Hope it is ok to post this in the tool forum. If not I'm a tool. I ship one or two things a month that I sell on eBay. Looking for a recommendation for a fairly good shipping scale. I would think up to 50lbs would be plentyof capacity. And I would like to spend less than $100. $50 would be even better.
Shipping scale reccomendations
- Thread starter sikeward
- Start date
Ign
Well-known member
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00739RFHM/?tag=atomicindus08-20
This was recommended here by another member. I've had it since Oct '15, no complaints. I like the remote display for larger boxes.
This was recommended here by another member. I've had it since Oct '15, no complaints. I like the remote display for larger boxes.
I've used this $40, 70lb from HF for about a decade now.
http://www.harborfreight.com/70-lb-32-kg-digital-postal-scale-95069.html
and check out USPS.com for free "flat rate" packaging to save money and make shipping most things way easier.
http://www.harborfreight.com/70-lb-32-kg-digital-postal-scale-95069.html
and check out USPS.com for free "flat rate" packaging to save money and make shipping most things way easier.
FigureItOut
Well-known member
I have the HF one Nine mentioned. 3 years, maybe a hundred packages and I've overloaded a few times, no problems. That said, large packages do block the display.
tool_scrounge
Well-known member
I am convert to the "buy quality and never buy it again". After getting stung at the post office by my weight not matching their weight, I decided to get a quality used scale. I went for a FAIRBANKS DIGITAL SCALE (70-2453-4). These are industrial scales from shipping departments. You can also get the roller top version, which oddly seems to have the same part number. I prefer the flat top version. 60 lb max capacity at 0.02 lb resolution. The footprint is 13" square. They will also weigh in Kg.
You can find them used for $35 to $45 + shipping on Ebay. Expect shipping not to be cheap ($30) since these are not light weight scales. But the added weight + rubber feet mean the scale does not move when you slide boxes on them. They are also made in USA.
Example auctions on Ebay (no affiliation):
FAIRBANKS DIGITAL SCALE (70-2453-4)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fairbanks-70-2453-4-Heavy-Duty-13x13-Digital-Shipping-Scale-Ball-Roller-Top-/112236596275
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evintho
Well-known member
I ship car parts on Ebay all the time. A digital bathroom scale works just fine.
a52-830
Well-known member
while i dont have a specific recommendation (the scale i use is about 20 years old), i do have two suggestions:
scales with remote displays are great, makes it a lot easier to see when the box is larger.
scales with a lbs/oz readout are better than ones with a fractional lbs readout. 4.6 lbs is not useful when you are trying to put the weight into the UPS or USPS web sites . . . .
scales with remote displays are great, makes it a lot easier to see when the box is larger.
scales with a lbs/oz readout are better than ones with a fractional lbs readout. 4.6 lbs is not useful when you are trying to put the weight into the UPS or USPS web sites . . . .
Fordman7795
Well-known member
4.6 lbs is all you need to know. You round up to 5 and enter the weight. The only time you need to know ounces is if its under 1 lb. i use a separate scale for lightweight stuff.
Thanks guys for the recommendations so far. I like the made in USA idea and the roller top seems cool. If buying a used one is it hard to recalibrate one of these? Is the recalibration something I can do on my own? And the roller top seems cool too.
guy48065
Well-known member
Whether new or used the ease of recalibrating depends on the unit itself. Some can be adjusted right from the readout--others you may have to open up the base. I would assume (uh-oh) that the cheapest would be hardest to cal, and need it more often.
As mentioned get one with a remote readout. A bathroom scale or any with a display that faces up will be covered by a larger box.
As mentioned get one with a remote readout. A bathroom scale or any with a display that faces up will be covered by a larger box.
cdeer001
Well-known member
Give this a look http://www.oldwillknottscales.com/postage-digital-postal-scale.html
I picked up the My Weigh UltraShip 55 from them and love it.
I picked up the My Weigh UltraShip 55 from them and love it.
Mhyde52
Well-known member
I use a digital bathroom scale. Generally accurate to around .2# to .4# compared to my local fedex's scale. Good enough.
I have this one.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KYA0RC2/?tag=atomicindus08-20
remote display is the way to go.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KYA0RC2/?tag=atomicindus08-20
remote display is the way to go.
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tool_scrounge
Well-known member
My mistake. The Fairbanks 70-2453-4 has up to 150 lbs load capacity.
0-60 lbs at 0.02 lbs resolution
60-150 lbs at 0.05 lbs resolution
I did not need to calibrate my scale. It was spot on.
Link to service manual:
https://www.fairbanks.com/documents/opmanuals/15159/50138.pdf
0-60 lbs at 0.02 lbs resolution
60-150 lbs at 0.05 lbs resolution
I did not need to calibrate my scale. It was spot on.
Link to service manual:
https://www.fairbanks.com/documents/opmanuals/15159/50138.pdf
Well I went with your reccomendation. Seeing how this isn't something I'll use very often I'm sure I can live with out the detachable screen. And it is cool to think this one is made in the USA and will probably last a lifetime vs the china **** that is guaranteed to break tomorrow. I bought a used flat top on eBay. $62 shipped. A little pricy but hey what the heck.
I bought this on some crazy sale at Amazon for like $15, works great and use it for both shipping and checking all our luggage before going on flights.
My Weigh
Ultraship 75 Lb Electronic Digital Shipping Postal Kitchen Scale
BIG Probelm...........flat rate is not always the least expensive. You must accurately weigh and compare. FL Is often twice the cost of zone-weight priority mail.
Priority boxes are still free ! Just like FL boxes.
Amazon .......search postal scale..........most popular is 50#, $16
USPS flat rates are the way to go for anything over 13oz which are most tools. The padded flat rate mailer is the best at $7 charge to the customer with tracking and that mailer with a backer board will hold A LOT of tools. Under 13oz goes first class for a bit of a savings. Why buy the envelopes when the USPS's are supplied free shipped to your door?
I use my Mastercool refrigerant scale.
I was thinking the same thing. HVAC scales can normally be had for less than $40 in the local pawnshops. Most go to at least 100 pounds.
The 50 pound postal scale on Amazon accurate to .1 oz is $16 with free shipping.
Saved that in the first 4 boxes shipped because priority was $4 cheaper on each box than flat rate when shorter distance is involved.
If you do eBay shipping there are large discounts (40% off) using the eBay PayPal prepaid system, plus it has automatic notifications, tracking and email to the sender and receiver.
Saved that in the first 4 boxes shipped because priority was $4 cheaper on each box than flat rate when shorter distance is involved.
If you do eBay shipping there are large discounts (40% off) using the eBay PayPal prepaid system, plus it has automatic notifications, tracking and email to the sender and receiver.
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