RCBS 5-10 not zeroing.

[sharp shooter]

So I cleaned any moving parts or hinges and wiped completely dry. Here’s my issue.

Let’s assume scale is zeroed. I gently place the weight tray on and the pointer slowly creeps up to zero. If I put the weigh pan on less gently allowing the pointer to swing above zero, it doesn’t fall back down to zero, rests at about a notch or two above zero. If I zero the scale using either method (pointer rising to zero or falling to zero) I’m about 2 notched from either way. The pointer does not point to the same point when rising vs falling.

What is going on? Everything is clean.

 

[B]

No electronics or magnets anywhere around? If it is sticking as you move it but everything is clean that is definitely weird.

 

[jamesharrison]

1) Turn your ceiling fan off! That used to mess with my head until it finally dawned on me what was causing it. It'll do the same thing if you're trying to weigh something near a hot air register.

2) On one of my 5-10's, the agate had a flat spot worn into it so it went one side or another from zero when zeroing. I sent it back to RCBS & they replaced the arm assembly. They won't do this anymore of course, as OHAUS (the scale manufacturer) has discontinued that model & the 10-10.

 

[legi0n]

this happens when either the knife edge or the notch it rides in are out of shape
either the edge is rounded or the notch is not v-shaped any more
this causes the edge to climb out of the notch valley one side or the other

 

[sharp shooter]

The knife edge is dull, I just looked at a freinds scales, feels much sharper. I’m thinking it’s pooched.

 

[sharp shooter]

Any recommendations on a new beam scale?

 

[Holley]

Any recommendations on a new beam scale?

The Redding Master 2.

 

[Eagleye]

If you can get your hands on a Ohaus/RCBS 304, that is the elite of balance beam scales. Dave.

 

[Lead hammer]

Find another 5-0-5 or 5-10 or 10-10 that is in good shape.

 

[bertn]

Also check the groove where the copper plate runs through for cleanliness

 

[sharp shooter]

Well, I cleaned it all with alcohol, every part is clean. Still same issue. Knife edges are dull.

 

[sharp shooter]

Any thoughts on a Gempro 250?

 

[bertn]

Well, I cleaned it all with alcohol, every part is clean. Still same issue. Knife edges are dull.

Just curious: did you buy this scale new and used it so much to dull the knife edges or did you buy it used and don't know the history.

Do you keep the beam laying on the scale when not in use?

You could try carefully honing the edges with a fine stone, shouldn't take much to clean it up.

 

[sharp shooter]

I am going to try to re-sharpen the knife edges. The aren't dull per say but definitely not sharp. The v blocks look good, I may see if RCBS will send me a ne set. I bought it used at a gun show.

 

[B]

Wearing out a scale like that seems pretty silly. I am guessing something happened prior to your purchase at the gun show.

 

[gunlaker]

I bought a used RCBS 10-10 that was exactly like this. I carefully stoned the knife edges and cleaned the agates with alcohol 'til I was blue in the face and never got it to improve much. In the end I bought one of the last 10-10's made when they were new. Funny enough it came with a pan from the 5-10 scale and wouldn't zero . I used the pan from the old scale ands now I have a working one .
Chris.

 

[sharp shooter]

I’m guessing the arms are out of alignment. It’s about .1 grains off from up to down after cleaning the heck out of it and putting an edge on the arms.

Anybody want to sell me a 10-10 or a working 5-10? For now I have a friends 10-10 that he doesn’t use but would love to have my own.

Thanks.

 

[kelly1]

Any way to get in with a jewellers file and dress the edge?

 

[Ganderite]

Any thoughts on a Gempro 250?

I have been using one for 10 years. Love it.

 

[Lead hammer]

I have been using one for 10 years. Love it.

What is your procedure with trickling? I have read to replace the pan each time or tap the pad with tweezers to get a one kernel change on the readout.