
- Check for any loose wires. Check for any loose wires in order to make sure that there isn’t a short circuit or any other problem at its root.
- Replace all broken parts. If any part of the thermometer has broken off, replace it immediately. Also check the replacement part for cracks as well.
- Cleaning the thermometer. Use a soft cotton cloth to wipe down the thermometer. ...
- Adjust the dials. It is possible that the dials on your thermometer might not line up right. So adjust them accordingly.
- Test the thermometer again. Once everything seems fine, test it again. Make sure that it still works before you go on to step 6.
- Reinstall the thermometer into place. Reinstall the thermometer back into position. Be careful while doing this. ...
How do you fix a broken thermometer column?
Holding the thermometer securely, as in method 1, quickly tap the edge of the mounting frame a few times. Allow the thermometer to cool and then see if the column is reunited; if not, repeat the entire procedure. Repeat for each column segment. Do not let the mercury completely fill the expansion chamber.
How do you clean a thermometer?
Heat the thermometer bulb under hot, running water. Don't heat it too long -- you don't want the mercury or alcohol to rise to the top of the expansion chamber. Once the bubbles are gone, hang the thermometer with the bulb down for several hours. Be very careful when you're handling a thermometer. Don't treat it too roughly or it will shatter.
How do you fix a thermometer with a hair dryer?
Place the thermometer in the sink. Gradually heat the bulb with a hair dryer on warm. The mercury will rise to the top of the thermometer and join together. Allow the thermometer to gradually cool down to room temperature. If you need to take several attempts, just heat and cool gradually.
What is the best way to use a maximum thermometer?
For a maximum (or mercury) thermometer, if there is only one separated column segment, first try method 1 (tapping) with the thermometer bulb inverted. If, however, there are several small, separated column segments, apply heat until a small amount of mercury enters the expansion chamber.

How do you fix the thermometer?
Try pressing it with your nail, or try to use a firm surface like a counter or tabletop to depress the button all the way. If that doesn't work, try reseating the current battery in your thermometer. Use a coin (no other tools, they may damage the thermometer) to twist the back off counterclockwise.
How do you fix a mercury thermometer?
Slowly and carefully squeeze mercury onto a damp paper towel. Alternatively, use two pieces of cardboard paper to roll the mercury beads onto the paper towel or into the bag. Place the paper towel in a zip locking bag and secure. Make sure to label the bag as directed by your local health or fire department.
Can you fix a digital thermometer?
For digital thermometers: Test every six months or so (depending on frequency of use) to make sure the thermometer works properly, using either the ice water or boiling water method. Many digital thermometers have reset buttons. If the accuracy is off, adjust the thermometer to the proper temperature using this button.
How do you reset an old thermometer?
Put the thermometer stem or probe into the ice water. Make sure the sensing area is under water. Wait 30 seconds or until the reading stays steady. Adjust the thermometer so it reads 32˚F (0˚C).
Can mercury thermometers stop working?
A separation of the mercury in your thermometer is not a defect! It is a condition, normally caused by shock in transit, which of course must be rectified before using the thermometer, or you will experience significant errors in your readings.
How do I know if my thermometer is broken?
Pour cold water into the glass right up to the brim, then stir it for 15 seconds. Insert your thermometer into the water without touching the sides of the glass. After 30 seconds, your thermometer should read 32° F. If it doesn't, it may need to be replaced or recalibrated.
How do you know if a thermometer is working?
Insert the thermometer stem at least an inch deep in the ice water without letting the stem touch the glass. Wait for the thermometer to register; this usually takes a minute or less. The thermometer is accurate if it registers 32° F or 0° C. (My three thermometers are within 1 degree of accuracy at this end.)
How do you reset an electronic thermometer?
0:132:20How to Calibrate Digital Thermometers | eTundra - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then it's going to start to flash C al for about two seconds. That means it's recalibrating. NowMoreAnd then it's going to start to flash C al for about two seconds. That means it's recalibrating. Now we get a new reading of exactly 32 degrees.
What does Lo mean on a thermometer?
The “Lo” or “Hi” indications on the display mean that the temperature cannot be measured because the temperature is outside the temperature range.
How do you check a temperature without a thermometer?
Checking for a fever without a thermometerTouching the forehead. Touching a person's forehead with the back of the hand is a common method of telling whether or not they have a fever. ... Pinching the hand. ... Looking for flushing in the cheeks. ... Checking urine color. ... Looking for other symptoms.
How do you shake down a thermometer?
This thermometer is far more accurate than digitals, and it does not easily break. Don't use the sock trick, you just need to hold this at the end of the tube and flick your wrist with a downward motion for about ten seconds. It will shake down just fine.
How do you fix a bubble in a thermometer?
1. For a minimum (alcohol) thermometer, heat the bulb in the above manner until the main column enters but does not completely fill the expansion chamber. This heating should force all air bubbles up the bore and into the expansion chamber, where they should rise above the alcohol.
How do you reset a mercury thermometer?
Resetting Your ThermometerThe thermometer must be in an upright position;Move the slider up until its top is above the higher of the two magnetic temperature indicators;Move the slider down slowly to below the mercury levels - the two magnetic temperature indicators should now be sitting on the columns of mercury.
Do you have to shake mercury thermometer?
Shaking the thermometer hard is what gets the mercury down and ultimately drives it through the constriction so that it rejoins into a single column. In effect, you are making the glass accelerate so fast that it leaves the mercury behind.
How do you rejoin a separated thermometer?
1:002:30Rejoining Separated Thermometer Columns - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen the gas bubbles have filled the expansion chamber and the column has been rejoined. Allow theMoreWhen the gas bubbles have filled the expansion chamber and the column has been rejoined. Allow the thermometer to cool. And then store it upright for an additional two.
How do you test a mercury thermometer?
0:131:09How To Use A Mercury Thermometer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace the bulb of the thermometer. Into the UM pit and make sure that the child holds it firmly inMorePlace the bulb of the thermometer. Into the UM pit and make sure that the child holds it firmly in place without moving it after two minutes remove. The thermometer. And read the temperature.
How to get bubbles out of thermometer?
Don't heat it too long -- you don't want the mercury or alcohol to rise to the top of the expansion chamber. Once the bubbles are gone, hang the thermometer with the bulb down for several hours.
How to clear bubbles in a thermometer?
Grab the thermometer slightly below its middle with one hand. Make sure the bulb is pointing down. Gently strike the thermometer against the palm of your other hand. Continue the process until the bubbles have cleared.
Can you fix a thermometer that is cracked?
There are a few things you can try if this occurs. Never try to fix a thermometer that is cracked or damaged. Dispose of it properly instead.
How to tap a mercury thermometer?
Be sure that the thermometer is fastened securely to its frame. Strike the edge of the frame against the palm of the other hand. Repeat several times as necessary, or until success is doubtful. In cases where a short segment of mercury is lodged in the upper end of the bore, hold the thermometer inverted (bulb end up) during the tapping. ...
How to swing a thermometer?
With the arm extended in a near-horizontal position, swing the thermometer rapidly downward; stop abruptly when the thermometer has reached a vertical position. Repeat several times as necessary. Be sure that the thermometer is securely mounted and has sufficient clearance from obstructions.
What causes a separated column on a thermometer?
In alcohol thermometers, column separations may appear as small bubbles. They can be caused by a distillation tendency during warm weather; alcohol vapor condenses in the upper portion of the bore. Column separation may entrap the minimum thermometer index rod.
Why do alcohol thermometers have bubbles?
In alcohol thermometers, column separations may appear as small bubbles. They can be caused by a distillation tendency during warm weather; alcohol vapor condenses in the upper portion of the bore. Column separation may entrap the minimum thermometer index rod.
How long should a psychrometer cord be?
The cord or chain can be grasped directly or attached to a sling psychrometer handle; the cord length should be about 8 inches . Heating –Heating the thermometer bulb is often the quickest and most successful method of repairing column separations.
