A well-maintained and protected weighing scale can last a long time. However, just like any other object, scales can also be the subject of the wear and tear of time. So eventually, you will need to replace your weighing scale.
How do you know if you need a new scale?
5 Signs that Says You Need to Replace Your Scales
1. Same Item, Different Readings
So, you weighed yourself before going to bed and had a good night’s rest. When you woke up this morning, you were surprised to see that you’d gained more than 1 kg.
How did that happen?
Well, there can be two reasons why that happened. One, you probably had some serious fluid retention from eating foods with high sodium content. Or two, your weighing scale may have some calibration problems.
To confirm that your scale is having inconsistent readings, get an object which has a specified weight - say the 5kg rib slab you bought. Take note of the reading when you first weigh it, then weigh it again. You may repeat it several times but make sure to note every reading.
Notice that you get varying readings no matter how many times you weigh the rib slab. In most cases, the pointer for analog scales or the indicator for digital scales will not return to zero. When this happens, it may be the right time to replace your scale.
2. Different Readings Between Different Scales
The next sign you should look out for is an inconsistency between two or more weighing scales. For example, you purchased a 3 kg pouch of Arabica coffee from a cafe. When you got home, you checked the weight, but it read 4.1 kg.
It may mean one of two things - either the cafe’s weighing scale or yours needs some recalibration or perhaps a replacement. The first thing that you should do is have your scale calibrated. This is something that you should do regularly - calibrate your scale every few months.
If after calibration and the reading still seems off, the sign clearly says, “replace your old weighing scale, now.”
3. The Readings are “Drifting”
Try to put something on your weighing scale, say a bag of flour. Do you notice how the reading on the indicator keeps changing from one digit to another? This is called “drifting.”
When the reading on the LCD of your scale vacillates even in its slightest, it may indicate that there is some electronic malfunction with the indicator. If your indicator is newly bought, the “drifting” may be the result of low humidity that leads to static build-up in the load cells and/or weight controller.
When the readings drift, they may pose some issues, especially when precision is crucial. In this case, it may be best to buy a new weighing scale.
4. You Can’t Read the LCD Anymore
Another sign that says, “you need a new weighing scale” is if the reading is no longer visible. This is true for most digital scales. If the LCD of the indicator has become cloudy or it suddenly goes blank or black, don’t hesitate to replace your scale right away.
You may choose to test if the scale would work after changing batteries but if the issue continues, buying a new one may be a better solution. For some types of weighing scales, you may purchase a separate indicator and install it on the scale. This way, you don’t have to spend much on replacing the entire weighing device.
5. Your Scale Shows Corrosive Damages
Lastly, and the most obvious reason why you should replace your old weighing scale is the indication of rust and surface corrosion. Environmental factors play an important role in maintaining the durability and condition of weighing scales. However, there are just some instances when moisture and other corrosive components are unavoidable.
Let’s say you installed a weighing scale in your silo, which, in most cases, offers a humid environment. In this case, your weighing scale is most likely to accumulate corrosive damages. When this happens, it may affect the accuracy of the scale readings.
If inaccurate readings pursue, it is highly recommended that you replace your old scale or load cells. You should choose a moisture-resistant or waterproof scale that is most suitable for your needs.
How Often Should I Replace My Scale?
Generally, when any of the 5 signs mentioned above are becoming more evident, it is indeed the right time to replace your scale. However, so long as your weighing scale is in top condition, the parts remain intact, and the readings are accurate, you can still make good use of it.
It helps to regularly clean and calibrate your weighing scale to maintain its optimum performance. If you are using a fixed scale, you may ask your reliable weighing scale provider to perform an onsite calibration.
Contact Meltrons Australia for the most reliable, durable and suitable weighing scale for your needs!