How Do You Make a Thermometer Work Again

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If the column of mercury (or other indicating fluid) in a thermometer separates, the void will return the indicated temperature inaccurate. Here are some ways to remove the void in the column. Please read all the steps before attempting this.

Steps

1. one

   Inspect the thermometer for damage. Do non use it anymore if it is cracked or damaged in any fashion. It has served its life and needs to be disposed of properly (see Warnings below).^[1]

2. 2

   Note the temperature indicated.

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3. 3

   Choose a method for repairing the separated mercury.

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This method may take several attempts.

1. 1

   Place the thermometer in the sink.

2. 2

   Gradually heat the bulb with a hair dryer on warm. The mercury will rise to the top of the thermometer and join together.

3. 3

   Allow the thermometer to gradually absurd downwards to room temperature.

4. 4

   If you demand to accept several attempts, just rut and cool gradually. Do not overheat, as the thermometer could outburst.^[3]

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This method is adequately reliable as it was frequently used in hospitals, etc. before the electronic thermometers and disposable temperature strips became commonplace. There is, however, a take a chance of losing grip of the thermometer while shaking that could event in breakage and spillage of mercury.

1. 1

   Firmly grasp the thermometer well-nigh the top, so that the bulb containing the mercury (or other indicating fluid) is pointed downward. ^[4]

2. 2

   Quickly motility the thermometer down and sharply contrary management (and snap the wrist upwards). When the thermometer reaches the everyman indicate of the stroke several times.^[5]

3. 3

   Recheck the indicated temperature. If the indicated temperature has been reduced from the terminal fourth dimension checked, proceed shaking the thermometer downward. It will likely require repeating many times earlier the void in the column has disappeared.

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This method seems to have the best results, but also risks breakage of the thermometer if dropped from also high or on to a hard surface.

1. one

   Hold the thermometer vertically - with the seedling directed downward.

2. two

   Drop the thermometer on a bed, pillow, or even a towel folded so that it is viii (or more than) times the non-folded thickness. Non more than than a one or two foot drib is recommended.^[six]

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Add New Question

• Question

  Is mercury dangerous if ingested?

  

  Yes, do not ingest mercury. It could pb to mercury poisoning, which makes you violently ill.

• Question

  How long should I keep the thermometer in the freezer?

  

  Keep it in the freezer until the mercury or indicating fluid reaches the seedling.

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• Don't forget to wash your hands!

• Store thermometers flat (horizontally) or upright with the bulb on the bottom. Never store upside-downwardly (bulb at the top).

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• Practise not simply "throw away" a device containing mercury. Mercury is a heavy metal, and is highly toxic. In many places, it is illegal to improperly dispose of mercury. Contact your locality's hazard waste function to learn how to dispose of mercury containing thermometers and other devices. Never mix devices that contain mercury in with mutual household trash.

• Consider discontinuing the utilize of thermometers containing mercury if it is used for cooking or is a clinical thermometer. Since mercury is highly toxic, using them in nutrient or in the body is discouraged. New electronic thermometers and those that use a red dye and alcohol mixture are much easier to read and safer to use.

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Commodity Summary X

If your mercury thermometer is cracked, you lot can't repair information technology, and you should instead discard it safely, since mercury is toxic. Never but "throw away" your thermometer but call your local hazard waste office to find out how to safely discard it. However, if your thermometer has seemingly stopped working, you tin can repair it by placing the thermometer in a refrigerator or freezer. If it's cold enough, information technology may restore the mercury column on your thermometer. For other means to repair your thermometer, including how to repair it past shaking or fifty-fifty dropping it, go along reading!

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Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Repair-a-Mercury-Thermometer

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