Frequently Asked Questions

We manufacture a complete range of lead, tin and solder products for industry, including lead sash weights, steel sash weights, lead came, lead sheet, lead tape, lead wire, lead castings, electroplating anodes, cathodic protection anodes, industrial solders and Capsol plumbing solders. View our full product catalogue.

There is no minimum order quantity on most of our products. We manufacture everything from single replacement components for restoration projects through to large production runs for manufacturers. Working direct with us means flexibility on order size and bespoke specifications without distributor mark-ups.

Yes. Our in-house extrusion, casting, machining and pattern making capabilities allow us to produce custom lead anodes, bespoke sash weights, specialist lead came profiles, custom castings and one-off components. Send us drawings, samples or specifications — our engineers will recommend the optimum manufacturing approach and quote within one working day.

Heaps, Arnold & Heaps Ltd has been manufacturing lead products since 1770 — over 250 years of metallurgical expertise. We're one of the longest-established lead manufacturers in the UK, based at our facility in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

Yes. We can provide samples of lead came profiles, solder types, alloy compositions and small product cuttings for evaluation, specification or matching purposes. Sample requests are handled case-by-case depending on the product — contact us with your application and we'll advise on what's available.

Yes. We regularly supply single replacement lead sash weights, custom lead castings and bespoke profiles for heritage restoration, listed building work and conservation projects. We can match historical specifications, work from original samples, or produce period-accurate components from drawings.

You can request a quote in three ways: visit the relevant product page and use the quote form, email us at heaps@heapsarnold.com with your specification, or call our sales office on +44 (0)1709 837669. Our team responds within one working day with availability, pricing and lead time.

To provide an accurate quote, please include: product type, dimensions or weight, alloy specification (if known), quantity required, delivery location, and any special requirements. For bespoke items, drawings or sample specifications are very helpful. Our team can advise on alloy alternatives or specifications if you're unsure.

Lead times depend on the product, specification and current production capacity. Standard products are typically available within 1–3 weeks. Custom or bespoke items may take longer depending on tooling requirements. We confirm exact lead times when we issue your quote.

Yes. We offer trade accounts for established business customers, subject to credit checks and standard terms. Volume pricing is available for larger orders and ongoing supply contracts. Contact our sales office on +44 (0)1709 837669 or email heaps@heapsarnold.com to discuss account setup and pricing structures for your business.

We accept BACS transfer, cheque and major credit/debit cards. Trade account customers are invoiced on standard 30-day terms following credit approval. New customers typically pay pro-forma for the first order. Full payment details are included on every quote and invoice.

We arrange delivery via trusted UK pallet networks and specialist carriers for heavier or oversized items. Delivery cost is quoted per order based on weight, dimensions and destination — there are no hidden charges. International shipping is available with full export documentation. Customer collection from our Rotherham facility is also welcome by appointment.

Yes. We supply lead, tin and solder products to customers worldwide. Contact us with your location and specification — we'll advise on availability, export documentation, shipping options and lead times for your region.

We supply lead products across multiple sectors including construction and heritage restoration, window and joinery manufacturing, marine and offshore engineering, medical radiation shielding, nuclear radiation shielding, automotive restoration and electroplating. Each industry has unique requirements — explore our sector pages for tailored solutions.

We accept the following payment methods for trade and retail orders:

• BACS bank transfer — our preferred method for trade and bulk orders. Bank details are supplied on every invoice.
• Pro-forma invoice — for new customers, first orders or customers preferring up-front payment. We issue a pro-forma invoice on confirmation; production begins once payment is cleared.
• Credit account — established trade customers settle on agreed BACS terms (typically 30 days net).

We do not currently accept online card payments. Our trade-led ordering model is structured around quote → invoice → BACS payment, which suits the B2B procurement workflow used by construction, healthcare and industrial buyers.

All quoted and invoiced prices are shown ex-VAT. VAT is added to invoices at the standard UK rate (currently 20%) where applicable.

For trade customers and procurement teams, this ex-VAT pricing format is the standard B2B presentation and matches how most UK industrial buyers process invoices for VAT reclaim.

For overseas customers, VAT may not be applicable depending on destination — please discuss with our team when requesting a quote for international supply.

Yes. Pro-forma invoices are routinely issued for:

• New customers — first orders are typically processed on a pro-forma basis until a credit relationship is established
• Bespoke production — custom castings, lead-lined boards or non-standard solder alloys requiring up-front commitment
• International orders — pro-forma invoices simplify customs documentation and customer payment processing
• Customer preference — any customer preferring up-front payment can request pro-forma invoicing

Pro-forma invoices are issued once a quote is accepted and contain all the order detail required for procurement approval and BACS payment. Production begins once payment is cleared. Request a quote to start the process.

Yes — BACS bank transfer is our preferred payment method for trade and bulk orders. Bank details are supplied on every invoice and pro-forma invoice.

BACS payment suits the standard UK B2B procurement workflow: quote → approval → invoice → BACS payment. For established trade customers operating on credit terms, BACS is the standard settlement method on agreed payment terms.

We do not accept online card payments. Our quote-led ordering model is structured around how construction, healthcare and industrial procurement teams typically request pricing and transact via invoice.

Minimum order quantities vary by product:

• Standard products (lead sash weights, lead came, lead sheet, plumbing solders) — no formal minimum; small orders welcome for restoration and trade replacement
• Bespoke castings — minimum order depends on tooling and setup; we'll confirm when you request a quote
• Bulk trade pricing — discount tiers typically start at 100, 500 and 1000 units, depending on product
• Specialist alloys — minimum order quantities apply for non-standard solder or anode alloy formulations

Submit a quote request with your requirements and we'll confirm minimum order quantity, pricing tier and lead time for your specific product.

Yes. We hold ISO 9001:2015 certification for our quality management system, covering all manufacturing operations at our Rotherham facility. The certificate is available to download from our downloads page, alongside MSDS, our Environmental Permit and policy documents.

Yes. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for our key products are available to download from our downloads page, including MSDS for tin, leaded solder, lead-free solder and metallic lead. Technical specifications and alloy compositions are available on request — contact us with your application.

Yes. Our products comply with relevant UK REACH regulations, GHS classification and CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) requirements. We hold an Environmental Permit issued by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council under the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999. Compliance documents are available on our downloads page.

Our products meet relevant British Standards including BS 1178 (milled lead sheet), BS 6915 (lead sheet for roofing), BS 5139 (lead came) and other industry-specific standards. Specifications vary by product — contact us for the standards relevant to your application.

Yes. Our team includes metallurgists, engineers and production specialists with deep knowledge of lead applications across industries. We can advise on product selection, sizing, alloy composition, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing approaches. There's no charge for technical advice — we'd rather help you specify the right product first time.

We operate under a formal Environmental Policy and hold an Environmental Permit issued by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council under the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999. Lead is one of the most recycled materials in the world, and we work closely with regulated suppliers to maintain a closed-loop approach to raw materials. Our full Environmental Policy is available to download from our downloads page.

Yes — customers, specifiers and prospective clients are welcome to visit by appointment. Site visits are a great way to discuss bespoke specifications, see our extrusion, casting and machining capabilities first-hand, and meet our technical team. Contact us in advance on +44 (0)1709 837669 to arrange a convenient time.

We're based at Quintec Court, Barbot Hall Industrial Estate, Rotherham, South Yorkshire S61 4RN. All manufacturing takes place at our UK facility. Customers are welcome to visit by appointment.