Hydrometer- I want one that's bullet proof!!

[Tapped Out]

Maybe I'm a bull in a china shop, but these things are extreemly fragile. We are on our second hydrometer, as I broke it in the cup. Just a slight bounce on the cup bottom did it in. I'm sure others out there feel my pain!!
Now I have been using a clothes pin (hinge type with metal spring) to lower and raise the hydrometer in without burning my fingers.

[sugarman3]

Refractometer from misco,little expensive but bullet proof and work great

[jmp]

Just hold the hydrometer at the top and slowly lower it into the cup. If you drop it in quickly it will hit the bottom every time. Good luck!

[TerryEspo]

I am no expert in Hydrometers, but, they one I use is easy to use and I have had no problems. I have not banged it around though, anything glass is fragile I think.

The hydrometer I have is called a Quebec Hydromter, no numbers to read, allows you to test at a very wide range of temps, maybe read about it at the site I bought it from. They cost approx. $35.00.

Atkinson Maple Syrup Supplies I tried to copy the web address but can't, you will have to Google it, sorry

"Quebec Hydrotherm, no numbers, just graduations. Use minimum 10" cup. The handiest and easiest to use of the hydrometers. It is self compensating for temperature, and is accurate at any temperature between 35º F and 210º F (2º C and 99º C). "

That is a quote from their website.

Maybe that will help out, not sure.

Take care.

Terry

[markct]

Sounds like you have a short hydrometer and a long cup if you need a clothespin to lower it in

[danno]

You're only on your second, I hardly see your problem:) I keep 3 on hand for that reason.

I used to break them more when dropping them into hydro cups. Now I'm not testing until I'm closer to syrup - comes with experience. And, odfcourse, don't drop them into the cup.

[chevypower]

We've gone through 2 syrup hydrometers and one sap..... Yep, they are fragile!!

[FordHeritageFarm]

I have an ALLA? Hydrometer made in France. Trying to finish syrup tonight. The last 2 times I put the hydrometer into syrup I've heard a "Tink" sound just as it enters the syrup. Almost sounds like glass getting ready to break? The plasticy stuff holding the mercury or whatever in the bottom seems like it has cracked again on my 2nd one? Any thoughts out there?

[highlandcattle]

Yeah, join the club! I was alone one night here finishing while hubby was at work, 1st I turned away for just a minute and everything boiled over. WHAT A MESS!!! Then I dropped the hydro in too hard, I was a crying sorry sight when he got home. Lessons learned. Went on ebay and got refrac for sap and syrup for $50.00 each. Keep extras, treat them like fine china, even better and buy refractometers!!!!!

[Haze]

We always have the hydrometer in the cup then fill it with syrup.

[Tapped Out]

Yeah, I think I need a longer hydrometer or a shorter cup. The idea of leaving it in the cup would keep it fairly relative to your testing temp. when you have it hanging over your syrup pan.

[NYMaple]

I just learned this year that the most-likely-right-way is to start with a clean hydrometer each time and let it down slowly so that it doesn't bounce. Any syrup on the hydrometer above the reading it's dropping to will add weight to the hydrometer and offset the reading a bit. It might not really be a big effect... but it makes sense.

The larger diameter, big cup helps keep the temp just right for the hot test line... I figured that out through trial and error and by screwing up with a small diameter cup for a few years.

I hope this helps!

NY

[BC Birch Tapper]

We purchased a refractometer a couple of years ago which was a great investment as I would always like to have a couple of hyrdrometers on hand for syrup season as I would always break one.
Once having a refractometer it would be difficult to go back. Kinda like getting your first air nailer or special power tool... or the attachement for your tractor.

[mrdibs]

Small (40 tap) operator. Early on, finishing 1/8 of the years crop on propane with Grandma's candy thermometer. Grandma's mercury candy thermometer. Seconds from being done, thermometer breaks.......terrible ethical question:give the mercury laden but exquisitely tasty syrup as gifts to the Aunt Jemima crowd or do the right thing and bring it to the hazmat drive. Hazmat drive wins out but I'm still tortured by the experience.

[smokeyamber]

I am paranoid about the hydro and I slowly lower it in and if it isn't floating at the mark I don't let go and just take it back out. When it floats I will gently let go, but I know at that point the bob will not hit the bottom of the cup. I only have ONE so that makes me extra careful. Need 2 backups for next season :cool:

[Ausable]

I like using a long stem syrup hydrometer - one that is about an inch above the top of my test cup when resting on the bottom. Also when testing syrup - I put my hydrometer in a small plastic pail to rest between tests - so it is more protected from me. So far - I haven't tossed anything into the pail with the hydrometer and my system is working. But --- I know me - sooner or later I'll be operating in stupid Mode and break it.. But - to make Good Maple Syrup - You just gotta have the fragile little beast. Cause they work so well compared to thermometers...... ---Mike---