Hand Scales and Light-Duty Hanging Scales: How to Choose

Hand and hanging scales are some of the simplest scales we sell, and some of the most useful: farmers markets, fishing boats, feed rooms, shipping docks and field crews all use them. MNM Scales has sold and calibrated hanging scales for over 30 years, since 1992, and we are an authorized Brecknell dealer. This guide covers light-duty scales up to about 110 lb. For heavier loads, see our guide to choosing a crane scale.

Types of hand and light-duty hanging scales

• Mechanical dial hanging scales use a spring and a large round dial. They need no batteries, which makes them popular for produce, outdoor work and wet areas. The Brecknell 235 series comes with a plastic (ABS) or metal case.
• Digital hand-held scales have an LCD display, a handle on top and a hook below. They read in finer steps than most dials, and many can tare or hold a reading.
• NTEP digital hanging scales are approved for legal-for-trade use, for selling produce, seafood or other goods by weight.
• Bucket and scoop weighing: hang a bucket, pail, basket or bag from the hook. On a digital scale, hang the empty container and press tare; on a dial scale, note the empty container weight and subtract it.

Light-duty hanging scales we stock

Scale	Type	Capacity x readability	Price
Brecknell 235-6S ABS hanging scale, 11 lb	Mechanical dial, ABS case	11 lb	$112
Intelligent AHS-15	Digital, NTEP	15 lb x 0.01 lb	$249
Brecknell 235-6S hanging scale	Mechanical dial, plastic case	56 lb (25 kg) x 4 oz	$119
Brecknell 235-6M hanging scale, metal case	Mechanical dial, metal case	56 lb (25 kg)	$139
MNM Scales Intelligent AHS-60	Digital, NTEP	60 lb x 0.05 lb	$268.99
Brecknell ElectroSamson hand-held scale	Digital hand-held	99 lb	$125.78
Brecknell 235-6S ABS hanging scale, 110 lb	Mechanical dial, ABS case	110 lb	$119

See every model, including heavier crane scales, in our crane scales and hanging scales category.

How to choose a hand scale

1. Capacity: pick a capacity above your heaviest load, including the bucket, basket or sling.
2. Readability: a 56 lb dial reads in 4 oz steps; a 15 lb digital NTEP scale reads in 0.01 lb steps. Choose the step that fits your smallest load (see capacity and readability).
3. Legal for trade: if you charge customers by weight, use an NTEP-approved scale such as the AHS-15 or AHS-60 (see what NTEP means).
4. Power: mechanical dials need no batteries; digital scales give finer readings, tare and an easy-to-read display.
5. Environment: a plastic (ABS) case suits wet and outdoor use; a metal case suits rough handling.

Using a hanging scale accurately

• Hang the scale from a fixed point so it hangs straight and the load does not swing.
• Zero or tare the scale with the empty hook, bucket or bag attached.
• Read the dial at eye level, straight on.
• Stay within the rated capacity; overloading can damage the spring or load cell.
• Check the scale with a known weight from time to time, and calibrate it on a schedule.

Calibration for hand and hanging scales

Hanging scales are calibrated by capacity: an 11 lb scale (5 kg) falls in our over 2.2 to 6.2 kg tier, 15 to 60 lb scales fall in the over 6.2 to 35 kg tier, and 99 and 110 lb scales fall in the over 35 to 150 kg tier. Choose in-house calibration with a certificate or NIST calibration with a NIST-traceable certificate. Mail-in calibration also covers scales bought elsewhere and is usually done within 1–3 business days after we receive the scale (see mail-in scale calibration). For heavier crane scales, see crane scale calibration.

Capacity	In-house calibration with certificate	NIST calibration with NIST-traceable certificate
Over 2.2 to 6.2 kg (11 lb scales)	$195 (add to cart)	$495 (add to cart)
Over 6.2 to 35 kg (15 to 60 lb scales)	$250 (add to cart)	$595 (add to cart)
Over 35 to 150 kg (99 and 110 lb scales)	$350 (add to cart)	$750 (add to cart)

Why buy from MNM Scales

• Mechanical, digital and NTEP hanging scales from Brecknell and MNM Scales, at live listed prices
• One of the largest scale distributors and an authorized dealer for the brands we sell, in business since 1992 (over 30 years)
• In-house calibration with a certificate, or NIST calibration with a NIST-traceable certificate; mail-in calibration also covers scales bought elsewhere and is usually done within 1–3 business days after we receive the scale
• TDA licensed with registered technicians; on-site service in the Houston area is $295 plus $2 per mile, round trip, charged once per visit, with calibration priced per scale
• Scale rentals of all types of scales
• Order pickup at our shop, 21249 FM 529 Rd, Cypress, TX, by appointment
• Phone answered 24/7 at (832) 290-3120

Frequently asked questions

What is a hand scale?

A hand scale is a small hanging scale that you hold by its handle or hang from a hook, with the load hanging from a hook below. They come as mechanical dial scales and digital scales.

How do I weigh a bucket with a hanging scale?

Hang the empty bucket on the hook and press tare on a digital scale, or note the empty bucket weight on a dial scale. Then fill the bucket and read the net weight, or subtract the bucket weight.

Can I use a hanging scale to sell produce?

Use an NTEP-approved hanging scale, such as the Intelligent AHS-15 or MNM Scales Intelligent AHS-60, when you charge customers by weight.

Mechanical or digital hanging scale?

A mechanical dial needs no batteries and suits wet and outdoor work. A digital scale reads in finer steps and can tare the container.

How much does a hanging scale cost?

On our live listings, light-duty hanging scales range from $112 for the Brecknell 235-6S 11 lb dial scale to $268.99 for the NTEP MNM Scales Intelligent AHS-60. Prices can change, so check the product page for the current price.

Can you calibrate a hanging scale I bought elsewhere?

Yes. Mail-in calibration covers scales bought elsewhere and is usually done within 1–3 business days after we receive the scale.