broken

Hey everyone, I noticed that my refractometer became harder to read and just today it was almost impossible to read. The blue background is not making a clear line anymore. Can refractometer breakdown with time? Did I not properly take care of it? Should I buy a more expensive unit? Wondering...

After 25 batches, this past weekend I had my worst brew day so far. I wasn't really in the right frame of mind to begin with. I needed to get my propane refilled, but got a work phone call in the process of leaving and forgot to put my tanks in trunk. Didn't realize it until I was at the place...

I purchased a capper at my LHBS and got it home. It worked great for the first 20 bottles or so, and then suddenly started slipping and bending caps. I was able to finish, but had to concentrate intently to make every thing was lined up perfect and the pressure was evenly distributed on both...