Syrup Hydrometer

[Darkhollow Sugar Bush]

Does anybody have a hydrometer that will last over 3 days of finishing? seems like we go threw 5 of them a year. we have tried a few different kinds but they seem to all break..does anybody make on that isnt junk?

[wnybassman]

I've had mine for over three years now, and even use it outside at my rig.

I treat it as if it were made of glass. lol

[Cindee]

question, are they being put in the cup to hard because if it hits the bottom of the cup that will cause them to break very easily...just a thought.

[wiam]

I have had my hydrometer for 3 years. I broke 2 the year I got it lol. You have to be very gentle with them and always have at least one spare on hand

[PerryW]

In 24 years of using them, I have not broken one yet. Just pretend they are filled with Nitroglycerin and you will be fine.

(My wife broke one about 15 years ago and she hasn't touched one since.)

[spencer11]

I broke my first last year, I had it since I started 7 years ago. Always have at least 1 spare. I have 2 or 3 extras, I got my new ones from bascoms and I haven't broken one yet this year

[325abn]

I too treat mine as if its made of thin glass. :)

[northwoods_forestry]

First year boiling I went through 3 of them, but none since. Always keep a spare and have them tested at least once a year.

[stoweski]

Learned a tip on one of the forums... keep the hydrometer cup filled half way with hot sap. Dump it out & rinse before you test. Not sure if you're breaking it by hitting the side or bottom of the cup or because of the heating/cooling of the glass.
Works for me. Broke one the first year when I didn't have a backup. Bought three. Haven't broken one since I've had my spares. Apparently that's the way it works.

[kraemerp]

Broke my very first one..left it in a sink full of dishes. What a mess. I have been real careful since

Peter