general question on hydometer

[11-Nick]

I searched to see if this question had been directly asked. I saw that it was asked in another thread about hydrometers, but didn't get a direct answer...
Making hydrometers with paper inside seems cheap. The risk of paper sliding will always be there. It seems way more practical to mark the outside of the glass in some permanent fashion when it is manufactured. Why isn't this done?
Secondly, I don't know if I'd ever go to the extent to have my hydrometer verified to be correct, but if I did, I think I'd mark the outside of the glass myself after it was verified, so I know the "true" reading regardless of what the paper inside says. Anything wrong with this thought?
Thanks.

[maplwrks]

What would you mark it with? There is really only one way that the paper will slide, and that is mishandling on the hydrometer. Quite a few producers in VT have thier hydros retested each year to certify accuracy. The state provides testing services to us at our state maple conferences. This might be something that your state assoc. should look into.

[psparr]

Mark the tube it came in. Stand up the tube and hydrometer side by side and put a mark on the tube. Then you have a reference next time you use it.

[BreezyHill]

Valid question but the only way for permanent mark is etching and this will cause a weak spot in the stem and a spot for sugar to trap and minerals for that mater.

I agree that mishandling is the most common way for paper to slide but have seen a new hydro with the paper way out of place...it would have been a pan killer for sure.

Added or reduced weight of the unit changes the reading so etching will reduce and buildup on the unit will increase the weight...ever so slightly but still....

I guess we are at the mercy of the gremlins on this one.

On the other hand I have used refractrometer units and they are pricey but over time are worth the investment and can be recalibrated rather easily.

If you have young helpers as I have over the last few years the cost of the 5 or 6 broken hydrometers is better invested in a refractrometer; unless your lighting in the sugar house is poor.

Good Luck!

Ben

[psparr]

Oh his lighting in the sugar house varies. But he has a great view. 😄

[BreezyHill]

The wife calls that mode setting lighting:lol:

Which is great as long as you aren't distracted at draw off time!

I have gotten a lot done in candle light.

[maple flats]

The glas can't be marked because as each is made, the rolled paper must be adjusted to achieve the exact right callibration. That metal in the bottom of the tube and the exact weight of the glass are never exactly identical. When you get a new hydrometer, mark the tube or box it came in to verify it has not shifted. If you have 2. try to keep them individually identified because the marking on one box will likely not be exactly right for the other hydrometer. Then, when you use it, never drop it to hit the bottom of the test cup, that can cause the paper to slip. If you come to the Verona Maple conference in Verona, NY, free testing and re-calibration is usually offered. If you don't ever retest, you may be packing the wrong density and thus could be fined. If you drop the hyd. in the test cup and move the paper as little as 1/8", your syrup will be about .3 points too light, and could mold.

[Russell Lampron]

If your state has inspectors that go to sugar houses to do periodic inspections they will probably test your hydrometers too. The people that do this in NH are very nice to deal with and want to test your hydrometers so that you will know if yours is accurate. When they come to my sugar house they ask for a pint of syrup. They check the density and check to see if the color matches the grade sticker on the jug. They will also send a sample to the state lab to test for lead content. I have my hydrometers tested every year besides when they come for a visit and even with proper handling a slight bump here or there will change the reading.

[PerryW]

I have three hydrometers that I have bought over the years and check them against each other. In 26 years, I have not you broken one,

[Russell Lampron]

I have three hydrometers that I have bought over the years and check them against each other. In 26 years, I have not you broken one,

In 15 years I have broken 1 and had another one shatter when I put it into the hot syrup. I think that I have 6 of them but I only use 2. One that is accurate for doing the final density check and the other for testing at the draw off. The one for testing at the draw off reads just a tic light.

[n8hutch]

If you did in fact drop your hydro & the paper did happen to move most likely you would be making syrup that was too dense & you would get sugar crystals, If the paper slides down your hydro would have to float higher to read 59.highly unlikely that the paper would shift the other way making your syrup too thin.

[n8hutch]

That is good advice to mark the box they came in. I am going to do that when I get home.

[daniel_wentworth]

Iv'e broken a couple of hydrometers and decided the best thing to do was buy a refractometer. Have used it this season and what a great tool to own. I'd recommend the purchase when you can.

[saphound]

I'm looking at mine wondering how they got that paper in there, lol. J/k..they must glue it first, then adjust it by pouring in that metal powder or whatever that stuff is. But that would mean the top of the stem is open. They are so sensitive, nothing changes when they seal up the stem? And I can see the paper is glued with two neat little drops of glue. How do they slide the paper in without smearing the glue? Inquiring minds want to know!:confused::lol: