Refractometer + Pyrex Pipette = Awesome

[diatonic]

I just picked up a 0-32 brix ATC refractometer off eBay for $31 shipped. I found a local place that has a wide variety of Pyrex pipettes they sell for $1 each. I picked up a 1/10ml and a 1/2 ml pipette for $2. Got a cheap pipette filler bulb off eBay for $8 shipped. I used pipettes daily in the Navy doing reactor coolant analysis.

I took a 1/10 ml sample of the Stout I brewed last Saturday and it was the perfect volume for a refractometer reading. So much better than using a turkey baster and hydrometer. Plugged the value in to BeerSmith's refractometer tool and had a SG. Very quick. Very painless. I might even start taking daily gravity readings, just because it is so easy, and doesn't waste a bunch of fermenting beer.

Wish I had done this a long time ago

 

[HairyDogBrewing]

+1
Also, I sometimes check my starters if they don't foam up.

 

[springer]

they are great tools. I just use a piece of racking cane , dip it in and put my finger over the end take a sample.