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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Thanks, but that's a little out of my budget right now.

I think you will regret the mere 3 lb capacity in the future. Other than that it looks like a cool scale.

Originally Posted by Bear

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.

Originally Posted by RustyDollars

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.

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

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!