an apparatus for delivering a predetermined volume of lead to a mould includes a housing defining a lead reservoir having a lead outlet defined in its base and in communication with the reservoir . a runway is provided beneath the base , spaced from the base and generally parallel thereto . a block is provided slidably mounted between the base and the runway and defining a through cavity having the predetermined volume for receiving lead from the outlet in a first position and for releasing the lead in a second position . a mechanism is provided for reciprocating the block between the first and second positions . a cast on strap machine is also disclosed . a lead delivery apparatus comprising a delivery chute is also disclosed .