Weights are measured in ounces. I would say that a 4-6 oz lead would be sufficient for general shore fishing, but step up to a seven or eight if the current is strong. Also available for these situations are wired or breakaway leads. These are good at gripping the bottom, especially in strong tidal flows. Swivels and other rig bits.
Swivels are small metal objects which rotate to stop the line from twisting and kinking.
I would suggest you use at least one swivel in every rig you make. They are cheap, and are well worth buying. Used in conjunction with a bead they are used for holding a snood in place on a paternoster. An alternative is a stopknot. Beads are used to stop components from traveling down the line, and to stop abraision.