Lead rod
Lead rods are rod-shaped components made of lead with a profiled cross-section , which are used to frame the individual pieces of glass in leaded glass windows .
The permanent connection of lead rods was and is soldered . In the past, hot irons were used to melt the lead ; today it is the electric soldering iron . Lead rods were not used for reasons of elasticity because of the wind, but because of their softness, so that a support profile can adapt as flexibly as possible to the curves of the glass pieces (because these were then beaten and not cut). After soldering, the soldering oil is cleaned and the glass-metal connections are then sealed by cementing (inserting cement between the glass surface and the lead rod).
Lead rods are available in different profiles:
- H = to connect glass to glass
- T = for connecting glass to inner rebate
- U = outer lead edge as a conclusion
- Z = for edging in frame
In order to be able to withstand the wind pressure, depending on the size of the window sash, so-called tap wrenches were attached to the outside. For this, "wire loops" were soldered from the outside (as well as the lead bars) to accommodate the mostly round tap wrenches. The tapping chisels were cranked at the ends so that they could be inserted into the stone rebate as flush as possible with the lead glazing.