Refractometer won’t zero

[wildmancurry]

I bought a refractometer recently and went to calibrate using distilled water per the instruction. It was off by 1 brix(?). When I went to the adjusting screw I found it could not be adjusted down any more. Could I be doing something wrong (it seems simple enough) or did I buy a crap refractometer? Can I just subtract 1 each time I use it?

 

[Minbari]

You could prolly just subtract 1 and call it good. But I would test it against a hydrometer to be sure.

If you can return it, go that way

 

[Zambi]

Like minbari says.
First one I bought was actually for measuring honey... Still lying somewhere in its packaging. It starting point was 20 brix or so

 

[dmtaylor]

I don't adjust mine. Just add or subtract points as necessary, always checking it in plain water before taking a reading. Works great for me.

 

[Sandy Feet]

You can buy a crap refractometer for about $7. Just buy a back-up because the cheap, glass ones break all the time.
Amazon has a plastic one for less than $20.