I have some jigs I bought a few years ago and dont remember if they are 1/2 or 3/8 oz. I recently got 1/4 oz jigs and are heavier than those. I know the obvious answer is to get a scale, but was hoping someone knows of an alternate way.

Unless there´s a big difference in weight it´s going to be hard to differentiate a 3/8 oz from a 1/2 oz jig, the size of the head is quite similar, between 1/8 and 1/4 there´s a notable difference ( just as between 1/4oz and 1/2oz and so on ) but weight´s in between at simple sight it´s going to be a lot more difficult. Get a scale, and with a scale you still have to take in consideration that what the scale shows is the weight of the entire lure ( lead, hook, weedguard, paint & skirt ), most jigs weight more than the weight you theoretically purchased.

make a balance scale to compare weights

 

oe

As suggested a simple balance beam should work;

3 pennies= 1/4 oz

4 pennies = 3/8 oz

6 pennies = 12 oz

Approximate weights, close enough for fishing jigs. Jig weights are usually rated without skirts or weed guards.

Tom

Thank you for the ideas guys. I don't want to buy a scale, so a balance beam is the ticket. Thanks WRB for the penny equivalents.

Bust out and buy a scale.  They aren't that expensive.  Then you KNOW what different jigs and weights weigh.  Different companies 3/8 ounce jigs weigh different, sometimes significantly different.   Brewer Slider heads often weigh different even when they come out of the same bag.

 

If you ever spill a large box containing several hundred unpainted jig heads weighing 1/16, 3/32, 3/16,& 1/8 you will appreciate an electronic scale to help you sort them out quicker, cause after a while they all look alike.

Mine come in little plastic pouches with the weight marked on the bags.

Half the time I forget what weight I'm throwing, or what's in my box.  If I need heavier, I find a bigger head.  Fall rate is all relative to the thickness of the skirt, and profile of the trailer.

J Francho is right on. Generally what you are looking for is fall rate or a way to keep bottom contact when it is deeper and/or windier. Although I keep my jigs separated by size and when appropriate by color I don't think weight is a major issue.  I normally like to start by using the lightest possible. My waters are vegetation free (cover is rocks) so punching through is not an issue. The old guy who figured out that a 1 pound apple and a half pound apple fell at the same rate did not consider the area of the apple. So if you want a jig to fall slower  take a pair of pliers and flatten the head perpendicular to the hook and use a bulkier trailer.

HMMMM Do I have to think of everything ---I built the weight sizes right into the mold  -Did that seven years ago----- Must be ahead of my time.\

 

 

Click on image-