Is this hydrometer toast?

[Immocles]

I noticed today that the wax that keeps the beads tight against the bottom of my hydrometer was no longer holding the beads in place. Does that mean this hydrometer is broken and unreliable? It did give me the same reading as my spare, but I'm curious if that was a fluke, or if it will occasionally be correct, and often be incorrect?

 

[PCABrewing]

As long as it still floats vertically, and the card doesn't shift it should still be usable.
The calibration is the vertical position of the card in the tube, not the weight.
Probably want to replace it ultimately though.

 

[day_trippr]

I agree with the above take, but before tossing it in favor of a replacement, it might be worth standing it in some very hot water to see if the wax will melt just enough to let the whole mass drop back down where it used to be...

Cheers!

 

[GrowleyMonster]

I don't think that the shifted wax or shot will make any difference, but it is easy enough to test.

 

[day_trippr]

Oh, I agree - thought that was clear - but if the OP was at all nudgy about fidelity that might be easily allayed

Cheers!

 

[Misplaced_Canuck]

Test it in 60 or 70F water, depending on the calibration. You can also use a cup of water and some sugar to calibrate the higher up.

As far the hydrometer itself, if the gauge/card hasnt' shifted, it woun't be a problem.