Durable Hydrometer?

[BrewSavage]

I won't by another cheap hydrometer ($6.99) since they seem to break with even gentle handling.

But I'm wary of even buying an expensive one. Is there a good supplier of a reasonably durable hydrometer? I don't expect one to survive being dropped onto my concrete basement floor, but I do I expect one to last a long time with normal handling good care.

I can live without one if I must: I know if I'm making strong or normal strength beer just by the amount of the ingredients, and if let my ales ferment an extra week or two I'm confident fermentation will complete.

 

[grainbill]

I have had mine for about 25 yrs. Picked it up at the LHBS, I don't think I paid much more than you did..A refractometer might be the way to go. You would need the "conversion chart" for reading FG

http://www.brewersfriend.com/refractometer-calculator/

 

[thekraken]

There's always the refractometer for pre-fermentation.