Battery Hydrometer Choice

Dave100456 said:
Just reasearching a hydrometer to buy for battery maintenance. I came accross one of these which is a variation on the usual.
http://www.barden-ukshop.com/battery-hydrometer---ext003-1249-p.asp
Anybody tried one, or have suggestions as to a reliable alternative? Happy to pay the £13 Barden price but their postage at £6.50 plus Vat seems a little OTT.
Thanks
Dave
Click to expand...
This looks the same, but much cheaper. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Lead-Acid-Car...iagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item4aa82505fc
 
You don't need anything expensive or elaborate. One of this type would be adequate, as long as it has the acid density scale on the float.

61792_BH_2.jpg


This is all I ever used when in the MN, and still use the same thing - now retired but working on local ships.
 
Agreed. I bought one a few months ago about £6 Halfrauds.
That type is all we ever used in the factory of the battery manufacturer I worked for.
 
Thanks for the suggestions. Are you all saying the suggested ones will be suitable for checking to see if equalisation is needed ie precise meaurement & comparison between cells? The need for a clearly visible spec grav scale is paramount and I have seen some that only indicate 3 states of charge/discharge; flat, half and full.
 
Last edited:
Being exact on the number doesn't matter. It will vary between different batteries and with temperature anyway. What you are looking for is differences and changes. Yes you want one with a scale not just coloured bands, so that you have reference points. The straight sort is perfectly adequate but obviously the longer the scale the better.
 
Dave100456 said:
Thanks for the suggestions. Are you all saying the suggested ones will be suitable for checking to see if equalisation is needed ie precise meaurement & comparison between cells? The need for a clearly visible spec grav scale is paramount and I have seen some that only indicate 3 states of charge/discharge; flat, half and full.
Click to expand...

If you look at the hydrometer Halfords sell, you will see that it has coloured zones and S.G. numbers.

(View larger, then press the + button). I think you will find that it is the Draper made (probably in China!!) model.
 
Troubadour said:
Being exact on the number doesn't matter. It will vary between different batteries and with temperature anyway. What you are looking for is differences and changes. Yes you want one with a scale not just coloured bands, so that you have reference points. The straight sort is perfectly adequate but obviously the longer the scale the better.
Click to expand...

+1 I had one of the cheapies and sprang for the better one. If you can't read differences, having the instrument makes no sense.
 
Conachair said:
The bulb ones always seem tricky to get a very accurate reading to me, and then you need to remember compensate for temp. Anyone tried a digitel one? http://www.coleparmer.co.uk/catalog/MoreInfo/25750-11.pdf
Click to expand...

SBS2002 SBS Digital Specific Gravity Tester Kit $2,395.00

In the words of MacInroe - "You can't be serious?"

That is almost $100/cell on my boat!!

You don't need "accurate". All you need is a very good indication, of good or bad cells, and the state of charge with the electrolyte.
 
philip_stevens said:
SBS2002 SBS Digital Specific Gravity Tester Kit $2,395.00

In the words of MacInroe - "You can't be serious?"

That is almost $100/cell on my boat!!

You don't need "accurate". All you need is a very good indication, of good or bad cells, and the state of charge with the electrolyte.
Click to expand...

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

I was looking at the wrong price :eek::eek:

B*gger that.
 
a couple of practical points to look for....... you want a unit with a low fluid volume, it's no good not being able to draw sufficient electrolyte to lift the float. And if possible find a unit with a plastic float as those with glass floats can break very easily if rolling around in lockers etc.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top