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Thinking of buying a scale

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  1. #1
    billygoat started this thread.
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    Thinking of buying a scale

    This is the scale I was thinking of buying: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Royal-DS3-...Scale/10928693

    For just starting out on a limited budget, would it be okay for now, or would I be better of just going without it? Those are my two choices: a relatively inexpensive scale or nothing.

    I figured a postal scale would be more accurate than a kitchen or luggage scale, but I don't know. I realize it only goes up to 3 pounds, but I can work with that.



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    Victor's Avatar
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    Do a search as there are some good threads on that here already. The one you showed looks a bit expensive for the capability. I know I got this one:

    http://www.harborfreight.com/70-lb-3...ale-95069.html

    ...and have been happy with it. I saw one in a thread with a ebay link that looked pretty nice. Seem to think it was in the $20-$30 range. I think that one had quite a bit more weight capacity as well and possibly the ability to work off DC to AC adapter so you could plug it in to the truck.

    Edit: Here's the link to the thread I was thinking.

    http://www.scrapmetalforum.com/showt...Portable-Scale
    Last edited by Victor; 03-05-2012 at 04:09 PM.

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  4. #3
    billygoat started this thread.
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    Thanks, Victor. I was leaning toward buying locally. I don't know the brand names of these scales at all, so I don't know what can be trusted. I figure that if something is wrong with the scale it would be easier and cheaper to return it to the store then to ship it back.

    Edit:
    I have read some of the older threads already. Maybe not all of them. I'm asking specifically if this scale is workable or if I'd be better off waiting until I can afford a desktop scale that can handle more weight.
    Last edited by billygoat; 03-05-2012 at 04:44 PM.

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    If I had to do it again I would get the one off ebay. So much more versatile.

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    billygoat started this thread.
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    Maybe I'll take a look at the one from Harbor Freight. They tend to sell cheap stuff. Not cheap as in price, but in how it's put together. There's a store near me so next time I'm out that way I'll stop in.

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    The postal scale I got off ebay went up to 75lbs. It works well for me. I also picked up a doctors scale from a yard sale. They cost about $200 new and I paid $15, great bargain. I like using the doctors scale for heavier and larger items. Mike.
    "Profit begins when you buy NOT when you sell." {quote passed down to me from a wise man}

    Now go beat the copper out of something, Miked

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    I have a scale I bought from a city auction that used to be used by the post office. It measures 1 oz to 70 lbs on the same scale...I bought two, they both work...Haslers. If you want my other one, I'll sell it to you for 50.00 with the cords and all--you pay shipping. I'll send a pic later if you want. Very nice set. I bid on the lot of mailing machines just hoping the two scales would work, and they do. The rest I'm scrapping.

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    billygoat started this thread.
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    Thanks, but that's a little out of my budget right now.

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    I think you will regret the mere 3 lb capacity in the future. Other than that it looks like a cool scale.
    If it wasn't for the $ in $crap, it would just be.....

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    the one i liked best was the portable they had on another thread from an ebay seller, went from 1 gram to 300 pounds, and powered by a 9v battery. Price was about $40-42 i think it was. I have one kinda like what amfine's got, but it isn't a hasler, it's a neopost, came from a VA shipping facility, when the shipping rates had changed, they just got a new one, instead of updating the rates chip, i got it from auction for $25. It measures tenths of an ounce up to 30# and to 70# in half ounce increments. To use as a portable you'd have to have an inverter or carry an extension cord

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    billygoat started this thread.
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bear View Post
    To use as a portable you'd have to have an inverter or carry an extension cord
    Actually I was looking for a table top scale because I'm working out of my studio apartment. Although being able to transport it would be a nice feature, it isn't a priority right now. Good idea though. Thanks.

    Quote Originally Posted by RustyDollars View Post
    I think you will regret the mere 3 lb capacity in the future.
    This is the only remark that directly answers my question. The other remarks seem to hint in that direction as well, since everyone basically mentions 70+ lb capacity scales. I appreciate all the responses, thanks to everyone. It looks like I'm gonna pull the trigger on a 70 lb capacity scale on eBay for about the same price. At least it has free shipping so if I have to pay shipping to return it (if defective) I'd only be paying for shipping once.

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    3 pounds would be a waste. At least with that scale. You can get a postal scale off e-bay for the same or less that measures in .1 ounce increments at 50 pounds or more.

    I do have a second scale that only weighs to about a pound or so but it is extremely accurate and used for buying or selling gold or silver. Weighs in very tiny increments. grams, drams, etc.

    Also, if you are ever going to sell stuff on e-bay, you will need a good rating and buying stuff from e-bay members is a start to get that rating going.

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    What would you be weighing having a 3 lb limit?? I guess it would be ok for weighing dope but that's about all. We bought one close to this one except you can remove the face and pull it towards you for big boxes that would normally cover up the readout. I think ours is the 70 lber also. http://www.ebay.com/itm/WEIGHMAX-75-...item4601435c06
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    Quote Originally Posted by billygoat View Post
    This is the only remark that directly answers my question. The other remarks seem to hint
    glad you can take a hint ; ) lol! some of us got lucky on ours, if i was having to go portable, and certainly been thinking/studying about it, that 0.01-300 @ $40-45 is the best option i've seen discussed. Frankly though, the 70lb has served me well, only had it maxed once, and that was only to see what it did, it said something like "overweight"?

  18. #16
    billygoat started this thread.
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    I looked at Craigslist before checking eBay. I didn't see anything I liked. Most were kitchen and bathroom scales anyway. I'm under the assumption that a postal scale would (hopefully) be more accurate. I'm not looking to sell on eBay right now. I'd rather trade if I could.

    Once again, a big thanks to everyone for all the advice. I really do appreciate it!

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    Quote Originally Posted by Mechanic688 View Post
    What would you be weighing having a 3 lb limit?? I guess it would be ok for weighing dope but that's about all. We bought one close to this one except you can remove the face and pull it towards you for big boxes that would normally cover up the readout. I think ours is the 70 lber also. http://www.ebay.com/itm/WEIGHMAX-75-...item4601435c06
    That's actually 60 cents cheaper than the one I put on my watch list.
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/380239420857...84.m1423.l2649


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