RCBS 505 scale keeps losing zero

The bits you took out of the pan support were probably there for a reason. The range of balance on these scales is really narrow (which is how they’re able to be so precise), and removing that weight may have been enough to bring it outside the range in which it can be zeroed out.

Should have a lifetime warranty. Call RCBS maybe?
 
If it takes more than a second or three to settle, there has to be a problem with the magnetic damping system. It is a very simple setup. Fixed magnets on the outside that induce eddy currents in the copper plate attached to the end of the balance. I can't see how it could go wrong, but somehow it has on yours. Permanent magnets of some types can be ruined by heating or dropping them.

Chris.
 
My experience with mine is with the v-notches getting dusty.
Tooth brush or if you have an air compressor, gift it a huff'n puff.

Same scale as the op's and I have a lot of faith in this old Ohaus.
 
The balance weights in the pan will have some very small pieces as well as whole, they’re supposed to be there. I’d put them back or re zero it with new lead shot and start from scratch.

 
Butcherbill said:
The balance weights in the pan will have some very small pieces as well as whole, they’re supposed to be there. I’d put them back or re zero it with new lead shot and start from scratch.

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Got it to zero but it takes a little longer for it to stop moving up and down now and it’s super sensitive.

The magnets are in place , but I noticed that they have a bit of movement.
 
Butcherbill said:
The balance weights in the pan will have some very small pieces as well as whole, they’re supposed to be there. I’d put them back or re zero it with new lead shot and start from scratch]
Click to expand...

This!

It’s there to balance the beam with nothing in the scale pan and needs to be done only once.
Start with the scale on a flat level surface and the adjustable leg set half way up/down.
Then add small pieces of lead shot or whatever fits in the double bottom until your needle points to zero.

From here you can compensate your zero with the adjustable leg for when your scale sits on a not perfectly level surface.
 
I think I have a problem with the magnets as one has barely any magnetic power left.
It returns to zero without issue but it takes an average of 20 up and down swings past the post before it stops moving.
Also if I walk past the scale it starts to move.
 
Where did you get this scale?

A polarity issue perhaps?
Just guessing but could it be that the previous owner dropped it and a magnet came out and it got put back in with the wrong side facing the copper plate?
 
45C said:
I think I have a problem with the magnets as one has barely any magnetic power left.
It returns to zero without issue but it takes an average of 20 up and down swings past the post before it stops moving.
Also if I walk past the scale it starts to move.
Click to expand...

Get in contact with rcbs, they have pretty amazing customer service. I would be surprised if they didn’t take care of you.
 
Worst case, buy a couple cheap dollar store magnets that will fit in the recesses in the frame. I don't think I'd use the rare earth ones, you don't need a super strong magnetic field.
RCBS will likely send you a set free of charge, if you choose to go that route.
 
have you in the meantime checked if the magnets are installed correctly; polarity of the magnets in the right direction?

They should be installed with the north side of one facing the south side of the other. otherwise there will be no eddy currents/magnetically dampening.
So basically the way they stick together they should be facing each other.

All you need is a philips screwdriver and remove the metal retaining clip on the underside and the magnets will come out.

When looking at my scale I realize the magnets are impossible to fall out when you drop the scale due to the metal retaining clip so if they are installed wrong then this has to have been done when the scale got assembled.
 
Used mine today. Worked perfectly. Once you get yours figured out you should no longer have any problems. Because of your post, I confirmed both my 5-0-5 and 5-10 RCBS scales with my check weights. I should use the 5-10 but I adjusted the pan hanger weights on the 5-0-5 to suit my Lyman pan, and don’t feel like doing it on the 5-10, at least for now.
 
Digital will make you go crazy. I'm just starting to use beam scales. They are way better, reliable and repeatable. Just a bit slower than digital.

Lots of good suggestions to look at here.
 
Yes,just waiting on a new 505 scale and a set of weights and got it set up today.
The beam on the RBCS is still way to sensitive, takes 20 times past the center reference mark before it stops, if you move it moves.

My new one makes about 3 ,4 passes and then stops.
I’ll email RBCS again and see what they say.

Also it appears Bushnell handles the customer service department as that’s who responded when I first emailed RBCS

The Ohaus seems to be little bit cheaply made compared to the Ohaus RBCS branded scale. The center of the dial plate looks like a smudgy black marker line and the dial plate is made of lot thinner metal and needed to be straightened.View attachment 758729View attachment 758728View attachment 758727
 
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Have you checked if the magnets in your rcbs are installed with polarity in the right direction?

If you put the beam with pan from the ohaus in the rcbs base does it do the same thing, like 20 times past the zero to settle?
 
bertn said:
Have you checked if the magnets in your rcbs are installed with polarity in the right direction?

If you put the beam with pan from the ohaus in the rcbs base does it do the same thing, like 20 times past the zero to settle?[/QUOTE
I m going try that tomorrow
Click to expand...
 
bertn said:
Have you checked if the magnets in your rcbs are installed with polarity in the right direction?

If you put the beam with pan from the ohaus in the rcbs base does it do the same thing, like 20 times past the zero to settle?
Click to expand...

I removed and reinstalled my magnets and after years of giving up it appears to be working and measurements repeatable, thanks
 
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