Refractometer stiff?

[melypr1985]

I just got this refractometer from a friend. It was in his garage - unused- for at least a year. It seems to work just fine and is even still calibrated. (I checked)

The only thing is, the "door?" is very stiff at the hinges. I have to hold it down to the window to view the SG properly. Here is a picture of what I mean.

See how it stays up like that? My question is: Can I put something on it to loosen it up? I've been told that it's just stiff from not being used and that I need to just "work it out". I've been trying to do that, but it doesn't seem to make a difference. Any help? Thanks!

 

[TheEngineer]

I can think of a few things but I don't know if it would be safe for the refractometer. You could try a bit of vegetable oil at the hinge and work it in.

 

[chefjpaul]

Pan spray. Just don't spray it directly on it, use Q-tip

 

[redfishbluefish]

I just gave this advice five minutes ago:


......the little hinged door needs to swing freely. If it doesn't swing freely, and "close" all the way, you will get a false reading. What I do to lubricate the hinges on the little door, is to shoot a little WD40 into an aperitif glass and then using a toothpick, I dab the WD40 on the hinge parts, swinging them back and forth until they move freely.

 

[melypr1985]

Thanks guys! I'll give these things a shot. Hopefully I can get it swinging freely again. :)