Lee Safety Scale - CANNOT ZERO!!!!

[harley2007]

Hi,

I am new to reloading and my kit has the safety scale. I have not been able to zero the darned thing. I have researcheds the net about this like crazy, I have it on my reloading bench, perfectly level, no fan, no A/C, nothing!

I go in a few times a night to roll the little brass adjusting nut and the darned beam will end up in different spots above or below the level mark.

Is it possible the magnetic dampening is broke or something else? It is new but I am so confused.....I have made sure there are no drafts, etc.

Help, I am so frustrated.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[doctruptwn]

It's entirely possible that the metal on the end of the bar has become magnitised and is reverse poled to the dampening magnet, causing you to be unable to balance. You can degause that piece, I'm just not sure what the proceedure is for something so small. Hopefully somebody will have a better idea than mine.

Oh I had another thought also; You are trying to zero the scale with the little metal cup/tray (that you put the powder in) thingy on the end of the scale, Right.

[OldVet]

The magnetic dampening should only stabilize the bar, keeping it from going up & down, up & down, up & down forever until it finally settles. It shouldn't affect the accuracy or consistancy (which sounds like your issue).

Make sure the bar pivot points are clean and dry (no oil). The bench is solid, right?
I'm not familiar with your model scale. I've got an older RCBS dampened scale and it works like a champ. Very consistant, not affected by drafts, etc. My previous undampened scale (Herters) would hunt forever before it settled down.

While Lee equipment is an economical way to get into reloading, it's not always the best equipment for the job.

[harley2007]

I checked, yes it is all dry and clean and yes I have the measuring tray on it but maybe the magnets are mesed up, I will check that.

[farronwolf]

Here is a link to some reviews on the scale from Cabela's customers.

Lee Safety Powder Scale : Cabela's

Apparently you need to pay close attention to the screw that is used to calibrate it. I would suggest finding a way to make the screw adjustment stay in place after getting it zeroed. Put some grease or something sticky on the adjustment screw so that it actually takes some effort to move, and then so that it stays in place.

Good luck.

[harley2007]

Here is a link to some reviews on the scale from Cabela's customers.

Lee Safety Powder Scale : Cabela's

Apparently you need to pay close attention to the screw that is used to calibrate it. I would suggest finding a way to make the screw adjustment stay in place after getting it zeroed. Put some grease or something sticky on the adjustment screw so that it actually takes some effort to move, and then so that it stays in place.

Good luck.

I checked that too...the screw moes with some resistance so it cannot be that....I think I may send it to Lee and let them tell me nothing is wrong!

[jbs]

Try emailing them. I had a problem with the primer tool in their progressive press. It liked to fall out. They sent me a new one for free, no postage or anything, and said keep the old one.

email address
info@leeprecision.com

[sjones]

I know your'e probably not going to like this but you will be better off just sticking that one in the closet and get an RCBS 502.It will make your reloading so much easier you won't believe it.Thats what I did and don't regret it for a minute.

[Ragin Cajun]

They are a pain but once you get it, they work great for a cheap scale. I bought the Lyman 1000 digital scale when I started reloading but I found the Lee is more consistent and use it mostly.

[Majorlk]

Just my own opinion ...

I want the best scale I can afford, NOT the cheapest.

And I'll take my 35-year old Ohaus 10-10* to any reloader-grade digital scale on the market for accuracy and repeatability.

*This scale is now marketed by RCBS, and there is not a better non-labortory beam scale on the market.

[razor02097]

comparing a $20 scale to a $100-$200 scale is just plain silly. As far as the LEE scale, I use it to duplicate not to measure. However I do sometimes verify with it. Being that it is hard to read I would venture to say there is a 1 to 2 grain margin of error. If you are not loading max loads then you would be fine. For new reloaders it is an economical way to start off. Much better then using volume to measure. I have had mine for years and it isn't going anywhere.



Your zeroing problem may be due to electromagnetic interference. Make sure there isn't any motors, speakers or large appliances around that could throw off your scale.

It could also be a casting burr or other defect that is causing the scale to not zero. Check for obstructions on the beam or base.

Check to make sure that one of the magnets did not come out. If they did then contact LEE and they will send you a replacement.

[OldVet]

Dang you, Harley, now you got me doing it!

Was loading my usual 5.0 grns of H-38 for my .45. My powder drop is usually drop-dead consistant, and after I weigh the first few drops to make sure, I usually only check about every 25 or so rounds. So today I'm having all kinds of trouble getting a consistant weight. After dumping powder loads for the third time due to drop fluxuations, I noticed that the little bar protecting the scale arm was ever-so-slightly touching it. Must have gotten bend when I put it away last time. Bend it out and then all was well. A faulty scale can sure throw a wrench into the works!

[harley2007]

I took a suggestion from here and emailed Lee and they responded with a bunch of things to check that I will do when I get home and report back.....hopefully I can fix it.

[Majorlk]

Personally, I would get my money back and buy a reliable scale. I would never trust the one you currently have. I consider the bottom end scales like the Lee as junk.

[harley2007]

Well, I tried a bunch of different things, nothing worked so I boxed it up and sent it to Lee.