Leaded finishes

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kevinhaney1
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Leaded finishes

Post by kevinhaney1 »

I was just wondering if anyone knew if it is unhealthy at all to handle the old reels that have leaded finishes? I assume it is real lead that could be absorbed into the skin?

Kevin
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Midway Tommy D
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Re: Leaded finishes

Post by Midway Tommy D »

I've never worried about it or considered it a "reel" :) hazard, but then I don't gnaw or chew on mine. :lol: Sanding dust would be a different story, though. Definitely need a mask when sanding.
Love those Open Face Spinning Reels! (Especially ABU & ABU/Zebco)

Tom DeLong, NE
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kevinhaney1
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Re: Leaded finishes

Post by kevinhaney1 »

Well, I guess if handling lead sinkers is not hazzadrous, then a lead finished reel should be even less so.

Kevin
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kyreels
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Re: Leaded finishes

Post by kyreels »

I have handled lead all my life with solder and various moldings. My mother used to give us Mercury balls to play with and experiment with whenever a thermometer broke. :loco: I am more and more cautious of these hazards. But it is a good excuse for my behavior.
Matt Wickham
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Ron Mc
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Re: Leaded finishes

Post by Ron Mc »

late to the party - lead finished reels don't refer to metal plumbum.

Lead finish is acid bronzing of aluminum base metal. The final finish was lampblack - graphite similar to Pencil Lead.

Here is a reel with good bronzing remaining, and you can see where the lampblack layer is rubbed away.
Image

Here's a near-pristine example, lead finish with complete lampblack topcoat.
Image
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