If you have invested in a scale to meet the demands of your daily business operations, then you expect that scale to be ready to go with quality, accurate readings every time. One small issue can have a disastrous impact — sending your productivity and efficiency in a downward spiral. 

As with anything, a little care and attention can go a long way. Before you power up your scale for the day, follow these 4 tips to ensure long-lasting reliability. 

Tip #1: Give Your Scale Plenty of Clean Space to Work

Your scale is going to need space to function properly. Depending on the size of objects you have to weigh, you will need adequate room to access the scale and gather a proper weight. The scale should have a sturdy foundation free from any climate conditions (including indoor drafts) and vibrations from other machines or equipment. 

Further, your scale needs to be cleaned regularly. Wiping it down will help keep dust and other debris at bay. Check for any objects or debris that may be blocking your weighing mechanism. For instance, anything that gets caught under the weighing pan (big or small) can have an impact on gathering weight. Carefully remove the pan and clean anything that may be caught under there. 

Without proper cleaning, you are risking downtime and even costly repairs as these tiny particles make their way into the internal parts of the scale – so make this part of a daily routine. 

Tip #2: Always Check Your Power Supply

Your power supply is one major thing that stands between you and a working scale. If your scale doesn’t seem to be working, always check the power supply first, making sure it is securely plugged in. This will ensure it is always ready to go when you need it. It is a good idea to periodically check and make sure your power cord is healthy, without any cracks, frays, or knots.

If your scale is a battery-operated model, check to be sure your batteries are charged up and have a spare set ready to go when you need them. Being prepared in this manner can keep your productivity flowing. 

Tip #3: Keep Your Scale Level At All Times

We talked about keeping your scale on a solid, steady surface, but you always want to be sure that the scale is level. Even if the surface is solid and not wobbly, it could still be off-level. And any degree of off-level surface can result in poor, inaccurate readings. Some may not even be visibly noticeable – which means your scale could be inaccurate and you wouldn’t even know it. 

To avoid any potential future issues, use a bubble level to check your scale and make sure that it is perfect. Most scales will come with adjustable feet to help you make this happen more easily. 

Tip #4: Regularly Calibrate Your Scale  

Calibrating your scale regularly keeps it performing at its optimal, accurate level. This is vital in maintaining the accuracy and reliability of your scale. Depending on the scale, you may have received a manual from the manufacturer with instructions on how to calibrate your scale. Or you may want to contact the experts. 

Set a date on your calendar (at least annually) to take care of your scale’s calibration — and stick to it. 

Scale Experts at Central Carolina Scale

Whether you are looking to purchase a new scale, need a repair, or have a scale that needs calibration, Central Carolina Scale can help. Our experts understand the best practices for every scale — and we can guide our customers when it comes to technical issues or knowing which scale to buy or rent.

If you have questions about using your scale properly, contact Central Carolina Scale today at (919) 776-7737.