Hydrometer help, {please}

[JacktheKnife]

Howdy fellow homebrewers


I have had a Hydrometer for years
but have never learned how to use it.

There are three verticle rows of numbers...
#1. 0 5 10 15 20 ect...
#2. 5% 10%... {I know that one}
#3. 990 100 10 20 30 40 ect...

The Hydrometer floats about at the top of the numbers,
I have taken initial readings,
But noticed the numbers you guys are mentioning are not recognisable to me. Hmmmm
Last time the reading was 10,
I think, it was off the #3 scale.

Correct me if I am wrong,
or rather, help find out where I am messing up.

Is the first reading, taken before yeast is added?
And the last reading right before bottleing?


I have been brewing by instinct,
A week in the primary and one... or two????
in the secondary???
7lb hammer?
7 3/4 lb hammer?
8lb hammer?
9lb hammer?
Hmmm???

See, this is why I must go on with my technical education,
in order to brew better 'stuff.'

Yup, it is time to learn to use that dern Hydrometer.

The last three nights...
Three batches...
7 3/4lb hammer
8lb hammer
and 9lb hammer

I need to learn the use of the hydrometer, like tonight,
as I have the 7 3/4lb batch in there brewing now.



Thanks in advance

J. Knife

 

[homebrewer_99]

Go here: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=2255

Example:

OG: 1.056
FG: 1.008

Subtract FG from OG = 48 X 105 = 5.040 %

 

[JacktheKnife]

Thanks for the 'feedback' on the Hydrometer question.
The Homebrew Headquarters is closed tomorrow {Sunday}
and I can not figure this one out!

I must have other than a Hydrometer.
There ain't no:
1.000
1.20
1.30
1.40

There is three rows of numbers:
5-10-20-30-40-
0% 5% 10%
990 1000 10 20 30 40


The 1000 seems to have a comma after the 1, {000}
But since the 'og' is a variable amout and can go anywhere on the scale...
??????????????????????


Monday, I will call the 'Headquarters' and ask Kelly, the owner. {Again}
Or better yet, take what I think is my Hydrometer, and show it to him.
I still have a couple of weeks before I have to bottle.

I have done well for 12 years just leaving 'it' in the primary a week and the secondary a week, & bottle-ing.


"But I's got's to know!"


Thanks


J. Knife

 

[JacktheKnife]

Homebrewer 99,

I have learned how to work the Hydrometer!

Thanks for your help...

I did a goggle search and came up with a description of 'Hydrometerology.'

http://www.leebrewery.com/hydromet.htm

The comma I thought I saw is actually a period.
The 990 1.000 10 20 30 40ect, scale is the one I am supposed to use.
And I just could not 'get my eye on it.'
Below the 1.000, the scale is 'expanded' so as to be easily seen.
One does not have to read with a magnifying glass,
it is not 10 20 30... but 1-2-3

Aftr 12 years of guessing I am reading the hydrometer!~


{ Look out big beer companys!}


J. Knife

 

[homebrewer_99]

OK. Good luck. Be careful not to break it.

 

[ScottD13]

Thanks for the link to the article!

I was reading my og all wrong!

Now my AV of 5% makes sence! I could never figure it out!

 

[homebrewer_99]

Another satisfied customer.

Go forth and brew!

 

[JacktheKnife]

Scott,

Uh, whats an 'AV' ?


J. Knife

 

[bikebryan]

Scott,

Uh, whats an 'AV' ?


J. Knife

Alcohol by Volume. Usually referred to as ABV.