plomos

Plomos is the plural of plomo in Spanish and Portuguese, and it commonly denotes weights made of lead used to add mass, provide ballast, or aid in alignment. Lead’s high density and softness made it a favored material for weights in many traditional applications, though toxicity has reduced its use in some areas.

In fishing, plomos, or sinkers, are attached to lines to sink the bait, help castability, and keep the line vertical in the water. They come in various shapes—egg, pear, cylinder—and may include holes or slits for line attachment.

In surveying and construction, a plumb line uses a weighted cord to determine vertical alignment; the weight at the end is typically lead-based.

In maritime, aviation, and industrial contexts, lead ballast weights known as plomos are used to stabilize vessels or balance machinery. They can also serve as calibration weights for scales and testing equipment.

Health and environmental concerns: Lead is toxic if ingested or inhaled, so many countries regulate the use of lead-based plomos in fishing gear and other consumer products. Non-lead alternatives, such as steel, zinc, or tungsten, are increasingly employed.