Thermometer repair

[johnrm]

I have 2 thermometers, 1 Digital and one Alcohol.
I noticed on last brew that the Alcohol, about  had separated, a small amount of alcohol wandered up the capillary to about 100C.
(See Pic)
So is my Thermometer accurate now? Nope.

I found a few articles with a number of different methods of fixing (see links below)

The one that worked for me was the 'Drop' method.
Caution: You MAY break your thermometer, the concern is kids wandering in bare feet!
All you need is a carpeted floor, or if you have wooden floors, throw a blanket down.
Either drop or tap your thermometer firmly on the Carpet/Blanket a few times.
Examine the runaway alcohol, it should break up into multiple smaller volumes.
Repeat until all alcohol is back where it is supposed to be.

http://www.novalynx.com/reference-rejoining.html
http://forum.northernbrewer.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=73402

[Will_D]

Standard recovery for expensive (lab grade jointed glassware) mercury thermometers (as they "break" more often than alcohol ones):

Just tap them onto a wooden bench. If that doesn't work then apply heat:

In your case the break is just above 100C so heat up some cooking oil in a pan (or use the deep fat frier)

Carefully immerse it into the hot oil and allow the threads to merge. Remove from oil and tap gently to help the thread down.

If that doesn't work bin it and buy three new ones!

Why 3? Just check the 3 against each other: If all 3 agree there's a good chance they are accurate. If 2 agrree you may be able to spot the duffer. If all 3 disagree get the reference temperature baths ready! (Boiling water and "distilled water-ice"/distilled water)

This is one major advantage of buying thermometers in a real shop!

Last time I bought 2 min/max thermoms in Woodies they were threatening me with the Polis! for time wasting!