In-line hanging scale for feeder

[sluggospud]

Hi,

Not sure if it's a common problem, but I was having trouble keeping track of the feed level in the feeder. The one I have is covered, so it's hard to tell how much is left without going inside the run and lifting the lid.

It was harder than I thought it would be to find an affordable in-line scale. Most fishing scales are now digital, which wasn't going to be of any use. Finally found this one:

Weston 20 lb Spring & hook scale 14-0302-W

It's meant for the food industry. I thought about a propane tank scale/gauge, but the weight of an empty tank is probably the same weight as the feeder half full.

Thought this might be of use to others.

 

[Ghosty]

Good idea!

 

[paneubert]

I don't want to be a downer, but I wonder if it will stay accurate after a few weeks or months of the spring being constantly "sprung". Let us know! Maybe in 30 days see what weight it is reading and then weigh the feeder on another scale to see if it is still accurate.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I wonder if it will stay accurate after a few weeks or months of the spring being constantly "sprung".

I'm wondering that too, though the idea is pretty cool and makes it easy to get a visual without having to open up the feeder.

 

[aart]

Clever, but also wonder about constant spring pressure.

I just top my feeder off every day...can keep track of consumption better that way.

 

[sluggospud]

I don't want to be a downer, but I wonder if it will stay accurate after a few weeks or months of the spring being constantly "sprung". Let us know! Maybe in 30 days see what weight it is reading and then weigh the feeder on another scale to see if it is still accurate.

I'll try to remember to give an update. The spring is under compression with weight, so I don't think it will be a real problem. I just want to know when I'm down to the last few lbs.