Posted 3 years ago
Zooker
(1 item)
I have a Chicago Daily News advertising thermometer that is nearly 100 years old; it is about 4 degrees off and I would like to contact someone who is qualified to repair such items. Know of anyone out there? Thank you.
I believe those used a copper wire type wound spring affair. I'm not sure they can or can't be adjusted. Now you have me curious.
Thanks for responding. I posted my inquiry because it seems that nearly everything out there dating back to better times has become a hobby for somebody!
I think if it were mine I would show it to the oldest jeweler I could find and pick his brain on possible adjustment. Jewelers deal with small adjustments that need to be exact every day. The old geezers have lots of info stored away and many will share it or advise you of possibilities for fixing it.
Hmmmm. I wonder if this method would also apply to my thermometer?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btGkDd8OY38
It depends if your unit has the copper coil in the back. If it does then this will work within 2 degrees normally. Winding it clockwise then counter clockwise winds and unwinds the spring to reset. Look in the back and see if it has a copper coil, it won't be real big. Could be just dusty, mine had a hornet nest on it
I thought I had added a pix of the backside, but I don't see it on this site. Anyway, there are two flat metal plugs that I don't how they are removed, i.e. unscrew them or do they just pop out?
Not sure I ever have seen what you are speaking of. Could they be vials of mercury? Not sure how that rig up would work unless it is balance temperature sensitive plugs??
There's the back side image. Each "plug" is about 1 1/4" across and it appears a special tool in required to remove them. I'm thinking I'll let sleeping dogs lie and live with it being a few degrees off.
I think I would do the same after seeing the back side
Yep, but I'll keep poking around and keep you posted if I learn anything new.
I'm always willing to learn something new. Thanks and thanks for sharing with us.