I'm sick of breaking hydrometers

[rapsir]

Is there another way to measure gravity rather than with a fragile glass hydrometer? Luckily I haven't managed to break one into the main batch yet, but last night I broke one in the beer I put aside to measure OG while grabbing a thermometer.

[MootsLnbKing]

A refractometer works pretty good but their pretty expensive.:eek:

[Mikegobrew]

Keep the 2 piece plastic container it comes in. Always use the skinnier one for the bottom bulb of the hydrometer so it can't wobble around and it will be safe. I always put the hydrometer in the test jar thing before adding the beer so I don't waste more than I need to get it to float. Just make sure to tilt the test thing as to not drop the hydrometer in and break it then. Mine has lasted 4 years now. Knock on wood. :D

[Mill Rat]

Hydrometers also require mere milliliters of wort or brew for the test rather than losing a half-bottle to each hydrometer test.

[nelstrodomus]

I take hydro reading from a plastic 100mL graduated cylinder with a good base so it doesn't fall over.

[beerking]

Hydrometers also require mere milliliters of wort or brew for the test rather than losing a half-bottle to each hydrometer test.

I'm pretty sure Mill Rat means REFRACTOMETERS require mere milliliters.

[Mikegobrew]

Hydrometers also require mere milliliters of wort or brew for the test rather than losing a half-bottle to each hydrometer test.

Except you still need to use a hydrometer for any post fermentation readings, correct?

[corkybstewart]

Except you still need to use a hydrometer for any post fermentation readings, correct?
There are formulas that allegedly correct for the alcohol at FG, but it's a lot better to drink a hydrometer sample than lick the drop off the refractometer.:D

[beerking]

There are formulas that allegedly correct for the alcohol at FG, but it's a lot better to drink a hydrometer sample than lick the drop off the refractometer.:D

Agreed Corky, and in addition, I am not sure how much I trust those formulas. Every time I have compared the results with an actual hydrometer reading, they have been off by ~1.003. Admittedly, not much, especially for home use, but it just makes me wonder how far off they could be.

[nelstrodomus]

Does anyone know if they make plastic/polycarbonate hydrometers? And if not, what's the reason they don't?