Used beam scale

[AR. Hillbilly]

I just passed on a Blue scale at a used store for a good price. It looked like new but no box or cover just sitting out in the open. question is, would you consider a used scale?
I feared this one could have been knocked off the counter 100 times for all o know even though it looked good.
I have a Lee which works fine but the old eyes and less than steady hands have a time with it.
The Dillon was made by ohous. Couldn’t see a model number.
I also have an RCBS digital that’s not trustworthy.

 

[LiveLife]

question is, would you consider a used scale?

I feared this one could have been knocked off the counter 100 times for all o know even though it looked good.

Sure.

Bring your check weights and if verifies check weights, you are good to go.

 

[Dane R. Marley]

I have been using a RCBS Dual Beam Scale for over 40 year. It works Great. I also bought the RCBS check weights when I bought my scale. I just purchased a Frankford Asenal Intellidropper to use. It is still in the box. I hope yo use it soon.

Here is a pic, (not mine but same scale), of my now Vintage RCBS Dual Beam Scale.

 

[edwardware]

Of the 5 or 6 scales I've used daily before settling on my current, none were new. Almost all were better than most of what's offered new today. own a new scale

You don't want check weights, unless you're going to calibrate it there in the store. Check that it swings freely through the stroke, settles to zero somewhere near zero (the damping works), and is complete and unbent. Calibrate it with checkweights at home.

 

[FROGO207]

Also I believe that it being a Dillon it has a lifetime guarantee and they will provide parts or replacment if it is broken. Surely sounds like a step up even though the Lee will work as designed though fiddley.

 

[Rule3]

I just passed on a Blue scale at a used store for a good price. It looked like new but no box or cover just sitting out in the open. question is, would you consider a used scale?
I feared this one could have been knocked off the counter 100 times for all o know even though it looked good.
I have a Lee which works fine but the old eyes and less than steady hands have a time with it.
The Dillon was made by ohous. Couldn’t see a model number.
I also have an RCBS digital that’s not trustworthy.

Whats a "good price" How much?

I have had one for many years. Just a Blue Ohous

 

[JFrank]

All mine are used.

 

[Bazoo]

$20 is a good price. $30 is okay.

My scale is used. An RCBS Ohaus made 505. I sent it back to RCBS for a tuneup when I got it. It returned...tuned up.

 

[LiveLife]

I just passed on a Blue scale at a used store for a good price. It looked like new but no box or cover just sitting out in the open.

The Dillon was made by ohous. Couldn’t see a model number.

I believe Dillon Eliminator beam scale was made by Ohaus to 5-0-5 specifications with 511 grain capacity.

Also I believe that it being a Dillon it has a lifetime guarantee and they will provide parts or replacment if it is broken.

I am not sure if Dillon currently sells Eliminator beam scale as it is no longer listed on their website and not sure how they would provide warranty service if replacement parts/scales are not available.

If you are looking to buy an Eliminator beam scale, perhaps call Dillon to check how warranty/service work would be handled.

Personally, I bought several used 5-0-5 and 10-10 scales and if the price is right, I would not hesitate to buy them, especially if they verify check weights and show sensitivity of detecting 2-3 pieces of 1/4"x1/4" copy paper or around 0.1 gr check weights.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I have been using a RCBS Dual Beam Scale for over 40 year. It works Great. I also bought the RCBS check weights when I bought my scale. I just purchased a Frankford Asenal Intellidropper to use. It is still in the box. I hope yo use it soon.

Here is a pic, (not mine but same scale), of my now Vintage RCBS Dual Beam Scale.

View attachment 1046386

Oooohhh... the old dial-a-grain. Nice! I had a dial-a-gram years ago but lost it in a move. Great scales!

 

[Highland Lofts]

In toady market & prices I would of been all over it.
I have bought a bunch of used scales and never got a bad one.
I have a used ohous and a used Hornaday powder measurer coming my way right now through the mail..

 

[rfwobbly]

I believe Dillon Eliminator beam scale was made by Ohaus to 5-0-5 specifications with 511 grain capacity. I am not sure if Dillon currently sells Eliminator beam scale as it is no longer listed on their website and not sure how they would provide warranty service if replacement parts/scales are not available.

• Dillon no longer sells the Eliminator beam scale. They sold it for $80 for several years, even while RCBS wanted $125 for their 5-0-5. As I remember, in the last year the Eliminator price almost doubled, then it was gone.

• The only aging with used scales is the teeter-totter knife may develop some rust. That can easily be cleaned off with a knife sharpening stone. I coat the knife edge in lanolin sizing lube, which keeps the rust from returning. For me, the only "Do Not Buy" signals on used scales are a bent beam or a missing pan. The replacement pan is ~$25, which often doubles the total scale price.

 

[splattergun]

I would have bought it, then check it out carefully, test with check weights and proceed if all's good. If it failed testing and proved beyond repair at least it's a nifty shelf decoration in my already cluttered and overcrowded gun room.

 

[AK Hunter]

That's why a beam scale is always on is you almost can't knock it off because every time you start to use it you have to zero it again. It will almost always weigh perfectly.
Unlike a digital scale that will get off by the wind blowing across it.

 

[Gone Hiking]

I bought a Dillion mechanical balance years ago off of fleabay. Someone either jacked the the thing up or mix-mastered it and it rubbed, so it was unusable. I called Dillon and explained the situation, who had me send it in. They sent a brand new one back out to me. That's exceptional service.

 

[Highland Lofts]

That is great customer service just like RCBS.
LEE customer service sucks.

 

[Bill M.]

I trust my RCBS digital. Or, like the man said, trust but verify. So I have some check weights. I have had more trouble with beam balances than with the 2 digital balances I have owned.

 

[old heeler]

I use 10-10 scale. I've had 2-RCBS digital scales and they last about 6/7 yrs. I use them weighting bullets/case capacity and case weight. Doesn't bother me replacing digital.

 

[Slamfire]

Gravity has not changed much, though I don't trust what I read on the bathroom scales. LOL

For a balance beam, check weights are good, and also, take the beam off and look at the fulcrums and what they pivot on. I think fulcrums are called "knife edges". You don't want bent fulcrums, dulled "knife edges", or dented pivot points in the base. The lever should effortlessly move when balanced, with a slight touch. And all the parts need to be there. This pan hook assembly is specific to the balance, it is weighted from the factory so the beam balances.

 

[Gooseman69]

Gravity has not changed much, though I don't trust what I read on the bathroom scales. LOL

For a balance beam, check weights are good, and also, take the beam off and look at the fulcrums and what they pivot on. I think fulcrums are called "knife edges". You don't want bent fulcrums, dulled "knife edges", or dented pivot points in the base. The lever should effortlessly move when balanced, with a slight touch. And all the parts need to be there. This pan hook assembly is specific to the balance, it is weighted from the factory so the beam balances.

View attachment 1046896

I have that exact scale defineately accurate