Counting Scale Rental in Houston for Year-End Inventory Counts

By MNM Scales · Last updated November 2, 2026

Reviewed by MNM Scales technicians · Updated November 1, 2026 · Prices checked November 1, 2026

A wall-to-wall count at year end is the one week when a stockroom suddenly needs four or five counting stations instead of one. Renting covers that peak, and the scales go back when the count is closed. This guide covers how many scales to ask for, how to size them to your bins and parts, how to set up count day, and how to check accuracy before the first tag is written. MNM Scales has sold, calibrated and repaired scales for over 30 years from our shop in Cypress, Texas.

Choosing a counting scale to keep instead? Our counting scale buying guide explains how counting scales work and which one to buy, and our small parts counting scale guide covers screws, washers and electronic parts.

When a counting scale rental fits year-end inventory

• Wall-to-wall physical counts: extra count teams each get their own scale, so bins of fasteners, fittings and components are counted by weight in parallel.
• Auditor-observed counts: scales arrive checked, and you can ask for a calibration certificate in the same quote.
• Second sites and outside storage: a portable scale travels to the yard, the trailer or the second warehouse for the count.
• Covering your own scales: if your counting scales are in for calibration or repair before year end, a rental keeps the count on schedule.

Rules: counting scales, NTEP and Texas

A year-end count values your own stock. When the same scale also sets a price, such as selling parts by count or by weight, it is a commercial device and needs to be legal for trade in Texas. TDA does not require an NTEP certificate for every device, but the scale must meet NIST Handbook 44 and suit its use; some scales do need one, so we recommend NTEP models and can check yours. Tell us in your quote request if any rental scale will be used in trade, and we will match an NTEP model and, where needed, have our TDA-registered technicians place it in service. For background, see our NTEP guide and TDA scale certification guide.

Plan the count: how many scales and which size

Work out the scales from your count plan, then send the numbers with your quote request.

1. One scale per count team: count teams that share a scale wait in line, so plan one counting station per team, plus one for recounts if your plan has a recount team.
2. Capacity: add the heaviest full bin or tote to the container weight. Most stockroom bins fit a 30 lb or 60 lb counting scale; pallets and drums call for a floor scale rental.
3. Readability: look at the lightest part you will count by weight. A finer division (0.001 lb rather than 0.01 lb) gives a steadier piece weight on small, light parts.
4. Pan size: measure your largest bin. A bin that hangs over the pan is hard to read and easy to knock.
5. Power: count stations on the floor away from outlets run best on battery, so mention where each scale will sit.

What to send with your rental request

• Count dates, including setup and the day the scales go back
• Number of count teams and count locations (Houston address or addresses)
• Heaviest bin or tote with parts, and the lightest part you will count
• Largest bin footprint
• Whether you need a calibration certificate for your auditors, or legal-for-trade use for any scale

Send these through our contact form or call (832) 290-3120, and we will reply with availability and a quote. Our scale rental page lists the other scales we rent.

Count-day setup with rented counting scales

1. Charge the night before: plug in battery-powered scales the evening before the count so every station starts full.
2. Level and warm up: set each scale on a flat, steady cart or table, center the level bubble and let it warm up before the first count.
3. Check with a known weight: place a test weight on each scale at the start of each count day and write the reading on the count sheet. See calibration weights.
4. Tare the container: tare an empty bin of the same type before each item, so the count covers parts only.
5. Sample, then count: take the sample size your count plan sets, record the piece weight next to the tag number and count the bin. Our small parts guide covers sampling technique for very light parts.
6. Spot-check high-value items: hand count a sample of high-value or mixed bins against the scale count before you sign off the tag.

Counting scales to buy if you would rather own one

Some count teams keep a counting scale after year end for receiving and cycle counts. These are listings to buy from our store, shown at live prices; they are purchase options, separate from our rental scales. Ask for rental options in your quote request.

Counting scale (to buy)	Capacity x readability	Pan	Power	Price
MNM Scales PS-C30KS 33 lb	33 lb x 0.001 lb	11 x 8.5 in stainless	Internal rechargeable battery, about 100 hours; AC adapter included	$159
MNM Scales PS-C30KS 66 lb	66 lb x 0.002 lb	11 x 8.5 in stainless	Internal rechargeable battery, about 100 hours; AC adapter included	$159
Rice Lake DIGI DC-782, 30 lb	30 lb x 0.005 lb	12 x 8.9 in stainless	120 VAC; rechargeable battery for up to 300 hours with backlight off (not included)	$484.99
A&D HC-15Ki	30 lb x 0.005 lb	11.8 x 8.3 in stainless	AC adapter included; SLA rechargeable battery for about 80 hours (not included)	$519
A&D HD-30KA	60 lb x 0.01 lb	11.8 x 15 in	AC adapter included; six C batteries or AD-1681 rechargeable pack (not included)	$679

• Battery power out of the box: the PS-C30KS 33 lb and PS-C30KS 66 lb show weight, piece weight and count on three backlit windows and run on an internal rechargeable battery.
• Stored part numbers: the Rice Lake DC-782 stores 25 items and recalls 10 with one key, and the A&D HC-15Ki stores 99 items with a detachable display.
• Large bins: the A&D HD-30KA has an 11.8 x 15 in pan and simple two-key operation.

Browse every model in counting scales.

Calibration and rental

Check every scale before the count starts, and have your own counting scales calibrated before year end so the count and your records agree. See how often a scale should be calibrated.

• Counting scales up to 35 kg (all models above): in-house calibration with a certificate ($250) or NIST calibration with a NIST-traceable certificate ($595).
• On-site service: $295 + $2 per mile per visit across the Houston area, with calibration charged per scale; see on-site calibration in Houston.
• Certificates: see NIST vs in-house certificates to pick the one your auditors expect.
• Placing in service: for scales used in trade, our TDA-registered technicians place them in service; see legal-for-trade calibration in Texas.
• Mail-in, repairs and rentals: mail-in calibration, repair of the brands we sell, and we rent all types of scales.

Frequently asked questions

Do you rent counting scales in Houston?

Yes. MNM Scales rents counting scales to businesses across Greater Houston for year-end inventory counts, audits and short projects. Send your dates and needs, and we will confirm availability.

How much does it cost to rent a counting scale?

Pricing depends on the scales you need, how many and your dates. Contact us or call (832) 290-3120 with your count plan, and we will send a written quote.

How many counting scales do I need for a physical inventory count?

Plan one counting scale per count team, plus one for recounts if your plan has a recount team. Count teams that share a scale wait in line.

What size counting scale should I rent for inventory?

Add the heaviest full bin to the container weight; most stockroom bins fit a 30 lb or 60 lb counting scale. Then check that the readability suits your lightest part and that your largest bin fits the pan.

Can a rental counting scale come with a calibration certificate?

Yes. Ask for a calibration certificate when you request your quote, and we will include it in the quote.

When should I request a counting scale rental for year end?

Request a quote as soon as your count dates are set. We confirm availability for your dates in the quote.

Should I rent or buy a counting scale?

Renting covers a one-time count with extra count teams. If you will count every month or run cycle counts, buying a counting scale such as the MNM Scales PS-C30KS 33 lb ($159) often costs less over time.