about how you want to utilize it , I for one go out side with a nice wind
not to worried about melting some lead and making bars
But 2200 lbs is a project .
If it was Me I'd get some proper molds from E bay

Lee Lead Ingot Mold Bullet Casting Mold LEE 90029 | eBay

Cast iron pot

Lead Pot Cast Iron Bullet Melting Casting Mold 10 pounds Furnice Coal Gun Tool | eBay

Source of heat = to a bit more then 700 degrees
make a nice batch of Bars

I work with an open fire pit using wood & a cast iron pot
with old baking molds ( I'm cheap )
But with a small investment consider it a monthly income with a touch of work till it's all gone
Naturally a fast sale at the yard will deliver .45 to .50 a pound
fast sale on ebay about $1 a pound
common price on ebay $1.25
$2 to $3 a pound for some nice bars
Ebay is like - - - let the buyer beware
some people pay more for same