Hi, I'm a new ham. I just got my license in December 2020. I love CW and have been practicing daily and having QSO's with my Vibroplex Straight Key. I've been reading EHam.net about Bugs and finally found a Vibroplex Lightning Bug. It has the standard square .8 oz weight with the knurled screw on top.
I found it to be a bit faster than I am comfortable sending or receiving. I read all the post I could find on Eham.net about slowing the Bug down. Including using a clothes pin, the sleeve of a PL259 taped over the weight, an alligator clip and then a unique idea to extend the Bar. I thought I was going to try to extend the Bar and went to the Garage to see what spare parts I might have to complete the project.
While standing near my Reloading Bench I had an idea. I took a 45ACP empty brass, (actually this one was nickel plated and shiny, made by federal some time ago), and took a 200gr copper plated lead projectile and pounded it in the casing upside down with the flat side up, with a punch. I rushed to my Lightning Bug to see if it fit and it fits perfectly. Just snug enough to allow you to use it to unscrew the knurled screw to adjust it back and fourth as I get faster. The Brass 45 ACP and 200gr Lead Projectile weigh .07 oz for a total of 1.5 oz with the standard weight. It seems enough to slow it down to 13-15 wpm and looks like it belongs there.
I don't suggest that anyone who doesn't reload go and buy brass and a box of 200gr projectiles. But likely, you know someone who does reload, who would be more than happy to give you one piece of brass and one projectile.
Obviously, this added weight idea will work for any bug with a standard knurled screw on top of their stock weight.
I hope this might help someone. It has sure helped me!
Jim / K7IOL