Bathroom Scale
etherealanwar
Posts: 465 Member
How often do you replace your bathroom scale batteries? Mine uses a lithium coin battery which I was under the impression should last quite a while but I find myself having to replace every few months....I'm not sure if that's a normal timeframe or if I should be replacing my scale?
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Replies
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I have a FitBit Aria. I'd say maybe once or twice a year? Not very often imho.0
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I have had the same scale for a few years now, and do not recall ever replacing the batteries. It hasn't gone screwy yet, so... I dont think there is a standard. Just replace them if it starts acting wierd I guess? (faded display, crazy readings, wont stay on, etc)1
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I've had my scale for years and have only replaced the batteries once.
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Not sure about your battery issue, but I replaced my scales this weekend and gained 2 lbs compared to the old scale. I compared them side by side and there is a 2 lb difference between them. That was disappointing to say the least. Just when I thought I was doing good, I find out differently.6
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1martinimomma wrote: »Not sure about your battery issue, but I replaced my scales this weekend and gained 2 lbs compared to the old scale. I compared them side by side and there is a 2 lb difference between them. That was disappointing to say the least. Just when I thought I was doing good, I find out differently.
You still lost the same amount of weight, just that your start weigh would have been 2lbs higher on the new scales, so the "doing good" shouldn't change in your mind because of that.9 -
Crafty_camper123 wrote: »I have had the same scale for a few years now, and do not recall ever replacing the batteries. It hasn't gone screwy yet, so... I dont think there is a standard. Just replace them if it starts acting wierd I guess? (faded display, crazy readings, wont stay on, etc)
Yeah I have been getting inconsistent readings these past two weeks of 0.4-1lb during the same time I am weighing just going off and on again after re-calibrating. I have a feeling it might be time to replace the scale since the battery really should not be dying this quickly?1 -
etherealanwar wrote: »Crafty_camper123 wrote: »I have had the same scale for a few years now, and do not recall ever replacing the batteries. It hasn't gone screwy yet, so... I dont think there is a standard. Just replace them if it starts acting wierd I guess? (faded display, crazy readings, wont stay on, etc)
Yeah I have been getting inconsistent readings these past two weeks of 0.4-1lb during the same time I am weighing just going off and on again after re-calibrating. I have a feeling it might be time to replace the scale since the battery really should not be dying this quickly?
Mine is wierd in that it reads like 4 lbs heavier the 1st time I step on it, then I have to step back on to get my real weight for that day. I think it has some memory function that I don't really understand? Could be what yours is doing? If you step off then back on, are the readings the same after that? If so, then that's my guess. Also, are you weighing on carpet, or a hard surface such as tile? Carpet or uneven surfaces can make the scale go wonky with wierd readings.0 -
Use a dumbbell to check for accuracy. Recalibrate as needed. The battery should last a long time.3
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Crafty_camper123 wrote: »etherealanwar wrote: »Crafty_camper123 wrote: »I have had the same scale for a few years now, and do not recall ever replacing the batteries. It hasn't gone screwy yet, so... I dont think there is a standard. Just replace them if it starts acting wierd I guess? (faded display, crazy readings, wont stay on, etc)
Yeah I have been getting inconsistent readings these past two weeks of 0.4-1lb during the same time I am weighing just going off and on again after re-calibrating. I have a feeling it might be time to replace the scale since the battery really should not be dying this quickly?
Mine is wierd in that it reads like 4 lbs heavier the 1st time I step on it, then I have to step back on to get my real weight for that day. I think it has some memory function that I don't really understand? Could be what yours is doing? If you step off then back on, are the readings the same after that? If so, then that's my guess. Also, are you weighing on carpet, or a hard surface such as tile? Carpet or uneven surfaces can make the scale go wonky with wierd readings.
Oh mine does not have a memory function. I would step on and off again 3 times in a row and have 3 different readings. I am also using it on a flat hardwood floor. Honestly I am just so fed up with it so I ordered a new scale. $20 to hopefully no longer have this issue is worth it to me haha!1 -
I need to get new batteries for mine. It's a cheapo scale anyway so I'm debating just getting an EatSmart scale to replace it entirely rather than pay for lithium batteries.
Reason I know it needs new batteries is because I weighed in the other day, then pooped and got back on the scale. Claimed I gained weight. lol1 -
I think I have replaced mine twice in about 10 years.0
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I replaced my scale a couple of weeks ago because it kept giving me error codes. I ordered a new one and while I was waiting for delivery of the new one my old one started working just fine. So I now have two. My new one weighs me one less pound than the old one so guess which one I use!2
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I replaced my scale a couple of weeks ago because it kept giving me error codes. I ordered a new one and while I was waiting for delivery of the new one my old one started working just fine. So I now have two. My new one weighs me one less pound than the old one so guess which one I use!
Haha that's nice! With my luck my new scale will weigh me higher than my current one
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DancingMoosie wrote: »Use a dumbbell to check for accuracy. Recalibrate as needed. The battery should last a long time.
This is GENIUS 😳 Why didn’t I think of that?!
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I've replaced my battery once in the last 6 years.0
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Crafty_camper123 wrote: »etherealanwar wrote: »Crafty_camper123 wrote: »I have had the same scale for a few years now, and do not recall ever replacing the batteries. It hasn't gone screwy yet, so... I dont think there is a standard. Just replace them if it starts acting wierd I guess? (faded display, crazy readings, wont stay on, etc)
Yeah I have been getting inconsistent readings these past two weeks of 0.4-1lb during the same time I am weighing just going off and on again after re-calibrating. I have a feeling it might be time to replace the scale since the battery really should not be dying this quickly?
Mine is wierd in that it reads like 4 lbs heavier the 1st time I step on it, then I have to step back on to get my real weight for that day. I think it has some memory function that I don't really understand? Could be what yours is doing? If you step off then back on, are the readings the same after that? If so, then that's my guess. Also, are you weighing on carpet, or a hard surface such as tile? Carpet or uneven surfaces can make the scale go wonky with wierd readings.
That's not weird. Every digital bodyweight scale I have owned works that way. Putting some weight on it "wakes it up" (in lieu of an on/off switch) and it then needs to tare to zero with nothing on the scale.
I'm not sure if I've ever had to replace the battery in my current one, and I've had it several years at least. But I only weigh myself once a week. I imagine if you're a daily weigher, or someone who jumps on it multiple times a day, or have multiple people weighing daily, the battery would wear out faster.0 -
etherealanwar wrote: »Crafty_camper123 wrote: »etherealanwar wrote: »Crafty_camper123 wrote: »I have had the same scale for a few years now, and do not recall ever replacing the batteries. It hasn't gone screwy yet, so... I dont think there is a standard. Just replace them if it starts acting wierd I guess? (faded display, crazy readings, wont stay on, etc)
Yeah I have been getting inconsistent readings these past two weeks of 0.4-1lb during the same time I am weighing just going off and on again after re-calibrating. I have a feeling it might be time to replace the scale since the battery really should not be dying this quickly?
Mine is wierd in that it reads like 4 lbs heavier the 1st time I step on it, then I have to step back on to get my real weight for that day. I think it has some memory function that I don't really understand? Could be what yours is doing? If you step off then back on, are the readings the same after that? If so, then that's my guess. Also, are you weighing on carpet, or a hard surface such as tile? Carpet or uneven surfaces can make the scale go wonky with wierd readings.
Oh mine does not have a memory function. I would step on and off again 3 times in a row and have 3 different readings. I am also using it on a flat hardwood floor. Honestly I am just so fed up with it so I ordered a new scale. $20 to hopefully no longer have this issue is worth it to me haha!
Unfortunately. That reasoning is why most people have this issue. When it comes to measuring devices, whether it is weight, pressure, temperature, etc, cheap stuff you can buy at Walmart just doesnt compare to higher-end, industrial devices from companies like rosemount, Honeywell's, etc. Granted they cost a lot of money, but the repeatability of what they are measuring is a lot more consistent and they are much more reliable. Cheap weigh scales are plenty good enough to track trends and know body weight, but to measure to absolute accuracy of less than 50 grams everytime? I'm sorry but you just arent paying for that. Most budget scales could be off by as much as a pound between weigh ins. That doesnt mean they always are, just that they could be. Even high end scales at hospitals and industrial places need to be calibrated by a technician every so often. Frequency of calibration depends on importance of what its measuring and legalities. My advice is dont expect a $20 scale to act like a $1000 one.2 -
etherealanwar wrote: »Crafty_camper123 wrote: »etherealanwar wrote: »Crafty_camper123 wrote: »I have had the same scale for a few years now, and do not recall ever replacing the batteries. It hasn't gone screwy yet, so... I dont think there is a standard. Just replace them if it starts acting wierd I guess? (faded display, crazy readings, wont stay on, etc)
Yeah I have been getting inconsistent readings these past two weeks of 0.4-1lb during the same time I am weighing just going off and on again after re-calibrating. I have a feeling it might be time to replace the scale since the battery really should not be dying this quickly?
Mine is wierd in that it reads like 4 lbs heavier the 1st time I step on it, then I have to step back on to get my real weight for that day. I think it has some memory function that I don't really understand? Could be what yours is doing? If you step off then back on, are the readings the same after that? If so, then that's my guess. Also, are you weighing on carpet, or a hard surface such as tile? Carpet or uneven surfaces can make the scale go wonky with wierd readings.
Oh mine does not have a memory function. I would step on and off again 3 times in a row and have 3 different readings. I am also using it on a flat hardwood floor. Honestly I am just so fed up with it so I ordered a new scale. $20 to hopefully no longer have this issue is worth it to me haha!
Unfortunately. That reasoning is why most people have this issue. When it comes to measuring devices, whether it is weight, pressure, temperature, etc, cheap stuff you can buy at Walmart just doesnt compare to higher-end, industrial devices from companies like rosemount, Honeywell's, etc. Granted they cost a lot of money, but the repeatability of what they are measuring is a lot more consistent and they are much more reliable. Cheap weigh scales are plenty good enough to track trends and know body weight, but to measure to absolute accuracy of less than 50 grams everytime? I'm sorry but you just arent paying for that. Most budget scales could be off by as much as a pound between weigh ins. That doesnt mean they always are, just that they could be. Even high end scales at hospitals and industrial places need to be calibrated by a technician every so often. Frequency of calibration depends on importance of what its measuring and legalities. My advice is dont expect a $20 scale to act like a $1000 one.
I am more so looking for consistency. The scale I had was fine for the last several years of owning it with showing one number per weigh in without any change. That is what I am looking for, not the number being 100% accurate as I am aware that that is not possible.
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Maybe dust is getting in the scale.0
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etherealanwar wrote: »etherealanwar wrote: »Crafty_camper123 wrote: »etherealanwar wrote: »Crafty_camper123 wrote: »I have had the same scale for a few years now, and do not recall ever replacing the batteries. It hasn't gone screwy yet, so... I dont think there is a standard. Just replace them if it starts acting wierd I guess? (faded display, crazy readings, wont stay on, etc)
Yeah I have been getting inconsistent readings these past two weeks of 0.4-1lb during the same time I am weighing just going off and on again after re-calibrating. I have a feeling it might be time to replace the scale since the battery really should not be dying this quickly?
Mine is wierd in that it reads like 4 lbs heavier the 1st time I step on it, then I have to step back on to get my real weight for that day. I think it has some memory function that I don't really understand? Could be what yours is doing? If you step off then back on, are the readings the same after that? If so, then that's my guess. Also, are you weighing on carpet, or a hard surface such as tile? Carpet or uneven surfaces can make the scale go wonky with wierd readings.
Oh mine does not have a memory function. I would step on and off again 3 times in a row and have 3 different readings. I am also using it on a flat hardwood floor. Honestly I am just so fed up with it so I ordered a new scale. $20 to hopefully no longer have this issue is worth it to me haha!
Unfortunately. That reasoning is why most people have this issue. When it comes to measuring devices, whether it is weight, pressure, temperature, etc, cheap stuff you can buy at Walmart just doesnt compare to higher-end, industrial devices from companies like rosemount, Honeywell's, etc. Granted they cost a lot of money, but the repeatability of what they are measuring is a lot more consistent and they are much more reliable. Cheap weigh scales are plenty good enough to track trends and know body weight, but to measure to absolute accuracy of less than 50 grams everytime? I'm sorry but you just arent paying for that. Most budget scales could be off by as much as a pound between weigh ins. That doesnt mean they always are, just that they could be. Even high end scales at hospitals and industrial places need to be calibrated by a technician every so often. Frequency of calibration depends on importance of what its measuring and legalities. My advice is dont expect a $20 scale to act like a $1000 one.
I am more so looking for consistency. The scale I had was fine for the last several years of owning it with showing one number per weigh in without any change. That is what I am looking for, not the number being 100% accurate as I am aware that that is not possible.
Yah, I understand. This is called repeatability. It is also an important factor of what makes something a good measuring device. If something is not repeatable, it cannot be relied upon for good measurement(which is the problem you are having). Expensive devices get replaced all the time because their repeatability falls below the acceptable standard.
I do hope you find one that works for you though. I try my hardest to step on the scale once only. I know if I get on and off 4 times, I'll probably get 4 different weights, but I know they are good enough for what I'm measuring. I also know that drinking a large glass of water will change the weight more than the rated accuracy of the scale, so it doesnt bother me too much. Good luck!0 -
Umm.. I had my last scale for like 6 years and never replaced the battery. My toddler broke it by drowning it in the tub before I had to replace the batteries.
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etherealanwar wrote: »How often do you replace your bathroom scale batteries? Mine uses a lithium coin battery which I was under the impression should last quite a while but I find myself having to replace every few months....I'm not sure if that's a normal timeframe or if I should be replacing my scale?
My coin battery leaked before it needed replacing, was less than a year old I've changed the battery now but getting inconsistent readings time to replace I think 😇0 -
etherealanwar wrote: »Crafty_camper123 wrote: »I have had the same scale for a few years now, and do not recall ever replacing the batteries. It hasn't gone screwy yet, so... I dont think there is a standard. Just replace them if it starts acting wierd I guess? (faded display, crazy readings, wont stay on, etc)
Yeah I have been getting inconsistent readings these past two weeks of 0.4-1lb during the same time I am weighing just going off and on again after re-calibrating. I have a feeling it might be time to replace the scale since the battery really should not be dying this quickly?
I'm getting the same, inconsistent readings time to replace I think 👍0 -
And all this is why most new scales fake consistency by not changing what they display unless they detect a significant difference (which varies by manufacturer)
Also, dumbell checking should be done with you holding the dumbell / not holding it.
The ability of a scale to detect a certain weight change in the sub 50 lb range doesn't tell you much about its ability to do so in the 150lb or the 300lb range.
All three could be different for the same scale.
I would much rather see honest variable scales and use a weight trend program to figure out what is happening with my weight level over time...1
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