Counterbalancing weights

[tstage]

Has anyone ever replaced /substituted the "weights" on a Walters kit? (i.e. the sanding tower or water tower) In particular, the styrene ones that come with the sanding tower for pulling down the spout, along with the thread, are woefully lacking in my opinion.

I plan on replacing the lightweight thead with some slightly heavier and wax coated sowing thread. I would like to find some small fishing weights that might closely resemble the counterbalance weights on the sanding tower. The styrene weights that come with the kit aren't heavy enough to even conteract the stiffness of the thread.

I was just curious if any of you had any similafr experiences. Thanks!