Greetings! My question to the experts is this: Will a beam scales accuracy be affected by storing it in a metal container? After use for as long as I can remember, I take the scale apart and wrap each part in bubble wrap and then pack it away in a metal storage container. I have noticed recently that it has become kinda 'sticky'. It is a Lyman.
Thanks in advance

I live in Texas and have only ever put my scale back in the box, inside the original box the RCBS RockChucker came in. Although dry in the garage (uninsulated -- hot in summer) we have horrid humidity. Yet, the scale looks as new. I think you are trapping moisture in the bubble wrap??

I would think that wrapping it in some cloth would be better to avoid any moisture. I have a piece of terry cloth that I wrap the pivot of my old RCBS 5-0-5 in and it all just goes back in the original cardboard box. Been doing that for over 30 years and it still works like new.

Thanks Guys but I have not been so clever. Threw the cardboard box out shortl

Thanks Guys but I have not been so clever. Threw the cardboard box out shortly after I bought the scale! I keep doing that...

Keep the dust off them and don't oil the arm or the balance/pivot point as the oil will turn to grease and slow it down. Yeah, original box is good.

My scale sits under a small shelf that keeps dust etc off the scale. It is never left in a balanced position. This can affect the knife edges of the pivot points. I usually set the weight on the beam to approx. 50 grs when not in use. I also inspect the poly bases of the pivot points frequently. I use a Q-tip to remove dust etc and as already mentioned never oil them.

I've gotten into the habit of giving the table a couple of soft raps after the scale has stop moving. "just in case".

Thanks for the tips guys. Would like to know if storing the scale in a metal container would negatively affect its accuracy? I usually clean mine with earbuds and alcohol before use.

Just for the peace of mind it would give you, why not take the foot out of a stocking and fill it with plain, uncooked rice and put that in the metal box. That'll take care of any moisture problems you might encounter.
Rather than going with one of the high dollar set-ups, I keep a sock full of uncooked rice in my gun safes and I've never had a problem with rust.

wasbeeman, my problem is not rust at this stage, what I am thinking about is if the metal container would affect the operation of the scale? I am just wondering about the 'magnetic fields' etc....

I'm sure not expert but I'm having trouble seeing how a metal box would affect it. If you have concerns go to the container store and get a plastic one.

My 10-10 simply has a plastic cover and it has sat on my shelf garage and or basement for 35 yrs.

A metal container will have no effect whatsoever.

Suwannee Tim thank you for that and thanks again to all that replied.

I store my RCBS 5-10 Scale in it's original box every time that I finished reloading. The reason is that it cannot built up any dust or static electricity.

You already got answers but I keep both my RCBS 1500 complete, and the smaller 750 scales in clear plastic boxes. I just remove the pans and the power cord etc and put them in. I keep a silica pack and the the Tipton rust chips in the box with lid snapped on tight. Never a moment of trouble with them. I also keep the beam balance scales the exact same way in a clear plastic box. While I don't use the manual scales nearly as often they stay in great shape and never have any dust or moisture on them.